Description
Returning to Bradford Literature Festival following the formal elevation of the Palestinian mission in London to embassy status, Ambassador Husam Zomlot joins us for a major conversation on Palestine, diplomacy and the shifting political landscape of the Middle East.
As Head of the Palestinian Embassy to the United Kingdom and one of the most prominent Palestinian diplomatic voices internationally, Zomlot reflects on questions of statehood, identity, international law and the human realities of conflict and displacement.
Spanning history, politics and personal experience, the discussion explores the evolving global response to Palestine and the enduring search for justice, dignity and peace in one of the world’s most contested regions.
Please note this event has changed from its original listing.
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listen to In Conversation with Husam ZomlotAbout the Speaker
Dr Husam Zomlot
Ambassador Dr Husam S. Zomlot is the Head of the Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom. Prior to his appointment to the UK, Dr Zomlot served as Ambassador to the United States (Head of the PLO General Delegation to the United States), and Strategic Affairs Advisor to the Palestinian President. Dr Zomlot’s previous official roles include serving as Ambassador at large for the Palestinian Presidency and Director of Fatah Foreign Relations Commission.
About the Chair
Humza Yousaf
Humza Yousaf was the First Minister of Scotland from 2023 to 24, the first Muslim leader of a Western European country and the youngest First Minister in Scotland’s history.
He was appointed as Minister for External Affairs and International Development in 2012, and later served as a Minister for Europe, Minister for Transport, as well as Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Health & Social Care. First elected as an MSP for Glasgow in 2011, he was elected in 2016 to serve Glasgow Pollok, becoming the first ethnic minority Member of the Scottish Parliament to be directly elected to a constituency.
After 15 years in politics, including 12 years in government, he has announced his decision to step down from frontline politics in May 2026.
Outside politics, Humza has been involved in community work, from youth organisations to charity fundraising for most of his life. He also volunteered for community radio for 12 years and founded a charitable project providing food packages to homeless people and asylum seekers in Glasgow.
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