May 23, 2024, Cambridge, UK – The Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development (CRSD) and the Cambridge Interfaith Programme co-hosted Professor Sir David Khalili at Cambridge University for his special guest lecture, ‘The Art of Peace’. As the guest of honour and inspiration for our day-long Roundtable events (see HERE and HERE), Sir David’s lecture tied the day’s events together perfectly.
Sir David is Founder and Chairman of the Khalili Foundation and a Fellow of the Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development. Sir David is also a distinguished scholar and collector, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and an academic benefactor. He has assembled one of the world's largest private art collections, comprising 35,000 works exhibited in 44 museums worldwide. His academic contributions include publishing almost one hundred on the Eight Khalili Collections, involving the world’s leading experts in each respective field.
Through the Khalili Foundation, Sir David uses art to promote peace and cultural understanding, with partners including international organisations such as UNESCO, the Commonwealth, and the Prince’s Trust. The Foundation’s significant projects include the 'Faith in the Commonwealth' initiative, enhancing global citizenship and religious literacy among youth. Additionally, as a co-founder of the Global Hope Coalition and the World Festival of Cultural Diversity with UNESCO, Sir David leads efforts to empower communities against extremism and intolerance. His numerous honours fellowships and awards underscore his influential role in cultural diplomacy worldwide.
In his Keynote Lecture, Sir David spoke of his experience of a life lived at the intersection of artistic patronage, cultural philanthropy and interfaith engagement in pursuit of peace. Following the lecture, a celebratory formal meal was held at Gonville & Caius College.
For more information, or to participate in future events in this theme, please contact crsd@landecon.cam.ac.uk.