The new Principal of Jesus College Oxford asks how diplomacy, education and technology can help us navigate global challenges.

How can diplomacy, education and technology help us navigate global challenges—and what can the next generation bring to the conversation?

Join us for an engaging and interactive evening of discussion with Lindsay Skoll CMG, the new Principal of Jesus College, Oxford. Lindsay joined Jesus in August 2026, following a distinguished career in the UK Diplomatic Service, most recently serving as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna.

Drawing on her international experience, and new perspective from within higher education, Lindsay will reflect on how we connect in the wider world during an era of rapid change, and global instability. From AI and social media, to the new ways in which we communicate and share knowledge, the discussion will consider the opportunities and challenges created by our increasingly digital environment. Together with the audience, Lindsay will also explore questions of trust, international collaboration, and the place of human relationships in a technology-rich world.

Rather than a traditional lecture, the evening will be shaped around conversation: an opportunity for students, colleagues and guests to put their questions directly to Lindsay, and explore ideas together. A drinks reception will precede the event.

About Lindsay Skoll CMG

Lindsay became Principal of Jesus College in August 2026, the first woman to hold the position in the College’s 455-year history. Before moving into higher education, she had a distinguished career in the UK Diplomatic Service, most recently serving as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna. Her career has also included senior diplomatic roles in Moscow, the Seychelles and North Korea, alongside policy work spanning climate change, international security, Asia, Africa and the Gulf. She was appointed Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George in 2019 for services to British foreign policy.

Programme

18.00 Drinks reception

18.30 Welcome by Professor Patricia Daley

18.40 Talk, followed by Q&A

20.00 Event closes

Venue

This event will take place in the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub at Jesus College, Oxford. The Hub entrance is on Market Street (opposite Wagamama). The Hub is accessible, with automatic double doors at the entrance and lifts to and from the main lower ground floor event space.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please do contact digitalhub@jesus.ox.ac.uk and we are happy to help.

*Filming and photography will be taking place during the event. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please notify a member of the Hub team on arrival.

Please read Jesus College's Alumni & College Guest Conduct Policy (https://digitalhuboxford.com/alumni-college-guest-conduct-policy) before attending this event.

Description supplied by the event organiser.