Lewis Iwu – Keynote Speaker

Lewis Iwu is the former Executive Director of the Fair Education Alliance, current Founding Partner of Purpose Union and a former World University Debating Champion. He was the first black student to be elected as President of the Oxford University Students Union.

Lewis Iwu is deeply committed to facilitating meaningful conversation and action around pressing social and environmental issues. His extensive work in advising organisations on social and environmental matters is underscored by a passion for creating real, lasting change. Lewis has had the privilege of sharing insights with some of the world’s leading organisations. Lewis and Malala have set up a Masterclass on social activism.

His areas of interest and dialogue encompass Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Generational Change, Education, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, ESG, Sustainability, and the Future of Capitalism. Lewis holds a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from New College, Oxford University, where he also served as the President of the Oxford University Student Union. He was recognised with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East London in 2019 for his work in social justice.

Lewis Iwu has had the opportunity to engage in and lead over a thousand debates, contributing to discussions and bringing to light issues of social activism, presentation skills, and the power of storytelling. He is a former World University Debating Champion (2008) and he has also had the honour of coaching England to the World Schools Debating Championships in 2016.

Lewis Iwu is the author of “Words that Win”, offering insights into constructing persuasive arguments on social and environmental subjects. He has shared his thoughts in well-known publications and has given a TEDx talk focusing on social mobility, aiming to provoke thought and encourage discourse on societal issues.

As a moderator, Lewis seeks to foster dialogue and understanding on various crucial topics. His approach to moderating is informed by his rich background in advocacy and campaign strategy, bringing depth and a nuanced perspective to the discussions he leads. He has chaired and moderated conferences, round tables and events at over 500 events for high net worth individuals, charities and global brands.

Lewis believes in the importance of open and informed conversation, and as a moderator, he aims to create a space where diverse thoughts and ideas can be shared and explored, contributing to the enrichment of the discourse.

Lewis Iwu’s journey is driven by a genuine desire to contribute to societal well-being and progress. With a multifaceted background, he continues to strive to be a thoughtful speaker and moderator, sparking contemplation and inspiring change in a balanced and inclusive manner. In every dialogue he engages in, Lewis hopes to illuminate paths to a more equitable and compassionate world.