Chancellor of University of Warwick- Advocate Bience Gawanas Guest Lecture

Special Warwick Summer School Guest Lecture: Chancellor of University of Warwick- Advocate Bience Gawanas

As part of our annual Warwick Summer School, we are thrilled to host weekly Guest Lectures by leading figures from across the public and private sectors. These interactive sessions are a highlight of the programme and offer our students a unique opportunity to engage with global thought leaders.

This year, we are honoured and delighted to welcome our very own Chancellor, Advocate Bience Gawanas, to deliver a special guest lecture. For this occasion, we are pleased to extend the invitation to staff and students across the University.

Lecture Overview

Advocate Gawanas will explore the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) into the African Union (AU) and the focus on social justice and social development issues. She will reflect on what Africans and those in the diaspora can do to support Africa wherever they are in the world.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 22 July

Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm (Lecture begins at 5:30pm)

Location: Central Campus (venue details to follow upon registration)

Includes: 45-minute lecture, 15-minute Q&A, and a 30-minute drinks reception

About the Chancellor

Advocate Bience Gawanas is a Namibian lawyer, diplomat, and social justice advocate, and the newly appointed Chancellor of University of Warwick.

Best known for her extensive career with the Government of Namibia, the United Nations, and the African Union, she has held senior roles focused on social justice, gender equality, peacebuilding, women’s rights, and sustainable development. Her international leadership and dedication to promoting justice and human dignity have earned her widespread recognition.

A Warwick alumna, Bience came to the University as a refugee and graduated in 1986 before qualifying as a barrister at Lincoln's Inn. She returned to Namibia in 1989 and has since built a career spanning over 40 years in law and human rights. In 2023, she was awarded an honorary degree by Warwick in recognition of her lifelong contributions to global justice and equality.