Hope Away from Home: An Evening with Emi Mahmoud
Hosted Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center hosted an inspirational evening with Emtithal (Emi) Mahmoud—Sudanese-American slam poet, humanitarian and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Emi’s award-winning writing and powerful performances on global stages, including the UN General Assembly, COP, the World Economic Forum in Davos and the Women’s Forum in Paris, have raised awareness of the global refugee crisis, creating empathy and advocating on behalf of the forcibly displaced.
Opening and closing remarks were by Valerie Nkamgang Bemo, Deputy Director, Global Development – Emergency Response, at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Kelly T. Clements, Deputy High Commissioner, UNHCR. Catering was provided by Project Feast.
Watch the event video
She has debated with presidents, been comforted by the Dalai Lama, and been called one of the world’s most inspiring women – but it’s as a poet that Emtithal Mahmoud truly shines.
The Guardian
Event schedule
5 p.m. Doors open, grab food and drinks
5:30 p.m. Opening remarks and introductions
5:40 p.m. Poetry performance and remarks (2-3 poems)
6 p.m. Moderated discussion with Emi and DHC
6:20 p.m. Poetry performance (1-2 poems and remarks)
6:30-7 p.m. Reception, grab food and drinks