UNHEARD VOICES: STORIES OF HOPE & INSPIRATION FROM THE MIDDLE EAST
The fierce fighting experienced in a number of Middle Eastern countries has had a devastating effect on countless communities across the region. As hope emerged for a cessation of widespread violence in Iraq and Syria, attention had to turn from the waging of war to the rebuilding and reconciling of these communities. The panellists were drawn from civil society institutions that are helping lay positive foundations for future peace and stability. Based on their extensive experiences in the fields of education, culture, health, female empowerment and social enterprise, they provided insights into their work, highlighting the importance of personal interaction, exchange and collaboration in helping rebuild societies divided by years of war.
This event was held in partnership with Chatham House.
Introduction
Martin Rose, Chair, BAX and Senior Consultant, British Council
Martin was appointed Chair of BAX in 2015. He was previously on the board and brings a wealth of experience from his work with the British Council and having lived in Iraq, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. Martin has worked in banking and academic publishing, most recently publishing a memoir on Iraq called There and Back by Candle-light. He has an M Phil in Oriental and Middle Eastern Studies from St. Antony’s College, Oxford and an MA from Magdalen College.
Chair
Dr Claire Spencer, Senior Research Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme (MENAP) & Second Century Initiative, Chatham House
Claire previously headed the MENA programme and now leads on new initiatives in the Euro-Mediterranean region at Chatham House. She has written and commentated extensively on the MENA region, including in earlier positions at Christian Aid and King’s College London. Claire received her BSc in Politics from Bristol University and PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
Panel
Omar Al-Qattan, Chairman, A M Qattan Foundation
The A.M. Qattan Foundation (AMQF) works in culture and education in Palestine. Omar launched its cultural track and later established The Mosaic Rooms in London, a space focused on the cultures of the Arab World. He is also Chairman of the Palestinian Museum. An award-winning film director and producer, he has contributed to several English and Arabic language publications. Born in Lebanon, he now lives in the UK. Omar has a degree in English literature from Oxford University, and studied film directing at the Institute National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacles (INSAS) in Brussels.
Brita Fernandez Schmidt, Executive Director, Women for Women International UK
Brita is currently responsible for the operation and management of Women for Women International who help marginalised women in countries affected by war and conflict by teaching them life, business, and vocational skills. She has advised numerous philanthropic organisations and institutions on gender, women’s rights and development. Brita holds a Masters from Sussex University. She was born in Germany, educated in Venezuela and now lives in the UK with her family.
Elly Nott, Chief Executive, The David Nott Foundation
Elly is responsible for the strategy and direction of the Foundation, operations, fund raising, financing, marketing and building networks of supporters and friends. The Foundation supports surgeons to develop their operating skills for war zones and austere environments. In the past she has worked on geo-economic and geo-political issues, as well as in public relations and politics in the UK and Bahrain. Elly has BA in Modern History from St Hilda’s College, Oxford, and a Masters in International Relations from Exeter University.
Catherine Roe, Trustee, Saïd Foundation and Director, CMR Consult Limited
Catherine advises foundations, philanthropists and not-for-profits, many with a Middle East focus. Previously, she was Director of the Saïd Foundation, working to effect lasting change in the lives of young people in the Middle East and to create and develop Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. Catherine began her career as a British diplomat. She is on the boards of the Saïd Business School, the Saïd Foundation, the Horizon Foundation, Beanstalk and the International Institute of Strategic Studies. Catherine has a Masters in History from Oxford University, an MBA from London Business School and a Masters in Middle East Studies from SOAS.