For almost a century, The Dorchester has been the London address for those shaping the world; visionaries, leaders, and change makers who inspire progress. A symbol of sophistication without snobbery and style without excess, the hotel has long been a stage for defining conversations and ideas that leave a lasting impact.

We are glad to be adding to that history with our International Woman's Day breakfast on the 4th of March with Fawzia Koofi, former peace negotiator with the Taliban and Noble Peace prize favoured nominee. As an MP, Fawzia was the first female deputy speaker of the Afghanistan parliament, is an accomplished author, and internationally known outspoken advocate for the rights of women, children, and democracy.

After being forced to flee her country in September 2021 and being under political asylum protection in the UK, following the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan, she has been tirelessly campaigning on the international platform, including the World Economic Forum, Munich Security Conference, United Nations Security Council, United Nations Human Rights Council, TEDx and many more to highlight the plight of the Afghan population in the front of people’s minds. Recently advocating for the UN to sanction the Taliban for committing Gender Apartheid, last month the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two of their leaders.

Not only has Fawzia humanised the otherwise faceless international discussion of the struggles and abuse of Afghan women and girls in particular, but she is also at the forefront of educating the international community of how to move forward, advocating that women need to be an equal partner in future discussions. She is founder and Chairperson of Women for Afghanistan, organising their first Summit in Albania last year, bringing together prominent women from inside Afghanistan and in exile.

Breakfast will be centred around a brief talk about the importance of human resilience, something we all face; and will be led by Fawzia’s mentor, fellow Adoreum member Mark Nesbitt. Leaders today often have mere minutes to make decisions, resolve conflicts and pivot from obstacles. This requires resilience. No matter how busy we are or how consumed we become by our daily struggles, there is always a human story that touches our hearts, reconnects us to our true selves, and reminds us to be grateful for what we have. These moments inspire us to lift others up, find renewed purpose, and continue our work with compassion and hope. Fawzia’s story inspires us to do that.

During the Second World War The Dorchester was considered a place of refuge due to its solid construction, a fitting setting for discussion on resilience. We are very grateful to Fawzia and Mark for making this breakfast possible and it is going to be one of those occasions where everyone learns.