YOUTH VOICES LEAD THE CONVERSATION
 

The Festival opens on Friday evening, with a panel discussion centred on young people’s perspectives.

 

Local students and youth representatives from across the region will be invited to share their questions with the panellists, which will consist of experts on a diverse range of important issues including climate, social equality, disabled rights, sustainable housing and ethnic equality.

 
Joining the panel will be Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Human Rights Advocate on Injustice, Resilience and Freedom. Nazanin was detained at an Iranian airport while returning to London with her 22 month old daughter after visiting family in Tehran. She was falsely accused of trying to overthrow the Iranian government, a charge she denied, and sentenced to five years in prison.

 

Since her release, Nazanin has faced lasting physical and mental health challenges while rebuilding her life, reconnecting with her family, and strengthening her relationship with her daughter.

Chairing the panel will be Tom Shakespeare, Professor of Disability Research at LSHTM, who said:

“At a time when it’s more important than ever for people to have control of their lives and choices, young people are prey to so many more pressures now, from smartphones to social media."

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6.00-9.00pm, Friday 8th May 2026.

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