MICHAELMAS TERM 2024
President: Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy
President’s Welcome
Dear Member,
You have just picked up this term card from your pidge, and after a quick scan you return to have a read of these lines. I thought I would use them to tell you about my vision for this term, inspired by my own journey. I first learnt of the Oxford Union - and in fact of the University of Oxford - as a 13 year-old in Cairo watching the famous Islam debate, which was taking place shortly after the Woolwich terrorist attack. What struck me most was how such a charged topic was debated with civility and grace, on all sides.
I therefore saw the Union as a place that has influence far beyond St. Michael’s Street. This inspired the cover of this term card. It features two young people speaking in the Union Chamber, but also addressing a global audience. The young woman is wearing a press vest, symbolizing the brave men and women who risk their lives upholding free expression around the world. This term we remember them, and we salute them. The dove of peace represents our commitment across 200 years to debate the most contentious issues, with respect and courtesy towards one another. We hold a series of debates this term following this ethos, and the overarching theme centres around rights: the right of Kashmiris to self-determination, the constitutional rights of women in America, the rights once afforded to British citizens through EU membership, and the right of Palestinians to be free.
These debates will take place in the same venerable hall where President Nixon made his first public apology for the Watergate scandal, where Prime Minister Heath made the case for Europe two days before the EEC Referendum, and where Malcolm X, in one of his final public appearances, argued that ‘we should do whatever, however, whenever is necessary’ in fighting against injustice.
Yet, whilst the Union’s history and the profile of its guests are certainly something to behold, it is not this glamour that makes our debates so special. What brings them to life is your active participation
Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy
The President
through points of information, floor speeches, and emergency speeches. I speak from personal experience when I say that the chamber can be an intimidating environment at first, which is why I encourage you to join our beginners’ debating workshops on Mondays at 7PM.
We will also be hearing from a variety of speakers throughout the term, from heads of government to business leaders, and from comedians to Olympic athletes. The diversity of our events this term reflect a committee that is equally diverse: for the first time in the Union’s 200-year history, all of the Union’s Officers are people of colour. As your President I will continue working alongside the Standing Committee to ensure that we become a Union representative of the University.
Over the summer we have already begun the work: we have raised the bar for access membership aligning it with University figures, bringing us closer to a Union where no student is unable to take part because of financial difficulty. Furthermore, the Rules Reform Committee has begun the work of making the Union more accountable and transparent to you, the members. This is your Union, so I encourage you to take part in our events and governance during your time in Oxford.
Should you have any questions, complaints, praise or abuse, please find me in my office at the top of the staircase opposite the library. I will be there most of the time, but certainly on Fridays at 3PM where I will be holding Open Hours (accompanied by a selection of Egyptian delights).
Yours faithfully,
Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy St. Edmund Hall president@oxford-union.org
Aryan Dhanwani
Librarian
Welcome to the Oxford Union!
The Union has been the highlight of my Oxford experience, and I hope it becomes the same for you. Here, you have the chance to engage with world-renowned speakers, challenge their views, and broaden your horizons. This term, I’m proud of the committee’s work in securing exceptional speakers like Mearsheimer, Imane Khelif and Zizek who will undoubtedly provoke thought and debate. Keep an eye on our social media for details on meet and greet ballot opportunities, where you can grab a photo with your hero.
Alongside overseeing speaker events, I also look after our historic Library - a perfect sanctuary for last-minute essays or exploring our 60,000-volume collection. If you have any suggestions, come along to our Library Committee meetings on Mondays at 2:15PM.
If you have any suggestions or just want to chat, you’ll likely find me in the Union bar - I practically live there – or send me an email. It’s a surreal honour to serve as your Librarian, and I can’t wait for the exciting term ahead.
Best wishes,
Aryan Dhanwani Oriel College librarian@oxford-union.org
Welcome all,
Anita Okunde
Treasurer
It is an honour to serve as your Treasurer this Michaelmas term. Whether you are a seasoned member or a wide-eyed fresher, I hope the Oxford Union term card offers something exciting for you.
The Oxford Union has built a legacy on tradition and a steadfast commitment to free speech, values I am proud to uphold. However, we must also focus on accessibility and widening participation. As a first-generation Mancunian, I am proud to embody this evolving vision. We aim to further demonstrate our commitment to inclusion through events such as the Black History Month Dinner and Exhibition, and Diwali Social.
In my role as Treasurer, I oversee debates and curate an array of Treasurer’s Treats. Our debate topics span a wide range of current global issues, reflecting the conversations that I hope matter most to you, our members. Plus, our Treasurer’s Treats offer exclusive discounts, all accessible with your membership card.
If you would like to get involved but aren’t sure where to start, join us at the Consultative Committee on Mondays at 1:15PM, or, if you’re up for more, attend the best committee in the Union: the Finance Committee at 3PM. Please, enjoy the opportunities the Union presents as much as I have, and I hope that by the end of term, you won’t be tired of hearing me say, “I remain…”.
Anita Okunde Magdalen College treasurer@oxford-union.org
Siddhant Nagrath
Secretary
Welcome back members old and new.
This term card is packed full of incredible world-renowned speakers and filled with sheer star power but do not fret for we have a legendary social calendar to match.
An hourglass turns and as the Sands of Time tumble our Ball brings you a night of splendour not soon to be forgotten. Magic carpets, Bollywood music, the best kebabs in Oxford and much more awaits you when you step through the gates into our palace of dreams.
For those experiencing your first term at Oxford we have some incredible events. Free drinks at our President’s Welcome event or our Graduate Lounge, which could be your first black tie outing.
Beyond first week lies constant entertainment; test your intellect in our fortnightly Pub Quizzes (with special cocktails), cosy up by a campfire, drink eggnog and carol along, celebrate the festival of lights and so much more.
Last but not least our iconic Members’ Bar, for some of the cheapest drinks in Oxford, the best company and iconic photos on its walls. We bring exciting new deals and the same old charm to what is the best of our facilities.
I cannot wait to see you!
Siddhant Nagrath Keble College secretary@oxford-union.org
Index
WELCOME HISTORY OF THE UNION
H istory of The Union
Late in 1822, a group of students met in secret to set up a society for the debate and discussion of topics which at the time had been prohibited by the University of Oxford. In March 1822, the ‘United Debating Society’ was born. Over the last 200 years, this has evolved into the Oxford Union we see today the world’s most famous student society, and, in the words of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan (Librarian, Michaelmas 1914), “the last bastion of free speech”.
Ever since its founding, the Union has grown in many ways and changed, while remaining at heart a student debating society, committed to its founding value of free speech and the axiom that debate is crucial to the pursuit of truth and free discussion. For two centuries, students have gathered together in our chamber to grapple with the biggest issues of the day, and as we now begin what will hopefully be another prosperous 200 years, it is fitting to look back on our history.
Of all our debates, perhaps our most famous was held in 1933, with a motion titled ‘This House Will under no circumstances fight for its King and country.’ With 275 votes for and 153 against, the motion passed and came to be referred to as the ‘Oxford Oath’, characterising what many saw as growing pacifism amongst British youth.
Barely had the debate ended, when the national media seized upon the results, with reports coming from the likes of The Times, The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail. Winston Churchill himself described the outcome as “that abject, squalid, shameless avowal,” whilst his son Randolph even sought to strike it from the Union’s records. However, this motion suffered a resounding defeat in the chamber and he left the chamber with a police escort - the right to free speech had won that day.
The Union, more recently, has developed a legacy of hosting a huge range of influential speakers, from world leaders, to sporting legends, as well as stars of stage and screen.
H istory of The Union
60 years ago, Malcolm X ended a tour of Africa, where he had passed through a dozen different states. On his way back he stopped in the UK to speak at the Oxford Union, accepting the invitation of then-President Mr. Eric Abrahams, later the first black television reporter for the BBC. In one of his final public appearances before his murder the following February, he spoke in favour of the motion, ‘Extremism in the defence of liberty is no vice; moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue’.
The young generation were already living in a time of extremism, in Malcolm X’s view. ‘A better world has to be built,’ he declared, ‘and the only way it’s going to be built is with extreme methods, and I for one will join in with anyone – I don’t care what colour you are – as long as you want to change this miserable condition that exists on this earth.’ He took his seat to thunderous, and extended, applause. As is often the way in the Union, however, one speech cannot carry a side. The motion was defeated.
Despite this, the significance of his visit was more to do with what he represented for the Union. Malcolm was seen as a radical, and perhaps still is.
This year we celebrate this historic visit, debating the second half of the same motion.
60 YEARS MALCOLM X
MT24 Notable Speakers
Debates
Consistent with timeless tradition, debates remain our flagship event. Our debates offer you the chance to hear from and to challenge prominent figures on some of the most important questions of our time.
Before the two final speakers on the order paper for the main debate, the chair of the debate will look for members to make two minute ‘floor speeches’. There are prizes on offer for the best floor speech every week, so we warmly encourage you to take part.
Emergency Debates 7:45pm
This features only student speakers, seeking to address topical issues. Motions are set weekly at Consultative Committee, which is open to all members, so attend at 13:15 on a Monday to suggest a topic yourself!
Main Debates 8:30 pm
This features high-profile guest speakers from around the world, addressing pressing questions on a variety of topics.
During the Main Debate, you are able to raise Points of Information (POIs) to any speaker by raising your hand and stating ‘Point of Information’. The speaker may reject a POI, but if they choose to accept, a statement must be given briefly in disagreement to the point which has been made. At the end of the debate, we invite you to vote on the motion by walking through either the ‘Ayes’ or ‘Noes’ door.
Before each debate, we host a weekly dinner with our speakers. Any member can ballot for this dinner to attend free of charge; the form will be released each week via email and on our social media channels. Guests are welcome to attend our debates for a small fee at the door, although for security reasons some of our debates this term will be Members Only.
PROPOSITION
Dame Harriet Baldwin DBE MP
The Shadow Minister for Development and Tory MP. Served as Chair of the Treasury Select Committee and as Minister of State for Africa and International Development.
Rt. Hon. Richard Holden MP
Chairman of the Conservative Party during the 2024 General Election and the MP for Basildon and Billericay.
Danny Kruger MBE MP
Shadow Minister for Defence and Conservative MP for East Wiltshire. Former speechwriter for David Cameron, and founder of the charity Only Connect, focusing on criminal justice reform.
After 14 years of Tory rule, the House will debate whether we have confidence in a Labour government. The first 100 days have seen riots over rising immigration, austerity promises, and new taxes in a declining economy. With public confidence waning, can Sir Keir Starmer lead the government out of crisis, or is failure inevitable?
OPPOSITION
Calvin Bailey MBE MP
Newly elected Labour Party MP for Leyton and Wanstead and former Royal Air Force officer.
Kevin Bonavia MP
Newly elected Labour MP. Worked as a litigator, before becoming a councillor. One of the councillors who called for the resignation of Jeremy Corbyn.
Rt. Hon. Tobias Ellwood VN
Former Tory MP for Bournemouth East, Chair of the Defence Select Committee, and a former British Army officer.
This House Believes Islam is Incompatible with Democracy
PROPOSITION
Ben Habib
British-Pakistani politician, former member of the European Parliament and former Deputy Leader of Reform UK until July 2024.
Zuhdi Jasser
American physician and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, advocating for “the separation of mosque and state” and against “political Islam.”
Despite the existence of Muslim-majority democracies, Islam, the world’s fastest-growing religion, has come under significant scrutiny in recent years, with questions raised about its governance principles. While Islamic scholars defend the enduring nature of an Islamic societal framework and its compatibility with representative government, critics argue that this approach to governance is incompatible with democracy and contradicts secular, liberal ideals. Recent riots in the UK have further fueled debates around these issues, highlighting tensions and challenges to societal cohesion.
OPPOSITION
Minister Usame Zukorlic
Serbian politician and leader of the Justice and Reconciliation Party, known for advocating for the rights of Bosnians and Muslim communities.
Prof. Dr. Maszlee Malik
Malaysian politician, former Minister of Education, and academic known for his tenure as chairman of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies.
Majjid Nawaz
Self proclaimed ‘former Islamist’, advocate against Islamic extremism and founder of the think tank Quilliam.
This House Would Rejoin the EU
PROPOSITION
Rt. Hon. The Lord Heseltine of Thenford CH PC
Former Deputy Prime Minister from 1995 to 1997. Secretary of Defence under Margaret Thatcher, known for his pro-European Union stance.
British journalist, author, broadcaster, and MEP candidate in the 2019
Member of the House of Lords. Senior advisor to Tony Blair on
The 2016 Brexit Referendum led to the UK leaving the EU in January 2020, causing economic challenges, trade disruptions, and debates over the nation’s global standing. Those in favour of rejoining highlight the speculated benefits of renewed EU membership, while Brexit supporters blame issues on the exit deal, the pandemic, and geopolitical crises. With growing public and political support for closer EU ties, the question persists: is the UK truly better off outside the EU?
Rt. Hon. Baroness Fox of Buckley
Former Brexit Party MEP, a British writer, journalist, and nonaffiliated peer in the House of Lords. Previously at the Institute of Ideas think tank.
Sir Christopher Chope OBE MP
Barrister and Conservative MP since 1997. Strong advocate for Brexit and parliamentary sovereignty.
Major Rt. Hon. Sir Desmond Swayne TD VR MP
Conservative MP since 1997, a prominent Brexiteer and Eurosceptic, and served as Minister of State for International Development under David Cameron.
This House Believes in an Independent State of Kashmir 14 TH NOVEMBER WEEK
PROPOSITION
Naz Shah MP
British-Pakistani Labour Party MP. Served as Shadow Minister of State for Women and Equalities since 2015.
H.E. Khawaja Asif
Defence Minister of Pakistan, previously serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Water and Power.
Dr Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur
Kashmiri Independence activist opposed to Indian control of the Kashmir region. Leads the Justice Foundation and the Kashmir Freedom Movement.
The Kashmir question, a parting gift of British colonial rule, has troubled the subcontinent since 1947 resulting in multiple wars. The continued push for Kashmiri independence has sustained a long-standing struggle, rooted in the region’s quest for self-determination and autonomy. This has led to persistent unrest, human rights concerns, and renewed demand for autonomy among the Kashmiris. While nuclear-armed neighbours vie for control and geopolitical influence, the desire for peace among the population remains strong. Could an independent Kashmir be the answer to this enduring crisis?
OPPOSITION
Prem Shankar Jha
Former Media Advisor to the Prime Minister of India. Held positions at the United Nations, as well as at the World Bank and the Hindustan Times - one of India’s largest daily newspapers.
Guarav Arya
Retired Indian Army officer, defence analyst, and television host, known for his commentary on national security and military affairs in India.
This House Believes Ignorance is Bliss
PROPOSITION
The Oxford Union
Founded in 1823. It is the oldest and largest student society in Oxford, with over 120,000 members worldwide. Notable ex-Officers include William Gladstone, Herbert Henry Asquith, Ted Heath, Harold MacMillan, Boris Johnson, William Hague, Michael Foot, Roy Jenkins, Benazir Bhutto, George Curzon, Cosmo Lang, William Temple, Michael Heseltine, Edwina Currie and Tony Benn.
Sorbonne University
The Sorbonne is a university in Paris with a history stretching back to 1257, making it one of the first universities in Europe. One of its most notable researchers was Marie Curie, who was the first female professor at the Sorbonne, whilst its alumni have in total collected 33 Nobel Prizes, six Fields Medals and one Turing Award.
VARSITY DEBATE
In this Varsity debate, we’ll be arguing whether it’s better to live in a happy, uninformed paradise or, you know, actually know what’s going on. On one side, we have the ‘ignorance is bliss’ crowd, happily unaware that they’re walking into a pit of contradictions. On the other side, the enlightened realists, who, while possibly miserable, at least know where the exits are.
OPPOSITION
Founded in 1842 on the model of the Cambridge and Oxford Unions and became a Sister Society of the Oxford Union shortly afterwards. It is the largest and oldest student society in Durham, with over 40,000 members worldwide. Notable ex-Officers of the Durham Union include Mo Mowlam, Richard Dannatt, and Robert Buckland. The Durham Union
Founded in 1815 and became the first Sister Society of the Oxford Union a decade later in 1825. It is the largest student society in Cambridge, with over 70,000 members worldwide. Notable ex-Officers of the Cambridge Union include RA Butler, Ken Clarke, John Maynard Keynes, Michael Howard, Douglas Hurd, Norman Lamont, and Clare Balding. The Cambridge Union
This House Believes Moderation in Pursuit of Justice is No Virtue 21
PROPOSITION
DeRay Mckesson
American civil rights activist, and former school administrator. An early leader in the Black Lives Matter movement, active in the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore.
Halima Begum
Chief Executive of Oxfam UK, focusing on global development, social justice, and humanitarian efforts, with extensive experience in advocacy and policy.
Jolyon Maugham KC
British barrister and founder of the Good Law Project. Known for challenging government decisions on Brexit, transparency, and public accountability.
Sixty years ago, Malcolm X captivated the Union with his bold defence of “extremism” in the pursuit of justice. As we commemorate this landmark debate, we confront the same provocative question: does moderation mask complacency in the face of systemic injustices? In an era still rife with inequality and injustice, this debate challenges us to reconsider the balance between restraint and the relentless pursuit of justice. Join us in honouring Malcolm X’s enduring legacy.
OPPOSITION
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
British Labour MP for Streatham, elected in 2019, and a strong advocate for racial equality, social justice, and migrant rights.
Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE
British lawyer, businesswoman, and charity leader, known for her roles at ActionAid UK and as Chancellor of Coventry University.
28 TH NOVEMBER
This House Believes Israel is an Apartheid State Responsible for Genocide WEEK
PROPOSITION
Norman Finkelstein
American political scientist, author, and activist, known for his critiques of Israeli policies and scholarship on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Holocaust studies.
Susan Abulwaha
Palestinian-American author best-known for her novel Mornings in Jenin, which made her the most widely read Palestinian author of all time.
Mohammed El-Kurd
Palestinian writer, poet, and activist, internationally known for advocating for Palestinian rights and his work on the Sheikh Jarrah evictions in East Jerusalem.
Miko Peled
Israeli-American activist, author, and speaker, known for his advocacy of Palestinian rights and his book The General’s Son, critiquing Israeli policies.
More than 76 years on, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved. Critics accuse Israel of employing military tactics that target civilians and infrastructure, amounting to ethnic cleansing, while others defend these actions as legitimate self-defence against terrorism. Israeli military operations in Gaza, attacks on Lebanon, and continued settlement expansion have exacerbated tensions. The debate over whether Israel’s actions, in light of UN reports and International Court of Justice rulings, amount to apartheid or genocide continues. Recently, the UK’s Labour Party banned terms like ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid’ at its conference, raising concerns about free speech and the ability to criticise Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
OPPOSITION
Natasha Hausdorff
British barrister, legal commentator, and pro-Israel advocate, known for her involvement with the UK Lawyers for Israel organisation.
Jake Wallis Simons
British journalist, Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Chronicle.
Jonathan Sacerdoti
British journalist and broadcaster who has worked across various international news channels, including i24news for whom he is the UK and Europe Correspondent.
PROPOSITION
Kishore Mahbubani
Former President of the United Nations Security Council, Kishore is a distinguished Singaporean diplomat, global affairs expert, and author, recognized for his analysis on Asia’s rise.
Steve Schmidt
Renowned political strategist, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, known for his expertise in U.S. elections and bipartisan political insights.
Rt. Hon. Sir Vince Cable
British politician, former Liberal Democrat leader, and ex-Business Secretary, known for his work on economic reform and promoting democracy.
As America stands at a crossroads in its democratic journey, questions arise about the nation’s future. Are the ideals of electoral integrity and civil liberties still upheld, or are they eroding under the weight of recent Supreme Court decisions, the pervasive influence of special interests, and other potential threats? This debate examines whether the U.S. is living up to its democratic promises or faltering under new pressures that challenge the foundations of its political system.
Julian Castro
Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and 2020 presidential candidate, focused on urban policy and social justice.
Leslie Vinjamuri
Director at Chatham House. Expert in U.S. foreign policy and international relations, specializing in global governance and diplomacy.
Jeh Johnson
Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. National security expert, with a focus on counterterrorism and immigration policy.
Week 1
Floor Prizes
The Perch - £100 voucher Happy Cakes - 3 boxes of six cupcakes
Week 2
Week 4
Week 5
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Mamma Mia - £100 voucher
Missing Bean - 25 coffee vouchers
The Folly - 2 x £50 vouchers
The Mad Hatter - Private karaoke room session for up to 16 guests (Tuesday- Friday)
Quod Restaurant & Bar - £100 voucher
Gees Restaurant & Bar - £100 voucher
Parsonage Grill - £100 voucher
Treasurer’s Treats
Bridge
iScream
Oxford Wine Cellar
Burrows & Hare
10%
Greens Cafe
Tree Artisan Cafe
Cape of Good Hope
Oxford Wine Cellar
Moo Moos
15%
20%
Gulp Fiction
Ede and Ravenscroft
By Rotation with code UNIONMT24
Kit Keeper
Neds Noodle Bar
Victors from A la Carte menu - for group of 6 max
Brasserie Blanc
The Randolph - 20% off hotel with code: UNION 24
The Alice - 20% off food with code: UNION 24
(excludes drink, alcohol, and Morse Bar)
Thaikhun - Sunday - Thursday
Steamhouse - Buy a bagel and get a free coffee
OxMerch - £5 off
Free access to The Times
After Hours
You must show your Union membership card to use these offers
Bridge
10% off for members
Mad Hattter
Free entry to our “Kanpai! Karaoke” night, a public karaoke night held every Thursday
Plush
£1 off quackers night out code: UNION
Tap Social
15% discount across our venue + 30% off pizzas at the Botley taproom on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-6pm
Duke of Cambridge
Happy Hour All Day Every Day & Oxford Union special menu
How to Get Involved
Debates and Events
The Union is committed to giving members the opportunity to engage with and challenge its speakers. At our Thursday night debates, all members can make speeches at the ‘Emergency Debate’ held before the main motion. Members also have the chance to be chosen by the President to make floor speeches during the Main Debate.
At our individual speaker or panel events, there is a section open to the audience in which any member can ask questions to our guests, a unique opportunity which we encourage all members to take advantage of.
Run for Election
Each term, elections are held for Officer and Committee positions on Friday of 7th Week. Keep an eye on our social media channels for help sessions run by our Returning Officer team – if you have any questions about running for election in the meantime, please email ro@ oxford-union.org for more information.
Appointed Roles
A number of Committee positions are appointed, including Press, Sponsorship, and Equalities officers, and are a fantastic way for members to get involved in organising the events they wish to see at the Union and the general running of the Society.
Applications for Hilary Term’s Senior Appointed officials will open in 3rd Week, whilst applications for Junior Appointed officials will open in 5th Week. These will be advertised on the Oxford Union’s social media pages and mailing list, with applications involving a written form followed by an interview. Please contact the President-Elect, Israr Khan, at president-elect@oxford-union.org for more information or if you have any questions.
Join a Committee
The Oxford Union has a broad range of committees, designed to ensure good governance of the society, all of which are open to members to attend and observe. The Committees section of this term card contains more information – if you are interested in attending or becoming a member of any of these Committees, email the relevant Committee Chair to find out more!
President’s Open Hours
The President, Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy, will be hosting weekly opening hours where members can come and ask any questions they may have.
These will run on Fridays at 3PM, in the President’s Office.
Special Events
Since the Union’s founding 200 years ago, it has served as a forum for the discussions that matter. Whilst Parliamentary-style debate can capture the imagination, it can at times overshadow topics where more intimate discussion is helpful. To that end, we have organised a range of special events in addition to our usual schedule of speakers and debates.
Special Event
Friday 18th October 16:00
WEEK 1
Disabilities in Public Life
It is now estimated that about a quarter of the British population have some form of disability, and yet the successes, achievements and experiences of disabled people are consistently underreported. By hosting this event, we hope to shed more light on the experience of being disabled in the public domain, by gathering highly successful and influential individuals with disabilities, to discuss and celebrate their work and explore the way their disability plays a part in their life.
Betty Douglas
BBC TV and radio presenter who is one of the most prominent online disabled voices.
Author, activist, and founder of Unmasked, a community which aims to empower neurodivergent people.
Ellie Middleton
Special Event
Monday 28th October 20:00
WEEK 3
Music, Comedy, and ‘The Office’ with Creed Bratton
Creed Bratton is an American actor and musician, best known for playing a character with his namesake in the hit TV show The Office (US), for which he earned five SAG nominations as part of the cast ensemble. Having released a number of albums throughout his career, he is currently on tour and will be offering our members a taste of this with an evening of music and comedy.
Sponsored by Earlybird (venture capital firm) and Revolut
Special Event
Tuesday 12th November 10:00
WEEK 5
Fintech Hackathon
Are you ready to disrupt the financial world with your innovative ideas? This is your chance to shine! Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, tech expert, or a creative thinker, this hackathon offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and create cutting-edge fintech solutions.
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your talents, connect with industry leaders, and potentially turn your ideas into reality!
Cash Prizes
1st Place: £250
2nd Place: £100
Special Event
Friday 15th November 17:00
WEEK 5
Animation Masterclass with Mr. Lawrence
An iconic figure in animation, Doug Lawrence, known professionally as Mr. Lawrence, is renowned for his work on SpongeBob SquarePants, where he voices the character Plankton and has written numerous episodes. With his distinct comedic style and versatile talents, Mr. Lawrence has significantly contributed to the success of many iconic animated series and continues to be a prominent and influential presence in the animation industry.
Special Event
Saturday 16th November 17:00
WEEK 5
Comedy Special with Akaash Singh
Akaash Singh is an Indian-American comedian, actor, and podcaster. He co-hosts the widely popular podcast “Flagrant” with Andrew Schulz, which has become a staple in the comedy scene. Akaash’s self-produced comedy special “Bring Back Apu” gained significant attention, amassing over a million views within its first week on YouTube. He continues to make his mark in the entertainment industry with his touring stand-up shows and upcoming roles in Netflix and Hulu series.
Special Event
Monday 18th November 17:00
WEEK 6
Ken Griffin
In collaboration with Oxford Alpha Fund
Ken Griffin is the founder, chief executive officer, and co-chief investment officer of Citadel LLC, a multinational hedge fund which has become a global powerhouse. Citadel is one of the most profitable hedge funds in the world, with offices found throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. The company, founded in 1990, had $64 billion worth of investment capital as of September 2024, with over 2,800 employees worldwide.
Special Event
Saturday 23rd November 20:00
WEEK 6
This House Regrets the Repeal of Roe v. Wade
In 2022, the overturning of Roe v. Wade ended nearly 50 years of federal protection for abortion rights in the United States. This consequential ruling has sparked intense debate over individual rights, state power, and the moral dimensions of reproductive autonomy. The UK, meanwhile, looks to be headed in a different direction, with plans being suggested to remove all legal restrictions on abortion after an increase in the number of arrests made for illegal abortions. With such dramatically different steps being taken, we ask: was the overruling of such a landmark judicial decision a mistake, or should it be up to states to decide themselves?
Mini Timmaraju
American Lawyer and President of Reproductive Freedom For All, one of the most influential single-issue political action committees.
Jamie Manson
President of Catholics for Choice. Jamie Manson has been an advocate in the field of women’s equality and reproductive rights in the Catholic Church.
Erin Hawley
Senior Counsel and Vice-President of Alliance Defending Freedom. Her legal team led the overturning of Roe v. Wade
Madeline Page
Leader of the Alliance of Pro-Life Students, a pro-life student organisation.
Helen Freely
Helen Freely is the Chair of the Board at Right to Life UK.
Speakers
Each term we aim to host a diverse range of unique and influential speakers across a variety of fields. At each of these events, you have the opportunity not just to hear from, but to ask your own questions to our speakers, and we hope you take this opportunity to use your voice to shape the conversation.
Our committee will be working hard throughout the term to add new speakers to this lineup. You can find the latest updates on our social media channels, or mailing list (which you can join by emailing enquiries@oxford-union.org). You can also find links to the weekly ballots for meet and greets with the speakers on our social media channels and mailing list.
Please note that one of the challenges in hosting high calibre speakers is that their schedules can change at short notice.
In the rare situation in which this occurs, we will do everything we can to rearrange the event for a different date, and to do our best to ensure members are given adequate notice of changes or cancellations.
Members Only
Ambassador Husam Zomlot Head of the Palestinian Mission
Husam Zomlot is Head of the Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom. Ascending from a refugee camp in Rafah, to a senior member of Fatah, and an advisor to the Palestinian president, he has been a fervent advocate for Palestinian rights and statehood, with a focus on international law and diplomacy. Mr. Zomlot has also worked in academia, arguing his case for a two-state solution. His media presence has made him the face of Palestine in the UK press.
Monday 14th October 20:00
WEEK 1
In collaboration with Oxford Fashion Society
Jessica Giles
Editor-in-Chief at Cosmopolitan
Jessica Giles is the current editor-in-chief of the fashion and entertainment magazine Cosmopolitan. Having worked at outlets such as Condé Nast and Teen Vogue, Ms. Giles is known for championing content focusing on placing women in the spotlight. Her tenure since 2018 has seen a vast expansion in the popularity of Cosmopolitan both in its digital and print forms, with Giles winning AdWeek’s Editor of the Year in 2019.
Tuesday 15th October 17:00
WEEK 1
The Rt Hon. Lord Mandelson PC Labour Party Peer
Lord Mandelson was one of the key architects of New Labour. His “media savvy” led him to rise from being the MP for Hartlepool to the First Secretary of State, being the only person to have held this position as a Peer in the House of Lords. Known for his sharp political acumen, his influence upon the Labour Party through “Blairite” policy led him to be one of the first people described as a “spin doctor” by the press. He is running to become the next Chancellor of Oxford University.
Tuesday 15th October 20:00
WEEK 1
Anthony Scaramucci Financier and Entrepreneur
Anthony Scaramucci is a prominent American financier and entrepreneur, best known for his brief stint as White House Communications Director in 2017 serving under former President Donald Trump. Having begun his career at Goldman Sachs, Scaramucci has remained active in the financial world since, most notably as the founder of SkyBridge Capital. Recently, Scaramucci has been vocal in political discourse, criticising former President Trump on the newly-launched podcast The Rest Is Politics US
Wednesday 16th October 20:00
WEEK 1
Jeffrey Sachs
Economist and Professor
Jeffrey Sachs is a highly regarded economist and professor at Columbia University, where he leads the Center for Sustainable Development. A pivotal figure in global economic policy, Sachs has been instrumental in advocating for sustainable development and addressing global inequalities. His recent work has focused on the urgent need for a reformed global financial architecture to better address challenges like climate change, poverty, and food security.
Monday 21st October 18:00
WEEK 2
Photo credit: Gabriella
C. Marino
Simon Kuper
Journalist and Author
Simon Kuper is a columnist at the Financial Times who has twice won the British Society of Magazine Editors’ Columnist of the Year award. Having written Football Against the Enemy and Soccernomics, he has been named as one of the most influential voices in sports journalism. He is also the author of The Sunday Times Bestseller, Chums: How a Tiny Caste of Oxford Tories Took Over the UK.
Tuesday 29th October 20:00
WEEK 3
In collaboration with Oxford Speaks
John Mearsheimer
Economist and Professor
John Mearsheimer is a prominent American political scientist and international relations scholar known for his influential work on geopolitics and the dynamics of power. As the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, he is considered a leading voice on international relations and US foreign policy. His book, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, articulates his theory of offensive realism. In 2020 he was awarded the James Madison Award by the American Political Science Association.
Wednesday 30th October 17:00
WEEK 3
Guenther Steiner
Former F1 Team Principal
Guenther Steiner is a motorsport engineer, best known as Team Principal of the Haas Formula One team from 2016 to 2023. Praised for his straightforward and candid management style, Steiner was pivotal in establishing Haas as a competitive team in the fiercely challenging world of Formula 1. He previously worked as managing director of Jaguar Racing between 2001 and 2003 and as technical operations director at Red Bull Racing.
Tuesday 5th November 17:00
WEEK 4
More speakers to be announced on our page
In collaboration with Oxford Law Society
The Rt. Hon. Lord Burrows PC
UK Supreme Court Justice
Lord Burrows is a British judge and legal scholar currently serving as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. Formerly the Professor of the Law of England at the University of Oxford, he is renowned for his expertise in private law, particularly in the areas of contract and tort. Being the first Supreme Court judge to be appointed directly from his academia, his studious approach radiates through his judgements.
Tuesday 5th November 20:00
WEEK 4
The Hon. Naledi Pandor
Minister of International Relations of South Africa (2019-2024)
Naledi Pandor is a South African politician who was the country’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation from 2019 to 2024 under President Cyril Ramaphosa. Previously, she also served as a Member of Parliament for the African National Congress for a period of 30 years. In September 2024, it was announced that she would take over as the Chair of the Board of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Thursday 7th November 17:00
WEEK 4
Book Signing Event
Slavoj Žižek
Philosopher and Cultural Theorist
Slovenian philosopher, cultural critic, and prominent public intellectual known for his eclectic blend of psychoanalysis, Marxism, and popular culture. His analysis of contemporary social, political and ideological issues through the lens of Lacanian psychoanalysis and Hegelian philosophy have become world-famous. His new book, Against Progress, is a compilation of essays which promises to be a tour de force against accelerationists, populists and neoliberalists alike, exploring what progress really means, and how things can actually get better.
Monday 11th November 20:00
WEEK 5
Photo credit:
© jeromefavrestudio
Yanis Varoufakis
Economist and Politician
Yanis Varoufakis is a self-described “libertarian Marxist”, and the Secretary-General of Democracy in Europe Movement 2025, a left-wing pan-European political movement. He was Greece’s Minister of Finance during 2015, where he helped navigate the government out of their debt crisis and has been a member of the Hellenic Parliament since 2019. As an academic, he has published numerous books, most recently Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism.
Thursday 14th November 17:00
WEEK 5
Imane Khelif
Professional Boxer
Imane Khelif is a professional Algerian boxer who recently represented Algeria at the Paris Olympic games and was the first Arab woman to win a boxing gold. Following Khelif’s victory during the 2024 Olympic Games, misinformation surfaced about her gender and eligibility to compete after she was barred from competing in a women’s category the year before. This lead Khelif to file an online harassment case against several notable celebrities such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk and others.
Sunday 17th November 17:00
WEEK 6
In collaboration with Oxford Arab Society
Sir Vernon Bogdanor CBE
Political Scientist and Professor
Sir Vernon Bogdanor is a leading commentator on the English constitution and a Research Professor at King’s College London. He has advised several European governments, and his works span both the British constitution and politics, contemporary and historical. His newest work, Making the Weather: Six Politicians Who Changed Modern Britain, explores the most prominent figures of the left and right and their influence on politics today.
Monday 18th November 20:00
WEEK 6
Peter Orszag
Business Executive
Peter Orszag has had an illustrious career in both business and politics. He is currently the CEO of Lazard and aims to revitalise the financial services company. Under President Barack Obama he served first as the Director of the Congressional Budget Office before then working as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, where he was successful in setting the foundations for the economic success of the administration.
Wednesday 20th November 17:00
WEEK 6
In collaboration with Oxford Finance Society
Chamath Palihapitiya Venture Capitalist
Chamath Palihapitiya is a revolutionary venture capitalist who is the Founder and CEO of Social Capital, a technology investment company. Under his leadership, Social Capital has invested in groundbreaking companies across various sectors, including healthcare, AI, climate change, and space exploration. Before founding Social Capital, Chamath was a senior executive at Facebook, where he was the leader of the company’s Growth, Platform, and Mobile teams.
Wednesday 20th November 20:00 WEEK 6
Robert Costa
Journalist and Political Analyst
Robert Costa is an American journalist and political analyst, currently serving as the chief election and campaign correspondent for CBS News. Known for his in-depth reporting and nonpartisan approach, Costa has become a trusted voice in American political journalism. He co-authored the bestselling book Peril with fellow journalist Bob Woodward, which provided a detailed account of the transition between the Trump and Biden administrations.
Thursday 21st November 17:00 WEEK 6
Huiyao Wang
Chinese Policy Advisor
Huiyao Wang is the founder and the current President of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a non-governmental think tank based in Beijing. In 2020 the CCG ranked among the top 50 independent think tanks in the world, publishing works in fields ranging from global migration to global governance as well as acting as a consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Tuesday 26th November 17:00
WEEK 7
Edward Fitzgerald CBE KC
Barrister
Edward Fitzgerald CBE KC is a distinguished barrister specialising in criminal law, international human rights and public law. He is joint head of Doughty Street Chambers and has been involved in landmark cases establishing rights for life-sentence prisoners and those on death row. He has been named Human Rights and Public Law Silk of the Year, and in 2008 was honoured with a CBE for services to human rights.
Tuesday 26th November 20:00
WEEK 7
Sir Philip Pullman CBE
Author
Sir Phillip Pullman CBE is an English author best known for the immensely popular His Dark Materials trilogy. The first in the trilogy, Northern Lights, was later adapted into the feature film The Golden Compass. He was named one of the “50 greatest British writers” by The Times in 2008, and was knighted for his services to literature. Sir Philip will be reading an exclusive extract of his forthcoming book to our members at the start of this event.
Thursday 28th November 17:00
WEEK 7
Photo credit: © Michael Leckie
The Rt Hon. Humza Yousaf MSP
Former Scottish First Minister
Humza Yousaf is a member of the Scottish Parliament who served as First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) from March 2023 to May 2024. He became the first Muslim to serve in the office as well as the youngest to ever hold the office of First Minister. Mr Yousaf has also recently been involved in a public discourse with Elon Musk that started in 2023 and was reignited amidst riots across the UK.
Wednesday 4th December 20:00
WEEK 8
Hasan Piker
Streamer and Political Commentator
Hasan Piker, also known as HasanAbi, is an American YouTuber and Twitch streamer. His content is based around the discussion of news, politics, social issues and topical events and he often uses his platform to debate on controversial topics or issues. In 2023 Piker organised a fundraiser following the Turkey-Syria earthquake which raised $1,200,000 for various charities involved in searching for survivors and supporting those on the ground.
Thursday 5th December 17:00
WEEK 8
Vera Wang
Fashion Designer
Vera Wang is an iconic American fashion designer who launched her own bridal gown boutique in 1990 after having worked for both Vogue and Ralph Lauren. Wang’s dresses have been worn by celebrities worldwide including Victoria Beckham, Ivanka Trump and Mariah Carey and are known for their excellence and beauty. She has expanded her brand to include ready-to-wear fashion, accessories, fragrances, and home goods.
TBC
Jeff Daniels
Actor, Musician and Playwright
Jeff Daniels is a renowned American actor who has acted in Dumb and Dumber, Something Wild and many other movies in a career spanning over four decades. His work has earned him Emmy and Tony Award nominations, cementing his place as one of the most respected and dynamic performers of his generation. Beyond acting, Daniels is also a skilled playwright and musician, having written numerous plays and recorded several albums.
TBC
Jaden Smith
Actor, Musician and Philanthropist
Jaden Smith is an American actor, musician, and philanthropist who has carved out a unique path in the entertainment industry. As the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Jaden gained early fame but has since established himself as a versatile artist with well received albums like “Syre” and “CTV3: Cool Tape Vol. 3.” Beyond music and acting, Jaden is deeply involved in social causes, including his initiatives with JUST Water and his efforts to support sustainability and social justice.
TBC
Tom and Ben Curry
Professional Rugby Players
Tom and Ben Curry are twin brothers who both play professional rugby union for Premiership club Sale Sharks, as well as representing the England national team. Both flankers, the brothers made their debuts within weeks of one another in 2016, going on to be named joint recipients of the club’s Young Player of the Season Award. Since then, both have represented their country on numerous occasions, with Tom part of the silver-medal winning side at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
TBC
12th & 13th October 9:30am to 5pm The Oxford Union
19TH OCTOBER 11am-4pm
Matriculation Drinks
SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER, 7PM
The Budweiser Brewing Group Presents
Mon. 21st October, 20:30 Member’s Bar Oktoberfest
PUB QUIZ
IN COLLABORATION WITH 93% CLUB
26TH OCTOBER
6-8:30PM
Join us for talks from industry professionals from a host of fields, a linkedin help session and networking drinks
The Oxford Union
incollaboration with the IndiaSociety
ENTRIES FOR SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCES ARE OPEN!
The Oxford Union presents...
9th November | On the Thames
PUB QUIZ
Mon. 18th
November, 20:30
Member’s Bar
THE OXFORD UNION AND ACS PRESENT
‘SAY IT WITH CHEST’
FOOD - DRINK - DISCUSSION
TUESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER, 6PM
KAWAI
MASTERCLASS & RECITAL
Wednesday 27th November
OXMAS
NOVEMBER 27TH
Join us for an evening of dinner, eggnog and carols
With Ashley Fripp
Guest Policy
Members are allowed to bring up to three guests to an event, provided:
1. The guest is not themselves eligible for membership
2. The guest pays a £12.50 entry fee
3. All members who wish to attend have already taken their seats
Events may be made members only when there is a security risk or extremely high demand.
Competitive Debating
Debating at the Union is not just reserved for Thursday nights. The Union’s competitive debating squad (made up entirely of students) is one of the largest and most successful in the world, and right now we are the reigning World Champions!
We do not just practise debating at Oxford either, as we also fully fund teams of both novices and experienced debaters to attend competitions nationally and internationally. Recently these have included free trips to Vietnam, Bulgaria, Croatia, and more. We host the Oxford IV, one of the largest debating competitions in Europe, the Oxford Women’s and Gender Minorities’ Open, and organise the world’s largest schools’ debating competition, all of which attracts debaters from across the globe.
People with any level of experience are encouraged to get involved. For novices, we have Beginners’ workshops on Monday nights in the Morris Room. These workshops are coached by some of Oxford’s best debaters, beginning with short presentations to target specific debating skills, before moving onto practice debates where everyone will get to have a go.
Beginners’ is a very friendly and fun environment – if you have not debated before, this is the perfect place to start! For those with more experience, Intermediate and Advanced Squads run on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, where our coaches provide a one-on-one development programme.
There are also unique opportunities which arise throughout the year, including joining mentorship schemes and doing outreach work such as teaching debating to schoolchildren. If you have any questions or want to sign up for squads, please contact the Chair of Debate Selection Committee, Patrick Rees, at cdsc@oxford-union.org.
To sign up for the mailing list with weekly updates, which includes information on tournaments, training and more, send a blank email to debate-announce-subscribe@maillist.com. You can also join the Oxford Debaters’ Facebook Group, and follow our Instagram @oxforddebating.
World Debating Champions - On the 4th of January, Oxford became the World Debating Champion as Aniket Chakravorty and Mark Rothery won the 2024 World Universities Debating Championship.
Committees
The affairs of the Society are managed by a number of committees, each of which meet in-person throughout the term. These committees work for you, the members, and as such are open to any member to attend. If you would like further information or details on how to attend, please do email the respective chair for each committee.
STANDING COMMITTEE
Chair - Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy The President president@oxford-union.org
Mondays at 4pm
The Society’s governing body. Standing Committee makes the Union’s most important decisions and recommends rules changes to the House.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Chair - Anita Okunde Treasurer treasurer@oxford-union.org
Mondays at 3pm
Scrutinises the Union’s finances and reports its findings to Standing Committee.
ACCESS COMMITTEE
Chair - Michael-Akolade Ayodeji Access Officer access.chair@oxford-union.org
Wednesdays at 2pm
Responsible for promoting the inclusion of under-represented groups by planning events and suggesting changes.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE
Chair - Aryan Dhanwani Librarian librarian@oxford-union.org
Mondays at 2.15pm
Responsible for management of the Society’s library: purchasing and withdrawing books, as well as making recommendations for the running of the library.
CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
Chair - Noah Robson CCC ccc@oxford-union.org
Mondays at 1.15pm
Consultative Committee is comprised of all Union members. It gives you the opportunity to ask the officers of the Union any questions and stay up-to-date on the running of the Union’s events. It is also where Emergency Debate motions are decided.
DEBATE
SELECTION COMMITTEE
Chair - Patrick Rees CDSC cdsc@oxford-union.org
Mondays at 12pm
Responsible for the Union’s competitive debatingcompetitions, trails, squads, and more.
WINE AND SPIRITS COMMITTEE
Chair - Siddhant Nagrath Secretary secretary@oxford-union.org
Tuesdays at 2pm
Responsible for managing the Union’s Bar offerings, opening times and happy hours!
The Library
The Old Library was the original debating chamber of the Union. Now stocked with over 60,000 books, the Union’s library facilities are extensive, spacious and beautiful. It even has a freestanding fireplace, one of only three in the whole of the United Kingdom!
On its walls are some of the world’s most famous Pre-Raphaelite murals depicting scenes from Arthurian legend, painted by artists including Dante Gabriel Rosetti and William Morris. The adjoining Poetry Room is a hidden gem – a perfect space for silent, independent study.
Elsewhere in the buildings, the Goodman Library and Gladstone Room are also spaces available for use from any member during our open hours, providing a secluded study space in a historic atmosphere.
Please email library@oxford-union.org with any questions.
Termtime opening hours
Mon-Fri 09:30-19:00 Sat 11:00-17:00
Members’ Bar
Few, if any, places in Oxford combine the comfort and affordability of our Members’ Bar. Perfect for a quiet coffee, a light lunch, or a pint with some friends, it is a place where members and their guests can enjoy high-quality food and drink, with a 25% members-only discount.
The bar is decorated with memorabilia from past guests and is often frequented by our speakers before or after a talk. Following each Main Debate after everyone has left the Chamber, the President will read out the result of the vote in the Bar.
Our House Manager, Sasha, would be happy to hear from members with questions and suggestions. She can be reached at bar@oxford-union.org.
Alternatively, please contact the Secretary about attending Wine and Spirits Committee.
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Wednesday 11:00 - 23:00
LATE NIGHT
OPENING HOURS
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00 - Midnight
Our Lunch Menu is served: Monday to Saturday 12.00 - 14.00
Accessibility
The Oxford Union is dedicated to ensuring that it is as accessible as possible for all of our members. If you ever have any questions regarding the accessibility of an event or the Union more generally, please reach out to our Chair of Access Committee, Michael-Akolade Ayodeji, at access.chair@oxford-union.org You can also raise thoughts and suggestions at Access Committee.
Any member who has accessibility requirements is entitled to request reasonable adjustments. Our Accessibility Pass Policy is available on the Rules and Policies section of our website with a PDF version available on request.
We have an access bench at all our events for any members with accessibility requirements. For any specific accessibility queries regarding an event, please contact the CCC, Noah Robson, at ccc@oxford-union.org.
We can ensure that there is space for a wheelchair or provisions made for a guide dog, or make any other reasonable adjustments necessary to enable members to make the most of their membership. There is a hearing aid loop in the chamber, and should you wish to use it, switch your hearing aid to ‘T’.
Reciprocal Clubs
The Oxford Union is incredibly grateful to have Reciprocal Membership agreements with other members’ clubs around the world. If you would like to visit a reciprocal club, please write to the General Office at enquiries@oxford-union.org to obtain a letter of introduction beforehand.
THE NATIONAL LIBERAL CLUB, LONDON
THE LANSDOWNE CLUB, LONDON
THE CLIFTON CLUB, BRISTOL
THE HOVE CLUB, HOVE
THE CARDIFF & COUNTY CLUB, CARDIFF
THE ROYAL SCOTS CLUB, EDINBURGH
THE HARROGATE CLUB, HARROGATE
THE ST JAMES’S CLUB, MANCHESTER
THE KONINKLIJKE INDUSTRIEELE GROOTE CLUB AMSTERDAM
THE CLUB INTERNATIONAL LEIPZIG LEIPZIG
THE UNION INTERNATIONAL CLUB FRANKFURT
THE CIRCOLO BONONIA BOLOGNA
THE CIRCULO ECUSTRE BARCELONA
THE GRÉMIO LITERÁRIO LISBON
THE RESIDENCE CLUB, SOFIA
THE UNIVERSITY CLUB OF WASHINGTON D.C. WASHINGTON D.C.
In addition to these reciprocal clubs, we have also partnered with The Anglo German Club and The Ubersee Club in Hamburg, which you may visit subject to a previous request to their respective General Offices.
The President
Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy
St Edmund Hall
OFFICERS
Librarian
Aryan Dhanwani Oriel College
President-Elect
Israr Khan
Regent’s Park College
Treasurer
Anita Okunde Magdalen College
Librarian-Elect
Rachel Haddad Moskalenko Balliol College
Secretary
Siddhant Nagrath Keble College
Treasurer-Elect
Moosa Harraj Balliol College
SENIOR APPOINTED
Chief of Staff
Shaezmina Khan Kellogg College
Social Media Officer
Mina Bellalem Hertford College
Chief Operating Officer
Karma Gad Mansfield College
Social Events Officer
Shermar Pryce University College
Deputy Director of Press
Yashas Ramakrishnan Balliol College
Director of Press
Rosalie Chapman Hertford College
Director of Media
Zagham Farhan University College
Senior Welfare Officer
Pierre M. Lucien St John’s College
Director of Research
Daniyal Vermuri Exeter College
Director of Sponsorship
James Lawson Magdalen College
Junior Welfare Officer
Joyce Dzide-Tei St Antony’s College
Director of Strategy
Nadia Bekhti Hertford College
Director of Innovation
Edie Guo
St Hugh’s College
CCC
Noah Robson Christ Church
Sarah Rana St Antony’s College
STANDING COMMITTEE
Returning Officer Abigail Bacon Brasenose College
Hamza Hussain Christ Church
Chair of Access
Michael-Akolade Ayodeji University College
George Abaraonye University College
Tobe Onyia St Hilda’s College
CDSC Patrick Rees St Anne’s College
Ben Murphy St Anne’s College
SECRETARY’S COMMITTEE
Veer Sangha Balliol College
Katherine Yang St Peter’s College
Akshay Nagpal Hertford College
Makkunda Sharma St Hugh’s College
Ethnic Minorities Officer
Nuzaina Faisal Khan
LGBTQIA+ Officer
Grace Rosewarne
Women & Gender Minorities Officer
Eeshani Bendale
Schools Outreach Officer
Dimitrios Kotsovilis
The Bursar
David Whittingham
Deputy Bursar
Richard Wood
Termcard
Anya Trofimova St John’s College
Raza Nazar Trinity College
Boldizsar Paladi-Kovacs Christ Church
Benedict Masters New College
Socioeconomic Officer
Alisa Brown
Press Officers
Tim Fraser, Zaid Magdub
Sponsorship Officers
Asad Iqbal, John Gulland Yusuf Kundgol
Media Officer
Elena O’Connor
STAFF
Librarian-in-Charge
Tom Corrick
House Manager
Sasha Challen
Zarin Fariha Wadham College
Sophia Giblett Merton College
Michael Leslie Corpus Christi College
Jennifer Yang St Hilda’s College
Operations Officers
Zaynah Hussain, Parul Sinha Benyamin Atabani
International Office Sara Bonato
Graduate Officer Emma Somos
Senior Treasurer
Dr Sarah Beaver
Senior Librarian
Professor Iftikhar Malik
President’s Thanks
This is my final term in Oxford where I will spend a substantial amount of my time at St. Michael’s Street, a special place that holds some of my most cherished memories, where I learnt invaluable lessons, and where I made friends I hope I will keep for life. The journey here was not without difficulty and was not always pleasant. But it was never lonely or lacklustre. Even on the most challenging and stressful days I always felt as though I was the luckiest in the world, because I was surrounded by so many unique individuals whose kindness and generosity to me I could never pay back.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you:
Firstly to my family, who sacrificed so much to get me here. To my mum, whose resilience and faith inspire me everyday; thank you for the gift of unconditional love. To my dad, whose courage and strength of conviction I seek to emulate; thank you for always pushing me to be my best. To my sister, my biggest cheerleader, and to Beko, for being a healthy distraction from the pressures of Oxford. And lastly to my late grandfather, whose company I dearly miss; I wish you were here to see this.
To my friends and teachers at the Egyptian Language School whose support I still count on today. The Teddy Hall community, especially Sophia, Rachel, and Charlie, for being a peaceful home in the midst of all the chaos. To my friends outside the Union - Moayad, Omid, Taha, and countless others - for getting my head off things.
My gratitude is endless to all who supported me through #IMAGINE, #ENGAGE, #IMPACT and #DRIVE. This A5 page is not nearly enough to thank all of you, but I am particularly grateful to Lilian, Zariel, Maria, Nadia, Daniel, Mikaeel, Peter, Matheus, Pierre, and Anya, for your unwavering faith and friendship.
Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy
The President
This term card would of course not have been possible without the dedication of my lovely committee, and the support of so many people along the way. Thank you to my indefatigable President-Elect Israr, who has been a shoulder to lean on for the last few months. To Karma, Shaezmina, and Anita for your tireless effort all summer and for going far beyond what you were required. I cannot wait to enjoy Michaelmas with you. To Rosalie, who has been there for me not just this term, but for almost two years now - I appreciate you beyond words. To Rachel and Sarah for being the most fearless advocates of my cause; your loyalty and friendship mean the world to me.
To Dane, Raza and Leo for telling me to keep going when I was about to let go, and for all the late nights at Friars Wharf. To Michael for always telling me what I didn’t want to hear, and for always tolerating my stubbornness. I can assure you it has only gotten worse. To Adam and Conrad for so many memories at the Hall and at the Union. My time at Oxford would not have been the same without you.
I also wish to thank the staff, trustees, and donors, whose dedication to the Union is the reason young people like me will continue having this extraordinary opportunity.
Finally to Tracey, who endured the never-ending drama with love, patience and selflessness, and believed me every time I said it will get better next term. As a certain Teddy lawyer puts it, ‘things will get worse before they get better’ - but they will get better.
With endless love and gratitude,
Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy
