Event details

Address:

St Martin-in-the-Fields
Trafalgar Square
London
WC2N 4JJ
United Kingdom

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Peacebuilding in a divided world 

This year’s Christian Aid Annual Lecture, delivered in partnership with St Martin-in-the-Fields, will be given by acclaimed historian, writer and former UN official Thant Myint-U. At a time when the shifting sands of global power are reshaping the world, Thant will explore the historic opportunities we face today, even in this moment of profound uncertainty and the seeming fragility of the post-war international order.  

Drawing on decades of experience in peacebuilding, diplomacy and international affairs, Thant will tell the global story in a different way: examining how the United Nations has been pushed to the margins and how the world risks sleepwalking into militarisation and deeper dysfunction.  

He will also challenge us to imagine what a different future might look like, and why peacemaking must be at the heart of any response that seeks to bring the world back from the brink.

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Travel

St Martin-in-the-Fields is located in the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square, the entrance to the Crypt is next door on the left as you face the church 

Public transport

  • The closest stations are Charing Cross for rail and underground and Leicester Square for underground. 
  • Bus routes include numbers 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29 53, 87, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176 and 453. 
  • For details on timetables, routes and accessibility on public transport visit Transport for London Journey Planner. 

Driving

  • If you're driving to St Martin’s please note the church is located within the Congestion Charging zone.   
  • There is no parking on site but passengers can be dropped off at the adjacent Duncannon Street 
  • You can search for details on parking nearby on the Westminster City Council website. 

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This year's speakers

This year's lecture will be delivered by Thant Myint-U, followed by a Q&A moderated by Channel 4's International Editor Lindsey Hilsum.

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Thant Myint-U
Thant Myint-U

Thant Myint-U

Thant Myint-U is an internationally respected historian, author and former United Nations official whose work explores some of the most important questions of our time: conflict, peace, justice and global change. Having worked in UN peacekeeping missions in Cambodia and the former Yugoslavia, and later in senior policy roles at the United Nations, he brings a unique combination of historical insight and first-hand experience of international diplomacy. 

A leading expert on Myanmar and the wider Asian region, Thant has led on peacebuilding efforts, founded the Yangon Heritage Trust, and written several award-winning books on global affairs including his latest book, Peacemaker, a reflection on his grandfather U Thant’s legacy as Secretary General at a crucial juncture in the UN’s history.  

Lindsey Hilsum International Editor for Channel 4 News

Lindsey Hilsum

The lecture will conclude with a Q&A session moderated by television journalist and writer Lindsey Hilsum.

Lindsey is the International Editor for Channel 4 News, and has reported from six continents, including coverage of the major conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Kosovo, Rwanda and Ukraine in the past two decades

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