REFUGEE WEEK 2026 CELEBRATION | Guest Speaker
This year’s Refugee Week, I had the privilege of taking part in an important panel discussion on the theme of “Courage” as a guest speaker.
To mark the close of Refugee Week 2026, I joined Forward UK (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development), a leading African women-led organisation dedicated to ending violence against women and girls, for a meaningful conversation about resilience, identity, and hope.
Refugee Week is the UK’s annual arts and cultural festival celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Held every June to coincide with World Refugee Day, it brings communities together through events, exhibitions, film screenings, and creative activities that promote understanding, inclusion, and compassion while challenging harmful narratives around migration.
Image: counterpoints.org.uk
It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my own journey of courage, including moving to the UK at the age of 14, learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and navigating the challenges of being a teenager in a new country while discovering my identity.
I was also inspired by the powerful stories and lived experiences shared by my fellow panellists. It was a reminder that courage takes many forms, and that every refugee story deserves to be heard, valued, and celebrated.
Special thank you to Forward UK for creating such an important space for dialogue and reflection, and for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful conversation.
Thank you for reaching the end. Let’s connect, follow me on socials @lisettemibo @thestylishmum_
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