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Keynote SpeakerPaul Rusesabagina

The real life hero of the acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda, who saved lives during the Rwandan genocide

Paul Rusesabagina is the real life hero of the acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda and the President and Founder of the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation. As portrayed by actor Don Cheadle in the film, Rusesabagina saved the lives of more than 1,200 people during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rusesabagina served as... Read more

Popular Talks by Paul Rusesabagina

  • Ethics
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork

Biography

Paul Rusesabagina is the real life hero of the acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda and the President and Founder of the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation.

As portrayed by actor Don Cheadle in the film, Rusesabagina saved the lives of more than 1,200 people during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rusesabagina served as manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali and bravely risked his life to shelter Hutus and Tutsis who were seeking refuge from the genocide that killed more than 800,000 people.

Rusesabagina served as special consultant to United Artists and Lion’s Gate Films’ production of Hotel Rwanda, which also starred Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix and Nick Nolte. His popular autobiography, An Ordinary Man, was published by Penguin Group (USA) Inc. in April 2006.

In order to further the mission of his foundation, Rusesabagina now tours the world speaking about social justice, human rights activism and the lessons learned from the Rwandan genocide, one of the worst tragedies of the 20th century. He has spoken to large organizations of journalists, educators, students, policymakers, business leaders and human rights advocates throughout Europe and the United States. Rusesabagina describes his experiences during the horrific genocide, the terror and the helplessness of the people he sheltered, and the ways in which governments, non-governmental organizations and ordinary people can work together to prevent genocide throughout the world.

In 2000, Paul Rusesabagina received the Immortal Chaplains Prize for Humanity. In 2005 he received the the highest civilian award in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President George W. Bush. That same year, Rusesabagina was also honored with the National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award and the Humanitarian Award from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

After receiving these honors, Rusesabagina formed the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation to help provide voice to victims of genocide and support peace efforts in Rwanda and throughout the world. What started as a personal mission to teach the lessons of Rwanda has become an international movement to fight genocide throughout the world.

The Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation raises public awareness about the need for an internationally administered Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The Foundation also works on issues related to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 5 million have died. The Foundation is campaigning for an end to Rwandan military intervention in the Congo and against the deadly exploitation of conflict minerals in the region.

Paul Rusesabagina continues to be the President of the foundation, a 501c3 public not for profit charity, based in Chicago Illinois.

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How to book Paul Rusesabagina as a keynote speaker

How do I book Paul Rusesabagina for a keynote speech?

You can book Paul Rusesabagina through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Paul's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Paul Rusesabagina's speaking fees?

Paul Rusesabagina's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Paul tailored to your event.

What topics does Paul Rusesabagina speak about?

Paul Rusesabagina speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Paul to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Paul Rusesabagina available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Paul Rusesabagina for events worldwide, subject to Paul's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Paul Rusesabagina deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Paul Rusesabagina is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Paul Rusesabagina?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Paul can accommodate.

Can Paul Rusesabagina tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Paul Rusesabagina on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Paul can offer.

What languages does Paul Rusesabagina present in?

Paul Rusesabagina delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Paul Rusesabagina a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Paul Rusesabagina's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Paul's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Paul Rusesabagina speak at?

Paul Rusesabagina can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of Paul's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Paul Rusesabagina offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Paul Rusesabagina is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Paul Rusesabagina?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Paul Rusesabagina, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Paul's current availability for your dates.