Keele Word Affairs forum marks 45 years of dialogue and debate

A leading forum for international politics and global issues - whose past speakers include journalist Sir Trevor McDonald, campaigner Caroline Lucas and former Foreign Secretary Lord William Hague - is celebrating its 45th anniversary.

Keele World Affairs was founded in 1980 with the support of Keele University and has been running ever since, with more than 1,100 meetings held at the University with hundreds of renowned speakers.

Regarded as Europe's largest continuing educational initiative in international politics, over the last four decades a wide array of speakers including politicians, diplomats, leading academics, and national journalists have visited the Keele University campus to deliver a Keele World Affairs lecture and engage in discussion with audience members.

The founder of Keele World Affairs, Owen Powell, was made an MBE on the strength of his work with the group, which has more than 500 members.

Current chairman Bill Boynton, who took over from Mr Powell in 2010, said nearly 90 new members had joined this year.

He said: "Every season explores the immense issues of climate change, security, inequality and capitalism, global health, and the geopolitics of the USA, China, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, alongside Britain’s post-Brexit place in the world. The world keeps changing, and we keep on learning."

Dr Caroline Lucas, the former Green Party leader, opened the latest season with a talk in October. Dame Karen Pierce, former British Ambassador to the United States, and Professor Michael Clarke, Sky News’ security and defence analyst, are among those scheduled to follow in the New Year.

"There is no doubt that Keele World Affairs is unique. Those on the international speaking circuit know of no other continuous citizen-led programme anywhere in the world," said Mr Boynton.

"Whatever the issue, we try to learn from history, considering the past, current situations, and possible futures. Our curiosity about events is unending.

"Starting small with fewer than 20 members, the weekly attendances of 300 to 400 members prove that international politics and global issues have always interested people if a vibrant setting is provided."

For more information on Keele World Affairs, visit https://www.kwaku.org.uk/