Nawal A-maghafi Keynote Speaker

Nawal Al-Maghafi is the BBC’s Senior International Correspondent and an Emmy-winning filmmaker, renowned for her authoritative reporting from the frontlines of global events. With more than a decade at the BBC, she has become a trusted voice on international affairs – bringing audiences clarity and context from some of the world’s most complex and fast-moving stories.

Her work has taken her across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, reporting on the geopolitical forces reshaping the modern world – from conflict and displacement to extremism, fragile states, and the global consequences of misinformation. She is recognised for her ability to translate high-stakes international developments into compelling, accessible journalism for global audiences, combining deep regional understanding with strong editorial judgement.

Alongside her reporting, Nawal presents the BBC World Service current affairs programme Newshour and regularly contributes to major BBC programmes including Panorama and BBC Eye. Her documentaries have reached millions worldwide and have been honoured with multiple international awards, including Emmys, RTS awards, a Gracie and the United Nations Leo Navas Award.

A sought-after speaker and moderator, she has delivered keynote addresses and chaired discussions at leading forums including Chatham House, RUSI and the Doha Forum, as well as at a range of international corporate events. She brings to the stage rare real-world insight from the places where political power, conflict and economic uncertainty collide – offering audiences a deeper understanding of risk, resilience and decision-making under pressure.

Her recent work includes a major reporting project exploring President Vladimir Putin’s recruitment of foreign fighters to support Russia’s war effort – shedding light on the human networks and global dynamics shaping the conflict in Ukraine.