International Office Global Lecture

On 28 August 2024, the International Office hosted a hybrid Global Lecture featuring Nobel Peace Laureate, Ms. Tawakkol Karman. A renowned Yemeni journalist and human rights activist, Ms. Karman shared her innovative perspectives on the pressing global affairs that shape today's world. As the founder of "Women Journalists Without Chains," she has long championed democracy and free speech, inspiring audiences with her advocacy. As the first Arab woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2011), Ms. Karman’s influence extends worldwide, earning her recognition in TIME's 100 Strong Women and Foreign Policy's Top 100 Global Thinkers.

International Office Director, Quinton Johnson, PhD said “It was an honour to welcome Nobel Peace Laureate Ms. Tawakkol Karman to UCT for this Global Lecture. Her remarkable journey as a journalist, human rights advocate and global thinker resonates with our purpose of fostering global dialogue, understanding and the defence for peace. Furthermore, he noted that the convening especially reinforces our efforts to unleash human potential through international education for global citizenship".  

UCT Vice-Chancellor Prof Mosa Moshabela added: "Ms. Tawakkol Karman's presence here today reminds us of the profound impact, resilience and conviction one can have on shaping a better future for all. As we gather here, this lecture is not just an intellectual engagement, but a call for each of us to actively contribute to creating a more fair and just society."