We are delighted to announce the second edition of Alumni UK Live will take place on 6 and 7 December 2023. Join us for two days packed full of panel discussions, workshops, regional and keynote sessions.
What is Alumni UK Live?
Alumni UK Live is an online festival for global UK alumni.
The festival offers exclusive professional development opportunities to enhance your knowledge, develop your career and connect with other international UK alumni across the world. This edition will focus on key topics:
- AI in the workplace
- Leadership through uncertainty
- Employability and career guidance
- Managing mental health and wellbeing
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Climate change
If you studied at a UK university, either in person or via distance learning, don’t miss out – register for free today.
Why attend?
- Connect and network with international UK Alumni from across the world;
- Be inspired by global leaders and industry experts on AI in the workplace and leading in uncertain times;
- Learn from the British Council's Alumni Award finalists and winners who will share their own experiences of starting and growing enterprises and embarking on careers tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Who can attend?
If you studied at a UK university either in person or via distance learning, you are invited to attend this virtual event.
Programme
Taking place over two days, this free online festival will include keynote speakers and regional sessions, and will cover themes including leading through uncertain times, managing mental health and climate change.
Sessions will take place at different times so alumni can join from around the world. We invite you to join as many sessions as you like and for any you miss, you can always catch up on the recordings which will be shared on the Alumni UK online platform.
Register now and we’ll keep you updated as full details of speakers, sessions and times are announced in the coming weeks. Be sure to return to our website to stay updated on any changes and additional information.
In the meantime, you can watch recordings from the first edition of Alumni UK Live in March 2023 on the Alumni UK online platform.
Wednesday 6 December 2023 - Part 1
Welcome with Kate Ewart-Biggs OBE
9.30 - 9.35 UK time
Journey to leadership: in conversation with Professor David Mba
9.35 - 10.20 UK time
During the opening session of Alumni UK Live, Professor David Mba shares his inspiring leadership journey from graduating with a first class degree in engineering, washing cars, to becoming Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University. Today, Mba is a champion for equity, passionately supporting the university’s 30,000 students and staff to overcome socio-economic challenges, and driving social mobility through practice-based learning. Hear about his fascinating journey to leadership and learn his tips for success.
Chaired by Kate Ewart-Biggs OBE, Deputy Chief Executive, British Council.
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University.
How business can tackle the climate crisis
11.30 - 12.30 UK time
In the context of differing political options and governmental approaches towads the urgency of tackling the climate crisis, what is the role for business? Industry and non-governmental leaders will share their perspectives on the green transition and their role to drive change. They will also discuss the skills that are in demand and what wil be required in the future.
Chaired by Karl Belizaire, Policy and Project Lead, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Vi Bui, Climate Finance Researcher, Climate Arc, Stephen Jones, Resilience Co-ordinator, Climate Northern Ireland, Desma Natome, Program Analyst, UNDP.
The role of technology in social impact
13.00 - 14.00 UK time
This session will examine how technology can be leveraged to create positive social impact. Drawing on case studies from the social sector in South Asia, the panel will be discussing topics such as digital inclusion, data analytics, and online advocacy.
Chaired by Dr Munir Moosa, Assistant Professor of Education, Sindh Madressatul Islam University.
Dr Mustak Ayub, Assistant Professor of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Prerna Mukharya, Founder, Outline India, Pravin Nikam - Founder, Samata Center, Dr Sarah Qureshi, CEO and Founder, Aero Engine Craft.
Wednesday 6 December 2023 - Part 2
The power of transformative actions in shaping mindsets and policies
14.30 - 15.30 UK time
A workplace that respects equality, diversity and inclusion is a workplace that benefits all employees. During this panel discussion, the inspiring speakers will share their experiences of leading transformative actions to include under-represented groups. They will highlight the impact of these initiatives in the workplace, on the direct beneficiaries as well as those who witnessed or participated in the change. Attendees will learn how they could become agents of change for inclusion, regardless of their experience with discrimination, and how all individuals and workplaces can benefit when equality, diversity and inclusion is effectively implemented.
Chaired by Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, Activist and Executive Director, Stand to End Rape Initiative.
Zara Todd, Disability Activist, Dr Israel Balogun, Disability and Inclusion Consultant, Robin Davies, Former Country Director - Sudan, British Council, Jeeja Ghosh, Manager, EnABle India.
Practical career workshop:
Leading with joy, mindful integration for a joyous tomorrow
16.00 - 17.00 UK time
In this transformative era dominated by hybrid intelligence, we're positioned at the intersection of new challenges and vast possibilities. Rather than simply adjusting to new norms, how might we choose a path that brings about profound, positive change? During this session, Marty will offer a pragmatic blueprint, drawing on mindfulness, philosophy, psychology, arts and cutting-edge technology, on how to create a life brimming with long-term purpose and direction, but also filled with everyday joys.
Marty Zalewski, Impact-focused global business leader, author and speaker.
Careers reimagined: from conventions to pioneers
18.00 -19.00 UK time
This panel session will inspire, inform, and motivate by providing insights into how you can forge innovative and unique career journeys. Hear from UK alumni who have successfully embraced non-traditional career paths, gain a deeper understanding of the evolving job market and the confidence to consider alternative career choices.
Chaired by Riedwaan Fakier, Senior Consultant, International Telecommunication Union.
Cherubim Mawuli Amenyedor, Founder of Strimpe, Adanna Enwezor, Founder, African Hair Summit, Rose Nzyoka, Country Representative - Kenya, Palladium.
Gender equality: dismantling the glass ceiling
20.00 - 21.00 UK time
What are the cultural and societal factors in Latin America that act as barriers to women in the workplace? Are there policies and initiatives that have been successful in promoting gender equality and breaking the glass ceiling? Women CEOs and senior leaders from across Latin America reflect on how they empower others to thrice in the workplace, sharing their insights and advice for young leaders.
Chaired by Isabel Gil Gómez, Cultural Engagement Lead and Head of Arts - Mexico, British Council.
Dr Angela Pires Teto, Human Rights Officer at UN Human Rights, Minerva Ledezma-Martinez, Professor at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Julieth Sanclemente, Senior Competition Lawyer.
Thursday 7 December 2023
From student to professional: the secret of soft skills
8.00 - 9.00 UK time
The dynamics of employment markets are being reshaped globally by the rapid pace of digitisation and in East Asia, and by the growing prominence of the service sector. This session will explore the changing landscape of job opportunities, giving practical insights into how UK alumni are successfully navigating these evolving markets.
Chaired by Jazreel Goh, British Council, Country Director Malaysia.
Jacky Chan, Senior Premier Proposition Manager - Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC Hong Kong, Jirayut (Topp) Srupsrisopa, Founder and Group CEO, Bitkub Capital Group Holdings, Molly Wong, General Manager PwC Acceleration Centre, PwC, Chen Xu, Executive Director of Campus Recruitment, Zhilian Zhaopin.
Practical career workshop:
Wellbeing and emotional resilience
9.30 -10.30 UK time
In today's corporate landscape, ensuring wellbeing and emotional resilience is paramount. Join this industry masterclass to explore the intricacies of balancing business objectives with employee needs, prioritising individual wellness, sustaining productivity and positivity, advancing employee career support and bolstering emotional resilience during times of change.
Victoria McClean, CEO, Hanover Talent Solutions and City CV.
Entrepreneurship: your questions answered
12.30 - 13.30 UK time
Hear succesful entrepreneurs share their insights and experiences and shed light on the role that their UK education played in shaping their entrepreneurial journeys. From where and how to start, making your idea a reality, to keeping momentum, and scaling up, the panel will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed, and will answer your burning questins about entrepreneurship.
Chaired by Sue Milner, Regional Director for Education and English - MENA, British Council.
Passant Saied, Founder and CEO of PAF Dolls, Karim El Safty, Regional Director-Middle East, International Academy for Advanced Research and Studies, Abedalrahman Alzghoul, Founder and CEO, Recycling4Education, Dr Reem Al Torki, Head of Operation - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, LEK Consulting.
AI in the workplace: are we ready?
14.00 - 15.00 UK time
In the context of differing political opinions and governmental approaches towards the urgency of tackling the climate crisis, what is the role for business? Industry and non-governmental leaders will share their perspectives on the green transition and their role to drive change. They will also discuss the skills that are in demand and what will be required in the future.
Chaired by Matthew O’Neill, Researcher, Queen’s University Belfast.
Cihan Altay, Head of AI Project Management and Delivery at Turkiye Is Bankasi, Dr Evangelia (Lilian) Balatsou, Speech Engineer, Vodafone, Jan Oleszczuk-Zygmuntowski, Lecturer in Management and AI, Kozminski University and CEO, PLZ Spółdzielnia.
Closing remarks
15.00 UK time
Maddalaine Ansell, Director of Education, British Council.
Networking
Over the two days you will have the opportunity to connect with universities and British Council programmes via booths and chat rooms in the Networking Hub.
In the booths you’ll find information about university alumni programmes and future opportunities available to you from Alumni UK and other British Council initiatives.
In the chat rooms, you will be able to talk to other attendees and representatives from universities and the British Council and make connections to develop and enhance your career.
Further information about the universities and British Council programmes participating will be announced prior to the event.
About Alumni UK
Alumni UK is the new global network for people from around the world who have studied in the UK as an international student. By joining Alumni UK, you can grow your worldwide professional network, continue learning and share your experience and expertise with others. You will find resources to develop your career and new opportunities to help you succeed. It’s also a place where you can celebrate your connection to the UK and keep up to date with UK culture and English language.
UK alumni are among the most employable graduates in the world. Thirty eight per cent of Nobel laureates who studied abroad did so in the UK. Join us as we build the largest UK alumni community, connecting people who studied at any UK university and find out how Alumni UK can help you achieve your goals.
Join the conversation on social media #AlumniUK
In keeping with British Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles, we will ensure representation across the region in terms of delegates and speakers. This includes balanced participation in terms of geographical diversity, sector expertise, institutional profiles and gender.