Katherine Yang President
Dear members,
WelcometoHilaryTerm2026!
Iamdelightedtosharethistermcardwithyouandto welcomeyoutowhatpromisestobealivelyand memorableterm.
IthasbeenagenuinehonourtobepartofthisSocietyfor thepasttwoyears,andanevengreaterprivilegetonow serveasitsPresident.TheUnionisatitsbestwhenitfeels busyandfullofenergy,andthistermhasbeenplanned withexactlythatfeelinginmind.Ihopethatcomingto theunionfeelslikesomethingtolookforwardtoeach week.
Ourdebatesthistermwilltakeonquestionsofpower, identity,morality,andthefuture,withmotionschosento inspiredynamiceveningsintheChamber.Wewillrevisit historyandnationalidentitybyaskinghowfigureslike Churchillshouldberemembered,andwhethersymbols suchastheEnglishflaguniteordivide.Wewilllook outwardtoEuropeandglobalpowerinconsideringthe caseforaunifiedEuropeanarmy,andturntodeeper questionsofbeliefandmoralcertaintyinoneoftheterm’s morephilosophicaldebatesontheexistenceofHell.Other motionsfocusfirmlyonthepresentandthefuture,from whetherartificialintelligencewillbehumanity’slastgreat invention,totheplaceofpoliticsinsport,theroleof modernphilanthropy,andwhoshouldowntheplatforms thatshapeourdigitallives.Iamespeciallyexcitedforour SpecialDebate,whichwillturntoAmerican
interventionism,drawingonhistoricalandcontemporary casestudies,andwillfeaturearangeofAmerican ambassadorsalongsideaveryspecialsurpriseguestspeaker. IhopethesedebateswillreaffirmtheOxfordUnion’s debatingtraditionatitsstrongest.
Alongsideourdebates,Iamthrilledtopresentarangeof speakereventsfeaturingleadingfiguresfromventure capital,technology,business,andbeyond.Manyofthese eventswilltakeplaceinmoreexclusivesettingsandoffer memberstheopportunitytointeractdirectlywithpeople shapingtheworldoutsidethesewalls.
Socially,thetermwillbejustasbusy.FromBurnsNight andourGraduateGala,toValentine’scelebrationsand LunarNewYearfestivities,everyeventhasbeenplanned withalittleextraimagination.Myaimthistermistobring afreshsenseoffuntotheUnion,addingnewideasand unexpectedsurprisestocreatespacesthatfeelexciting, thoughtful,andgenuinelyspecial.
Aboveall,IreallyhopethistermreflectstheUnionatits happiestandmostalive.Aplacewhereroomsarefull, conversationsareeasy,andthereisalwayssomethingtobe excitedabout.Whetheryoucomeoftenoronlynowand then,Ihopeyoufindthistermfilledwithmomentsworth keeping.Iverymuchlookforwardtowelcomingyou throughoutitall.
Best
wishes, Katherine Yang StPeter’sCollege president@oxford-union.org
Welcome Brayden Lee Librarian
HappyNewYeareveryone!
Debateisthebeatingheartofthissociety.Somanyofus grewupwatchingvideosoftheworld’sgreatestminds clashinghere,andnowgettowatchthemlive,mere metresaway.
TheUnionisagreatleveller.Withahomelifeaworld awayfromthepompandcircumstanceofOxford,Ihave realisedthattheUnionissospecial,aswhenyouareinthat chamber,everyoneisequal;theonlythingyoubringwith youisyourideas.
Asyouwatchthisterm’sdebates,fromAItoChurchill, PhilanthropytoHell,pleasedostandupandspeakyourself. WhetherintheEmergencyDebateorasafloorspeech, thereisnothingquitelikespeakinginthatChamber.
Ifyouwouldliketoknowmoreaboutspeakinginthe chamber,gettingcozyinthelibrary,orabsolutely anythingelse,pleasedoreachouttomeat librarian@oxford-union.org,I’malwaysmorethanhappy tohelp.
Withlotsoflove, Brayden Lee ChristChurch
librarian@oxford-union.org
Matthew Chiu Treasurer
WelcomebacktotheOxfordUnion!HilaryTermmight bethecoldesttermoftheyear,butthedebatesandspeaker eventsinourChamberthistermwillbeasinvigorating andengagingasever.Withthatinmind,we’redelighted tohostawiderangeofdebatesthisterm:fromevaluating theimplicationsofartificialgeneralintelligenceto examiningthesymbolicmeaningoftheEnglishflag, there’ssomethingforeveryonetotakepartin,be challengedby,andlearnfrom.
Asalways,we’vesecuredaseriesoffloorprizesand exclusiveTreasurer’sTreatstohelpyoumakethemostof yourmembership.Formembersinterestedinthe governanceofourSociety,FinanceCommitteemeetsat 3pmeveryMondayduringterm,andeveryoneiswelcome tojoinandcontribute.
IhopethatyouenjoyHilaryTermattheUnionandlook forwardtoseeingmanyofyouatourdebatesandevents!
Best
wishes, Matthew Chiu TrinityCollege treasurer@oxford-union.org
Harry Aldridge Secretary
HappyNewYear,andaverywarmwelcomebackto Oxford!
WhetheryouarereturningtotheUnionasafamiliarface orsteppingthroughitsdoorsfortheveryfirsttime,this termcardhasbeencreatedwithyouinmind.HilaryTerm hasareputationforbeingintense,andasyourSecretary,I havetakenthatasachallengebyputtingtogetherasocial calendartogiveeveryonesomethingtolookforwardto.
WithtraditionalScottishdancingatBurnsNightandthe colourandlantern-filledcelebrationsofLunarNewYear, thistermispackedwithreasonstodressupandcome along.ExpectromanceatourValentine’sDaySocial, competitionatourpubquizzes,andplentyofotherreasons tokeepcomingback!
Fromfireandsnowtoforestsandoceans,ourNight BetweenWorldsBallwilltransformtheUnionroomby roomintodistinctbiomesforoneunforgettableeveningto roundoffHilaryTerm.
Seeyousoon, Harry AldridgeNewCollege secretary@oxford-union.org
Week 1 (January 22)
Week 2 (January 29)
Week 3 (February 5)
Week 4 (February 12)
Week 5 (February 19)
Week 6 (February 26)
Week 7 (March 5)
Week 8 (March 12)
Debates March 3
ThisHouseBelievesthatChurchill wasaHero.
ThisHouseBelievestheEnglish FlagHasBecomeaSymbolof Division.
ThisHouseWouldCreatea UnifiedEuropeanArmy.
ThisHouseHopesthatHellExists.
ThisHouseBelievesthatArtificial GeneralIntelligenceWillBe Humanity’sLastGreatInvention.
ThisHouseWouldKeepPolitics OutofSport.
ThisHouseBelievesthatModern PhilanthropyisaToolfor ReputationLaundering.
ThisHouseWouldEndPrivate OwnershipofSocialMedia Platforms.
AmericaSpecialDebate
January 22 This House Believes that Churchill was a Hero.
WinstonChurchillremainsoneofthemosticonicanddivisive figuresinBritishhistory.TosomeChurchillwasamanwhose steadfastleadershipandsoaringoratoryguidedBritainthrough theSecondWorldWar;whorefusedtobowtofascismwhen Europestoodonthebrink;andwhosecourage,resolve,and strategicvisionpreserveddemocracyinitsdarkesthour.To many,heistheembodimentofnationalresilienceandthe architectofvictory.Othershowever,willcontendthatheroism mustbejudgedinfull,notfilteredthroughnostalgia.Theywill highlightChurchill’sroleinempire,hisattitudesonrace,andthe policieslinkedtosufferingabroad.Maybe,legendarywartime leadershipcannoterasecomplexlegacies,andthattocall Churchillaherowithoutqualificationrisksmyth-makingrather thanhonesthistory.
Speakers Proposition
ZiaYusuf
HeadofPolicyatReformUK,formerbanker,entrepreneurand politicalstrategist,seniorfigureinpartyorganisationand campaignoperations.
LailaCunningham
2028LondonmayoralcandidateforReformUK,formerCrown ProsecutionServiceprosecutor,WestminsterCitycouncillor,legal commentatorandcampaignstrategist.
AdnanMalik
Award-winningsurgeoncompletingaspecialisationinrobotic canceroperations,memberofSaïdBusinessSchoolcombining clinicalexpertisewithstrongleadershipandmanagement.
Opposition
BharathAnantham
rd
3 yearPPEistatHertford,competitivedebater,rankedasthebest individualspeakeratthe2026WorldUniversitiesDebating Championship.
TanushAgarwal
rd
3 yearPPEistatStCatherine’sCollege,competitivedebater, Semi-FinalistattheEuropeanChampionshipandQuarter-Finalist attheWorldChampionship.
January 29 This House Believes the English Flag Has Become a Symbol of Division.
Lamppostsdrapedinredandwhite;roundaboutspainted withtheStGeorge’sCross.Isthisaunifyingshowof Englishpride,orapoliticalstatementaboutwhobelongs andwhodoesn’t?Oncearallyingpointfornationalunity, theflagnowfeaturesheavilyinright-wingprotestsand culture-warflashpoints.Pollingsuggestsoverhalfofethnic minorityadultsseetheStGeorge’sCrossasaracistsymbol, and44%ofBritonsareuncomfortablewithitbeingraised intheirlocalarea.Yet,formany,theflagstillservesasa sourceofprideandsharedjoyduringnationalcelebrations andinternationalsportingevents.DoestheEnglishflagstill unite,orhasitbecomeasymbolofdivision?
Speakers Proposition
FemiOluwole
Politicalcommentatorandactivist,co-founderofpro-EUgroup OurFutureOurChoice,writerandpublicspeakerondemocracy andBrexit.
LordBilimoria
FounderofCobraBeer,crossbenchmemberoftheHouseof Lords,entrepreneurandbusinessleader,prominentadvocatefor UK–Indiarelations.
LordWoolley
PrincipalofHomertonCollege,Cambridge,founderanddirector ofOperationBlackVote,crossbenchmemberoftheHouseof Lords,leadingpubliccommentatoronequalityandsocialjustice.
Opposition
AndrewBowieMP
ShadowSecretaryofStateforScotland,ShadowMinisterfor EnergySecurityandNetZero,andConservativeMemberof ParliamentforWestAberdeenshireandKincardine.
ChrisPhilpMP
ShadowHomeSecretary,ConservativeMemberofParliamentfor CroydonSouth,andformerMinisterofStateforCrime,Policing andFire.
SunderKatwala
DirectorofBritishFuture,formerjournalistandgeneralsecretary oftheFabianSociety,leadingcommentatoronimmigration, identity,andintegration.
February 5 This House Would Create a Unified European Army. Europehaslongreliedoncooperationratherthanconsolidationforits security,balancingnationalsovereigntywithcollectivedefence throughNATOandadhocEUinitiatives.Yetinaneramarkedby renewedgreat-powercompetition,waronthecontinent,and unpredictabilityoverlong-termexternalsecurityguarantees,callsfora unifiedEuropeanarmyhavegrownlouder.Proponentsarguethata singleforcewouldfreeEuropefromtheuncertaintyofthewavering militarypromisesbyanincreasinglyinsularUS,strengtheningits strategicautonomyandallowingEuropetoactmoreefficientlyinits owndefence.Criticswarnthatsuchamovewouldunderminenational controloverarmedforcesandriskdestabilisingexistingsecurity arrangementssuchasNATO,potentiallycausingmoreconflictby upendingthedelicatebalanceinthealreadyheavilymilitarisedregion. WithEurope’ssecurityenvironmentmorefragilethanatanypointin recentdecades,thequestionisnolongertheoretical.ShouldEurope takethefinalsteptowardsmilitaryintegration,ordoessecurity demandcooperationwithoutunification?
Speakersforthisdebatewillberevealedatalaterdate.
February 12 This House Hopes that Hell Exists. “Forsakeallhope,allwhoenterhere."Eternalpunishment isastrongmotifinamajorityofworldreligions.Tosome, itisnecessaryforajustworld,magnifiesthegloryofGod, andvindicateshumanfreewill.Toothers,itisaplaceof endlesstormentthatisincompatiblewithGod’sgoodness andgravelyviolatesproportionaljustice.ThisHouse invitestheaudiencetoconsiderwhethercertainacts,such assystematiccruelty,consciousinflictionofharm,and intimatebetrayal,sointrudeonthemoralorderthatonlya beyond-worldlyaccountingcanmeaningfullynametheir gravity.Doesjusticerequirenotonlyrestraintanddue process,butahorizonwherewrongdoingfinallymeetsan answeritcannotoutlive?
Proposition Speakers GarethLim
rd nd th
3 yearLawstudentatStPeter’sCollege,WorldUniversitiesDebating Championship2 place-winningteam,5 bestspeaker,winnerofthe CambridgeandPrincetonIntervarsities.
JustinBrierley
Christianauthor,broadcaster,andspeaker,creatorandhostofthe Unbelievable? radioshowand Re-Enchanting podcast,writeron Christianity,faith,science,andculture.
Opposition
RabbiJonathanWittenberg
SeniorRabbiofMasortiJudaismUK,theologianandauthor,leading voiceincontemporaryJewishthought,interfaithadvocateandpublic moralcommentator.
ToddStiefel
Entrepreneurandphilanthropist,founderoftheStiefelFreethought Foundation,prominentadvocateforsecularismandreason,supporterof education,science,andfreeinquiry.
MichaelShermer
Sciencewriterandpublicintellectual,founderof Skeptic magazine,author onscience,belief,andcriticalthinking,prominentadvocateofskepticism andsecularinquiry.
TrevorPoelman
Hostof Belief It Or Not podcast,formeryouthpastorandevangelical Christian,frequentcommentatoronfaith,atheism,philosophy,and culture.
SatishKumar
PeaceactivistandformerJainmonk,founderandeditoremeritusof Resurgence & Ecologist magazine,authorandglobalspeakeronecology, spirituality,andnonviolence.
February 19 This House Believes that Artificial General Intelligence Will Be Humanity’s Last Great Invention. Fromtheinventionoftheprintingpresstothemicrochip,humanity hasclimbedalongladderofprogress,buildingtoolsthatextendour reachandamplifyhumancapability.Forcenturies,eachinnovationand breakthroughhasbeenanotherrung.Artificialgeneralintelligence mightbedifferent.Anadvancedartificialgeneralintelligencesystem thatcanthink,createandactcouldvastlyamplifyhumaningenuity, promoteeconomicgrowth,andfosterhuman-ledinnovation.Butit couldalsobeourlastgreatinvention:artificialintelligencemaytake overourcapacityfordiscovery,leavinghumanscientistsand entrepreneursonthesidelinesandpotentiallyevenpavingthewayto ourextinction.Thisdebateasksastarkquestionaboutthefutureof innovationandhumanity.Isartificialgeneralintelligencetheultimate amplifierofhumancreativity,orwillitmarktheendofhuman-led scientificprogressandinnovationasweknowit?
Proposition Speakers Opposition
February 26 This House Would Keep Politics Out of Sport. Sportisararespaceofunity:celebratedasauniversallanguage, sharedpassion,andarealmoffaircompetition.Yet,inanera shapedbyactivism,geopoliticaltension,andtheimmensevisibility ofathletes,thelinebetweensportandpoliticshasneverbeen thinner.Fromathletestakingthekneetonationsboycotting tournaments,fromsymbolicprotestsonthepodiumtothe geopoliticalbattlesbehindtheOlympicGames,theplayingfieldis increasinglyshapedbyforcesfarbeyondthegameitself.Injecting politicsintosportmayerodeitsspirit,alienatingfansandplacing unduepressureonathleteswhosimplywanttocompete.Critics, however,contendthatsporthasalwaysbeenpolitical:its institutions,funding,andglobalplatformsinherentlyreflectsocial valuesandpowerstructures.Withglobaldivisiongreaterthanany timeinrecenthistory,thequestionfeelsmoreurgentthanever.
SpeakersforthePropositionwillberevealedatalaterdate.
LordSkidelsky Economichistorianandpoliticalthinker,crossbenchmemberof theHouseofLords,leadingauthorityonJohnMaynardKeynes, authorandpubliccommentatoroneconomicpolicy.
AzeemRafiq Formerprofessionalcricketer,whistlebloweronracisminsport, campaignerforequalityandaccountability,prominentvoicein reformingEnglishcricket.
March 5 This House Believes that Modern Philanthropy is a Tool for Reputation Laundering.
Privatephilanthropyremainsacornerstoneofourmodern world.Billionsofdollarsflowfromwealthyindividualsto charities,politicalcauses,ground-breakingmedicalresearchand monumentalconstructionprojects.Thesecapitalflowshave figurativelyandliterallyremadeourworld.Tosome,this generosityfuelsscientificbreakthroughs,culturalinstitutions, andglobaldevelopment,fillinggapsgovernmentscannotorwill notaddress.Toothers,itisthegildedmaskofplutocracy— permittingthewealthytodefinesociety’sproblems,designtheir solutions,andcleansereputationsforgedthroughexploitation. Thisdebateconfrontsthegrowingconcernoverthemotivesand consequencesofcontemporarygiving.
Proposition Speakers LinseyMcGoey
ProfessorofSociologyattheUniversityofEssex,leadingscholar onignorance,power,andphilanthro-capitalism,authorof The Unknowers and No Such Thing as a Free Gift.
EricaKohl-Arenas
AssociateProfessorofAmericanStudiesattheUniversityof California,Davis,expertonphilanthropy,inequality,andsocial movements,authorof The Self-Help Myth.
SarahChayes
Author,formerNPRcorrespondentandseniorfellowatthe CarnegieEndowmentforInternationalPeace,experton corruptionanditseffects.
RobertLarson
ProfessorofEconomicsatTacomaCommunityCollege,authorof Bit Tyrants: The Political Economy of Silicon Valley,criticofSilicon Valleypowerandbigtech.
Opposition
NickHanauer
Venturecapitalistandentrepreneur,co-founderofCivicVentures, leadingadvocateforinclusivecapitalism,authorandpublicvoice oninequalityandeconomicreform.
AndrewMorse
Philanthropistandmarineconservationist,ChairofOcean Alliance,majorbenefactorsupportingoverfortyglobalcharities, prominentpatronofenvironmentalscienceandoceanresearch.
March 12 This House Would End Private Ownership of Social Media Platforms.
Whathappenswhenthedigitaltownsquareisownedby billionaires,drivenbyopaquealgorithms,andgovernedbyno oneyouevervotedfor?Inaworldwhereafewprivate companiesshapewhatyousee,whatyouknowandhowyou think,thequestionisnolongerwhethersocialmediadirects societybutwhoshoulddirectsocialmediaitself.Thisdebateasks whetherprivateownershipshouldend.Wouldpublicor democraticcontrolprotectusfromdisinformation,manipulation andaddictivedesign,orwoulditcrushinnovation,free expressionandtheunrulycreativitythatdefinestheinternet? Joinusforahigh-stakesconfrontationoverpower,freedomand thefutureofouronlineworld.Ifsocialmediaisthenewpublic square,shouldthepublicownit?
Speakers Proposition
SheetalKumar
Internetgovernanceanddigitalrightsadvocateandexpert, freelanceconsultantondigitaltechnologypolicyandhuman rights.
KateLacey
ProfessorofMediaHistory&TheoryattheUniversityofSussex, leadingscholarofmediahistory,authorof Listening Publics: The Politics and Experience of Listening in the Media Age.
Opposition
HannahFerguson
Co-FounderandCEOofCheekMediaCo.,anindependentnews platform,Forbes30Under30honoree,authorof Bite Back and Taboo,leadingvoiceonfeminism,politics,andsociety.
JeffreyHoward
ProfessorofPoliticalPhilosophy&PublicPolicyatUniversity CollegeLondon,researcherofsocialmedia,authorof Setting Fire to Reason: The Ethics of Free Speech.
JulieCohen
MarkClasterMamolenProfessorofLaw&Technologyat GeorgetownUniversity,researcherofprivacy,surveillance,and intellectualpropertylaw.
March 3 America Special Debate Themotionforthisdebatewillberevealedatalaterdate.
Speakers PatrickDuddy
FormerUnitedStatesAmbassadortoVenezuela(2007–2010), careerForeignServiceofficer,senioradviseronLatinAmerican policy,expertondiplomacyduringperiodsofpoliticalcrisis.
PeterRomero
FormerUnitedStatesAmbassadortoEcuador(1993–1996)and AssistantSecretaryofStateforWesternHemisphereAffairs,co- hostof American Diplomat podcast.
JamesStory
FormerUnitedStatesAmbassadortoVenezuela(2018–2023), careerForeignServiceofficer,formerConsulGeneralinRiode Janeiro,specialistindiplomacyandLatinAmericanaffairs.
Floor Prizes AwardedforthebestfloorspeechinaThursdaydebate.
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Discussion on AI, Philosophy, and the Catholic Church Father Paolo Benanti
FatherPaoloBenantiisaFranciscanfriarand theologianwidelyrecognizedastheVatican’s leadingauthorityontheethicsofAIandtechnology. ServingasakeyadvisortoPopeFrancisanda memberoftheUnitedNationsHigh-LevelAdvisory BodyonAI,heactsasacrucialbridgebetweenthe CatholicChurch’smoralteachingsandAI’srapid innovation.Heisbestknownfordevelopingthe conceptof"algorethics,"arguingthatalgorithms mustbedesignedwithethicalprinciplesfromthe grounduptopreventthemfrombecominginvisible toolsofoppression.Withabackgroundin engineeringbeforeenteringthepriesthood,Father Benantipossessesauniquedualperspectivethat allowshimtoaddressthetechnicalcomplexitiesof AIwhileadvocatingforhumandignity.
Dr. Michael Augros Dr.MichaelAugrosisahighlyrespectedphilosopher andauthoratThomasAquinasCollegewho specializesintheintersectionofThomistic metaphysicsandmodernscience.Hiswork challengesthematerialistviewofAI,arguingthat whilemachinescanmimiccalculation,theylackthe immaterialintellectnecessaryfortrueunderstanding andconsciousness.Drawingonthethoughtof AristotleandAquinas,hepositsthatthehuman capacitytograspabstractuniversalsprovesthatthe mindtranscendsthephysicallimitationsofcomputer codeandmatter.Beyondtheirpopularappeal,his books,suchas The Immortal in You,arewidely respectedinacademiaandareusedascourse textbooksinuniversityphilosophyprogramsfor theirclarityandlogicalprecision.
February 25 29
Individual Speakers Jean Todt January 22
JeanTodtisaFrenchmotorsportadministratorand formerrallyco-driver.HeledPeugeotTalbotSport beforebecomingtheteamprincipalofScuderia FerrariandlaterCEOofFerrari,duringaperiodof unprecedentedsuccess.From2009to2021,hewas PresidentoftheFédérationInternationalede l'Automobile(FIA),andnowservesastheUnited NationsSecretary-General’sSpecialEnvoyforRoad Safety.
Zia Yusuf
January 22
ZiaYusufisaBritishpoliticianandentrepreneur currentlyservingastheHeadofPolicyatReform UK.Afterstartinghiscareerinbanking,hemoved intoentrepreneurshipandco-foundedVelocity Black,aluxuryconciergefirm,beforeentering nationalpolitics.Hehasalsopreviouslyservedasthe ChairmanofReformUKandastheHeadofits DepartmentofGovernmentEfficiency(DOGE).
Laila Cunningham January 22 LailaCunninghamisaBritishpoliticianand WestminsterCityCouncillorforLancasterGate.She waspreviouslyaprosecutorfortheCrown ProsecutionService.Sheenteredpoliticsfollowing herlegalcareerandwaselectedtoWestminsterCity Councilin2022.InJanuary2026,shewas announcedasReformUK'scandidateforthe upcomingLondonmayoralelection,whichwilltake placeinMay2028.
Roger Myerson January 23
RogerMyersonisanAmericaneconomistandthe DavidL.PearsonDistinguishedServiceProfessorat theUniversityofChicago.Hewasawardedthe2007 NobelMemorialPrizeinEconomicSciencesforhis pioneeringworkinmechanismdesigntheory.His researchfocusesongametheoryanditsapplications topoliticalscience,includingthestudyofelectoral systems.Heistheauthoroftheinfluentialtextbook Game Theory: Analysis of Conflict.
Audrey AzoulayFebruary 6
AudreyAzoulayisaFrenchculturaladministrator andpublicservantwhohasservedasDirector- GeneralofUNESCOsince2017.FormerlyFrance’s MinisterofCulture,sheisknownforherworkon culturalheritageprotection,mediafreedom,and internationalcooperation.Herleadershiphasfocused onsafeguardingheritageinconflictzonesand strengtheningUNESCO’sroleinglobaleducation, science,andculture.
Tawakkol Karman February 9
TawakkolKarmanisaYemenijournalist,human rightsactivist,andNobelPeacePrizelaureate.A leadingfigureinYemen’spro-democracy movement,shebecameinternationallyprominent duringtheArabSpringforheradvocacyofpolitical freedom,women’srights,andfreedomofexpression. In2011,shewasawardedtheNobelPeacePrizefor hernon-violentstrugglefordemocracyandcivil rights.Sheplaysaglobalroleinhumanrightsand democraticreformdebates.
Blair Effron February 9
BlairEffronisaprominentAmericanfinancierand theco-founderofCenterviewPartners,aleading globalinvestmentbankingfirmestablishedin2006. Withoverfourdecadesofexperience,hehasadvised ontransactionsformajorcorporationssuchasGE, Disney,andPepsiCo.Adedicatedphilanthropist, EffronservesontheboardsoftheCouncilon ForeignRelations,theMetropolitanMuseumofArt, andPrincetonUniversity.
Matt Clifford
February 10
MattCliffordisaBritishtechnologyentrepreneur andpublicpolicyleader.Heistheco-founderof EntrepreneursFirst,atalentinvestorthathashelped launchhundredsoftechnologystartupsworldwide. HealsoservesasChairoftheUK’sAdvanced ResearchandInventionAgency(ARIA),wherehe focusesonhigh-risk,high-rewardinnovation.His worksitsattheintersectionofentrepreneurship, science,andnationalinnovationstrategy.
Trita Parsi
February 11
TritaParsiisanIranian-Americanforeignpolicy analystandauthorspecializinginU.S.–MiddleEast relations.Heistheco-founderandexecutivevice presidentoftheQuincyInstituteforResponsible Statecraft,andpreviouslyfoundedtheNational IranianAmericanCouncil.Knownforhisworkon diplomacy,nuclearnon-proliferation,andregional security,heisaprominentvoiceadvocating restraint-basedU.S.foreignpolicy.
Christopher Anderson
February 12
ChristopherAndersonisanAmericanphotographer andamemberofMagnumPhotos,widelyregarded forhisdeeplypersonalandunconventionalapproach todocumentarywork.Hisphotographsmove betweenconflict,politicalpower,andprivatelife, oftenfocusingonmomentsofintimacyratherthan spectacle.Andersonhasworkedwith Vanity Fair, producingaccess-drivenprojectsthatexplorethe atmosphereandpsychologyofelitespaces.
Marcin Przydacz
February 12
MarcinPrzydaczisaPolishdiplomatandattorney specialisingininternationalsecurityandtransatlantic relations.AsformerUndersecretaryofStateatthe MinistryofForeignAffairs,hewasakeyarchitectof Poland’sEasternpolicyandstrategicengagement withNATO.Knownforhisrigorousanalytical approach,hehasheldhigh-levelrolesinthe ChancelleryofthePresident,representingPolish interestsacrossglobalforums.
Luke Powell February 17 LukePowellistheManagingPartnerofMacfarlanes. Sincejoiningthefirmandrisingtopartner,hehas alsoservedasco-headoftheCorporateandM&A group.Specializinginprivateequityandfinancial services,hemaintainsanactivepracticealongsidehis leadershiprole.Powellisatrustedadvisortohigh- profileclientssuchasGoldmanSachs,Permira,and Legal&General,andiswidelyrecognizedforhis expertiseincomplextransactions.
Patrick Roux February
25 PatrickRouxistheCEOofSkyTeam,leadingthe globalairlineallianceintoitsnexteraof connectivity.Anindustryveteranwithdecadesof experienceatAirFrance-KLM,henowoverseesa networkofeighteenmemberairlines.Rouxfocuses onenhancingthetravelerexperiencethroughdigital innovation,seamlessintermodaltravelwithpartners likeEurostar,andacommitmenttosustainability acrossthealliance’svastinternationalroutenetwork.
Namal Rajapaksa February
25 NamalRajapaksaisaSriLankanpoliticianand MemberofParliament.HewaselectedtoParliament in2010forHambantotaDistrictandsubsequently re-electedinsuccessivegeneralelections.In2020,he becameSriLanka’sMinisterofYouthandSports.In 2024,hewasnominatedbyhispartytocontestthe presidentialelections.HeservesastheNational OrganiseroftheSriLankaPodujanaPeramuna,one ofSriLanka’smainpoliticalparties.
Eric Maskin February 27
EricMaskinistheAdamsUniversityProfessoranda ProfessorofEconomicsandMathematicsatHarvard University.Hewasawardedthe2007Nobel MemorialPrizeinEconomicSciencesforlayingthe foundationsofmechanismdesigntheory.His influentialresearchspansgametheory,contract theory,andsocialchoice.Maskinalsoservesasthe President-ElectoftheInternationalEconomic Association.
Matt Hancock March 3
MattHancockisaBritishformerpoliticianwho servedasSecretaryofStateforHealthandSocial Carefrom2018to2021.AnOxfordand Cambridge-educatedeconomist,hewasfirstelected astheConservativeMPforWestSuffolkin2010. Duringhistenure,heplayedaprominentroleinthe UK’sresponsetotheCOVID-19pandemic.Heleft Parliamentin2024andcurrentlyfocuseson neurodiversityadvocacyandtechnology.
Neil Mehta
March 4
NeilMehtaisthefounderandmanagingpartnerof Greenoaks,aprominentinvestmentfirmfocusedon long-termtechnologyandconsumercompanies.A graduateoftheLondonSchoolofEconomics,he previouslyworkedatthehedgefundD.E.Shawand KayneAnderson.Heiswellknownforhishigh- convictioninvestmentsinmajorglobalfranchises likeCoupang,Stripe,andWiz,oftenappearingon theForbesMidasListoftoptechinvestors.
Lee Mack
March 7
LeeMackisaBAFTA-winningEnglishcomedian, actor,andwriter.Heisbestknownasthecreator andstarofthelong-runningBBCsitcomNot GoingOutandasaquick-wittedteamcaptainon thepanelshow Would I Lie to You?.Since2022,he hasalsohostedthesuccessfulITVgameshow The 1% Club.Aprominentstand-upperformer,he remainsastapleofBritishtelevisioncomedyand entertainment.
Kevin Hartz March 9
KevinHartzisanAmericanentrepreneurand investorbestknownastheco-founderandformer CEOofEventbrite,whichheledtoapublicoffering in2018.Healsoco-foundedXoom,amoney transferserviceacquiredbyPayPal.Aprolificangel investor,Hartzprovidedearlyfundingforcompanies likeAirbnb,Uber,andPinterest.Hecurrentlyserves asaGeneralPartneratA*,aventurecapitalfirmhe co-foundedin2020.
Ziad Haider
March 9
ZiadHaiderisaPartnerandtheGlobalDirectorof GeopoliticsatMcKinsey&Company,wherehe advisesmultinationalboardsonnavigating geopoliticalriskandresilience.Previously,heserved intheU.S.StateDepartmentasSpecial RepresentativeforCommercialandBusinessAffairs andwasamemberofthePolicyPlanningStaff.An experiencedattorneyandFulbrightScholar,heholds degreesfromYale,Harvard,andGeorgetown.
Attila Mesterházy March 11
AttilaMesterházyisaHungarianpoliticianwho servedastheChairmanoftheHungarianSocialist Party(MSZP)from2010to2014.Along-serving MemberofParliament(2004–2022),hewasthe party’scandidateforPrimeMinisterinthe2010and 2014elections.Internationally,hepresidedoverthe NATOParliamentaryAssemblyfrom2019to2020. In2023,heleftMSZPtoco-foundthenewsocial democraticparty,SocialistsandDemocrats.
Steven Crowder March 11
StevenCrowderisanAmerican-Canadian conservativepoliticalcommentatorandformeractor. Hecreatedandhoststhedailyshow Louder with Crowder,knownforitsChangeMyMindcampus
Morespeakerswillberevealedthroughouttheterm.
Competitive Debate TheOxfordUnionhasaproudtraditionof competitiveUniversitydebatingintheBritish Parliamentaryformat,supportingoneofthemost successfuldebateteamsintheworld.Werun regulartrainingsessions,socialeventsandfully fundteamstorepresenttheOxfordUnionat variousinternationaltournaments,withrecent destinationsincludingVietnam,Panamaandthe USA!
Gettinginvolvedincompetitivedebatedoesn’t requireanypriorexperience.Istarteddebatingat theUnionhavingneverdebatedbefore,andfirst yearsregularlygoontomakeourEuropeanand WorldChampionshipteams.Alongtheway,you’ll learntothinkonyourfeet,communicate persuasively,andengagewithcomplexissues, supportedbyourexperiencedcoaches.
Tosignuptoourmailinglist: Sendablankemailtodebate-announcesubscribe@maillist.com Email: Instagram:cdsc@oxford-union.org @oxforddebating
HilarySquadstimetable: Beginners:Monday7:00-10:00pm Intermediates&Advanced:Wednesday7:00pm-10:00pm
AlltrainingsessionswilltakeplaceinMacmillanRoom.
Ahmed Hussain CDSC
World Championship Success Oxfordfielded9teamstotheWorldUniversitiesDebating Championship(WUDC)takingplacethisyearinSofia,Bulgaria. After9roundsofdebating,onmotionsrangingfromSaudi Arabiaandreligiousdepictionsofthedivinetotaxsystemsand socialmediaalgorithms,Oxfordemergedwithgreatsuccess.
HighlightsincludeBharathAnanthamandGarethLim,who finishedsecondoverall,withBharathcrownedWorld’sBest SpeakerandGarethrankedfifthindividually.Fiveotherteams brokeatthetournament,fourofthemplacinginthetop20,with HansDeepakandChaniduRatnayakereachingthesemifinals.
Without the support of the Oxford Union, its community, training and resources, none of this would have been possible.
- BharathandGareth
The Library Facilities TheOldLibrarywastheoriginaldebatingchamberoftheUnion.Stocked withover60,000books,theUnion’slibraryfacilitiesareextensive,spacious andbeautiful.
Itevenhasafreestandingfireplace,oneofthreeinthewholeoftheUnited Kingdom!Onitswallsaresomeoftheworld’smostfamousPre-Raphaelite muralsdepictingscenesfromArthurianlegend,paintedbyartistsofthe calibreofDanteGabrielRosettiandWilliamMorris.TheadjoiningPoetry Roomisahiddengem—aperfectspaceforsilent,independentstudy.
TheGoodmanLibrary,GladstoneRoomandMacmillanRoomarealsospaces availableforusefromanymemberduringouropenhoursandprovidea secludedstudyspaceinahistoricatmosphere.
Pleaseemail library@oxford-union.org withanyquestions.
Termtime Opening Hours: Monday–Friday (09:30–10:00), Saturday (11:00–17:00), closed Sundays
The Members’ Bar Few,ifany,placesinOxfordcombinethecomfortandaffordabilityofour Members’Bar.Perfectforaquietcoffee,alightlunch,orapintwithsome friends,itisaplacewheremembersandtheirguestscanenjoyhigh-quality foodanddrink,witha25%members-onlydiscount.
Thebarisdecoratedwithmemorabiliafrompastguestsandisoften frequentedbyourspeakersbeforeorafteratalk.FollowingeachMain Debate,aftereveryonehaslefttheChamber,thePresidentwillreadoutthe resultofthevoteintheBar.
OurHouseManager,Sasha,wouldbehappytohearfrommemberswith questionsandsuggestions.Shecanbereachedat bar@oxford-union.org.
Alternatively,pleasecontacttheSecretaryaboutattendingWineandSpirits Committee.
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday (11:00–23:00), Thursday to Saturday (11:00–midnight), lunch served Monday to Saturday (12:00–14:00)
After Hours Plush Free entry Thursday evenings
Love
Jericho Happy hour prices
The Duke of Cambridge Happy hour prices
Banana Tree
25% off à la carte items Sunday to Thursday
Ede & Ravenscroft 15% off retail items
The Missing Bean (Turl Street) 10% off Februaryfrom 1
COSMO
15% off food only Monday to Thursday
Brasserie Blanc
20% off food Monday to Friday all day/ Saturday till 5pm (excluding sets/other offers)
TGJones 20% off books and stationery
Steamhouse 20% off
Giggling Squid 10% off on all dishes and soft drinks
Sunday to Thursday Thaikhun 15% off food
Sunday to Thursday, excluding drinks
Barefoot, Happy Cakes, Mac NedsSimple, Noodle Bar, Tap Social 15% off
Oxford University Amateur Boxing Club: Town vs Gown (January 31) 25% off with code TVG26UNION
Burrows & Hare (Westgate), iScream Gelateria, Oxford Wine Cellar, Tree Artisan Cafe, Wicked Chocolate, Love GreensJericho, Cafe, The Cape of Good Hope 10% off
Kit Keeper15% off with code OXFORDUNION15
Information Guest Policy Membersareallowedtobringuptothreegueststoanevent,aslong as:
1.Theguestisnotthemselveseligibleformembership;
2.Theguestpaysa£12.50entryfee;
3.Allmemberswhowishtoattendhavealreadytakentheirseats.
Eventsmaybemademembersonlywhenthereisasecurityriskor extremelyhighdemand.
Accessibility TheOxfordUnionisdedicatedtoensuringthatitisasaccessibleas possibleforallofourmembers.Ifyoueverhaveanyquestions regardingtheaccessibilityofaneventortheUnionmoregenerally, pleasereachouttoourChairofAccess,Yan,at access.chair@oxfordunion.org.YoucanalsoraisethoughtsandsuggestionsatAccess Committee.
Accessibility Pass Policy and Event Access Anymemberwhohasaccessibilityrequirementsisentitledtorequest reasonableadjustments.
OurAccessibilityPassPolicyisavailableontheRulesandPolicies sectionofourwebsitewithaPDFversionavailableonrequest.We haveanaccessbenchatalloureventsforanymemberswith accessibilityrequirements.
Foranyspecificaccessibilityqueriesregardinganevent,pleasecontact theHouseManagerat bar@oxford-union.org,ortheCCC,Aaron Zeleke,at ccc@oxford-union.org.
Wecanensurethatthereisspaceforawheelchairorprovisionsmade foraguidedog,ormakeanyotherreasonableadjustmentsnecessary toenablememberstomakethemostoftheirmembership.Thereisa hearingaidloopinthechamberand,shouldyouwishtouseit,switch yourhearingaidto‘T’.
Committees The affairs of the Society are managed by a number of committees, each of which meet in person throughout the term. These committees work for you, the members, so please do not hesitate to email the respective chairs for information on how to attend these meetings.
Social Events Senior Appointed Junior Appointed
Staff President’s Thanks BecomingPresidentofthisSocietywasneversomethingIexpected. ButIamdeterminedtodeliveranexceptionalterm,andIfeelconfident indoingsobecauseofthepeoplewhohavesupportedme,encouraged me,andstoodbymethroughoutthisjourney.
Thankyoutomyfamily,especiallymyparentsandgrandmother.Your endlessloveandsupporthavegivenmetheconfidencetotakeon anythingwithoutfearorhesitation.ImovethroughlifeknowingIam alwayssupported,andthatcertaintymeanseverythingtome.And thankyoutomyoggforbeingthenicestandsweetesttomeallthe time.Youmakemesohappy,andIloveyoumost!
ThankyoutoMoosa,myforeverpresident,foryournever-ending supportandfriendship.YouhavealwaysbeenthelioninthisUnion andyoualwayswillbe.ThankyoutoIsrarforalwayshelpingmeand foralwaysinspiringmebybeingsofearlessandconfident.Pleasebring yourniecestotheUnionagain!ThankyoutoRazaforbeingthe smartestandmostcapable.Ihavelearntlotsandlotsfromyou throughouttheterms.ThankyoutoSamy,thefallensoldier,foryour unwaveringloyaltyandexcellentvibes.Fingerscrossedyoucomeback fromthegravebeforethetermends.Adnan…thenot-so-fallensolider! Thankyousomuchforalwaysbeingthereandhelpingme.Padel Daniel,youarethebest!Thankyouforallthefunmoments,andIam excitedtoseeyouastheUnionVC.ThankyoutoLizaforallyouhave donetohelpmewithrunningVacDaysthisterm.Ihopeyouwillbe abletocontinuesupportingthistermtosuccess.ThankyouLillian,you arejustsoamazing.I’mreallyexcitedtoseewhatwecandotogether thisterm!ThankyoutoAinsley,Val,Wera,Jiforbeingsoloyal,smart, caring,funny…Icouldgoonandon.Iamreallygratefulforyour friendship.AndaveryspecialthankstoKatie,Sera,Donovan,Sidd Nagrath,Matteo,andAaronforalsobeingsosupportive.Aaron,you aregreat!
GarethLim!Thankyousomuchforhelpingwitheverything.IknowI canalwayscountonyou.ThankyoutoChrisforallyouradviceand kindwords.ThankyouMatthewforalwaysbeingsohardworking, smart,andrational.Ahmad,thankyouforyoursweetmessages!Hugo, thankyouforbringingmeintotheUnion.Iamexcitedtoseeyouboth again.ThankyoutoViraansh,Unioncelebrity,forallyourhelp.You areallsokindtome.ThankyoutoAftabforbeingsofunny.AndVeer! ImisswhenwewererunningStandingtogether.Hopingyoucome backsoon.Let’sbringbacktheducklingsgroup!Imissyoulots.Thank youtoSageforhelpingmeproducethistermcard.Genuinely,this termcardwouldnotexistwithoutyourhelp.
Thankyoutotheincrediblestaff,especiallyRichard,Tom,John,and Stevenforallyourhardwork.Withoutyouall,theUnionwouldnotbe standing.ThankyoutoMsSchofieldforallofyoursupportandadvice. IhopeIwillbeabletomakeyouproud.
ThankyoutoDr.PetkoffandDr.Malikforbeingsosupportiveofme. Ireallyamverygratefulforit.
TherearesomanypeopleIamgratefultothatitisimpossibletocapture itallinjustafewwords.PleaseknowhowdeeplythankfulIamtoeach ofyou!IhopeIwillbeabletomakeyouallproud.
Here'stoagreatterm, Katherine Yang President,HilaryTerm2026
Designandillustrationsby SangeunNoh,MagdalenCollege
