The Opening Symposium of the One Humanity Project

21 May 2026

A powerful programme of community-led events is continuing to bring people together across Warwickshire as the One Humanity Project moves into its next phase; centred on action, creativity and meaningful dialogue inspired by young people. Launched earlier this year, the county-wide initiative celebrates shared values, strengthens community cohesion and offers a hopeful counterbalance to increasing social division.

An Opening Symposium took place on Thursday 21 May in Warwick and the event featured three high-profile speakers offering distinct and thought- provoking perspectives:

• Dr Mandeep Rai, author of The Values Compass and an internationally recognised keynote speaker, reflected on lessons from her travels to around 180 countries, highlighting the common values that connect people across cultures.
  
  
• Sir John Saunders, retired High Court judge and chair of the public inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing, spoke about the powerful solidarity shown across Greater Manchester in the aftermath of tragedy and challenged the audience with a stark question: do we have to wait for tragedy before we come together?
  
  
• Alex Hanratty of ReconnectEd, emphasised that young people need connection — to purpose, to the natural world, to themselves and to one another. She spoke about lessons drawn from Kosovo and Grenfell and what moments of crisis can reveal about the true strength of community — and challenged the audience to ask why it should take a crisis to demonstrate how values can be turned into action.

Following the talks, attendees took part in an interactive session that encouraged discussion, reflection, and ideas for what more can be done to strengthen community ties. A report on the comments and feedback gathered during the session will be published on the project’s website and will help shape future events and activities.