The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation are thrilled to announce Melinda French Gates as the distinguished keynote speaker for the 13th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture. This annual lecture, initiated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, has become a significant moment in promoting peace, healing, and courageous leadership. Taking place on 17 November, the Peace Lecture is a powerful opportunity to reaffirm the Arch’s enduring legacy and the values he embodies, not only for South Africa but for people worldwide.
This year bears great significance for the Foundation as we celebrate Mrs. Leah Tutu’s 90th birthday. As an anti-apartheid activist, Mrs. Tutu played a pivotal role in founding the Domestic Workers Association in 1984, and remained a formidable force alongside Archbishop Tutu during his activism against apartheid. In paying homage to her leadership, this year’s lecture theme is Unlocking Women’s Power for Peace and Prosperity. We are excited to host Melinda French Gates, a passionate advocate for women and girls. Through her decades-long work with the Gates Foundation, she has witnessed first-hand how when women and girls have power, they lift up their families, and communities and societies. This year we are approaching the Peace Lecture with a different format — Melinda French Gates will be joined by CEO of Conversation Strategist and global moderator Nozipho Tshablala, both women will explore this year’s theme through a fireside chat.
The 13th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture will provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contributions of women’s leadership through the world and within our communities. As an additional tribute to Mrs. Tutu’s 90th birthday, we will be opening an exhibition celebrating the extraordinary stories of the many women who contributed to the anti-apartheid struggle, with a focus on 90 stories. This exhibition will open at The Old Granary in District Six, this month to mark Mrs. Tutu’s birthday, and will move to the CTICC as part of the lecture.
Tickets available via Quicket.