Global peace icon and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Phan Thị Kim Phúc to deliver inaugural Bridging Futures lecture in Swansea
UNESCO BRIDGES General Assembly to gather international leaders, indigenous voices, and changemakers in Wales
The UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES Coalition is proud to announce its General Assembly event, , will take place July 16–17, 2025, at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea.
This landmark event will feature the inaugural Bridging Futures Distinguished Public Lecture, delivered by - UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, global peace advocate, and the individual at the heart of one of history’s most iconic photographs.
Kim Phúc, often referred to informally as “the girl in the picture” from the Vietnam War, has transformed her trauma into a lifelong mission for peace, reconciliation, and compassion. Her presence in Swansea signals a powerful call for healing and shared humanity in a time of global challenge.
“Peace begins with compassion - for ourselves, for each other, and for the planet. In Swansea, I hope to share not only my story, but a message that pain can be transformed into purpose, and that together, we can build a more just and peaceful future,” said Phan Thị Kim Phúc (Kim).
Bridging Futures will spotlight Wales’ pioneering Well-being of Future Generations Act, drawing attention to global efforts toward sustainable, inclusive, and intergenerational governance.
A Public Gathering of Global Visionaries
The event’s first day (July 16) is open to the general public by and will culminate in Kim Phúc’s keynote lecture. The day will include , most notably an address from the . Attendees will also hear from prominent figures including:
- Jane Davidson, Former Welsh Minister for Environment and Sustainability;
- Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales;
- Gustavo Merino, Director of Social Policy, UNESCO;
- Global thought leaders from the World Academy of Art and Science, Club of Rome, and Arizona State University.
A fireside chat and high-level roundtable on climate policy and sustainability will deepen discussions on current challenges and future strategies.
Luci Attala, Deputy Executive Director of BRIDGES, said:
“At a time of profound global disruption, we must build bridges between generations, disciplines and cultures to shape a future that is just, sustainable and peaceful. A bridge is not just a structure. It is a symbol of connection and direction, linking where we are to where we must go. Swansea, with its rich history of activism for peace and justice, offers the perfect setting for this inaugural Bridging Futures Lecture. Delivered by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Kim Phúc, this event marks a powerful moment of reflection and shared commitment to a world where compassion, wisdom, and future-minded leadership guide our choices.”
How to Attend
Please register your attendance by
Please see the attached poster/s.
About the Lecture Series
The Bridging Futures lecture series is a new global initiative committed to inspiring future-focused, ethically grounded leadership. It is co-sponsored by the UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES Coalition, Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Ҵý, and Arizona State University Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.
About UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES:
BRIDGES is a sustainability science coalition, anchored within UNESCO’s MOST (Management of Social Transformations) Programme, dedicated to fostering transdisciplinary research and dialogue on sustainability, social justice, and inclusive futures. It brings together a global network of researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community partners to bridge knowledge and action for a more sustainable and equitable world.
About the Sponsors:
Ҵý:
The Ҵý proudly hosts the UK Hub and International Programme Office of UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES. This reflects the university’s commitment to its role in fostering discussions and collaborative research for a sustainable future that values diverse perspectives.
The Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University:
Home to the BRIDGES Flagship Hub, The Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University is the centre of interdisciplinary research and innovation. Focused on tackling critical global challenges to create a thriving future for all life and driven to generate knowledge and develop solutions for a sustainable and equitable world.
Office of the Wales Future Generations Commissioner:
The Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales is an independent body established to act as a guardian for the interests of future generations in Wales. It supports public bodies in considering the long-term impact of their decisions, aiming to ensure a Wales that is environmentally, socially, culturally, and economically vibrant for generations to come.
Contact:
UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES IPO
Email : unesco-most.bridges.ipo@uwtsd.ac.uk
Website :
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076