University to host two free public events this autumn

This autumn, the University of Suffolk is hosting two free public events, focusing on young people and women, as part of its 10-year anniversary celebrations.

On Thursday 5 November, the University is hosting its first Spotlight Suffolk panel discussion to champion the voice of today’s youth. 

The event will explore the topic; How can Suffolk’s young people shape the county’s future? For the first time, Spotlight Suffolk will be held off campus at Suffolk One College and chaired by Dionne Walton, Chief Executive of the University of Suffolk Students’ Union. 

The panellists will feature students from Suffolk One College, the #IWill Movement and other youth organisations in the county.  

The event follows the University of Suffolk’s signing of the #IWill Power of Youth Charter in September, which aims to create space and opportunity for youth voices.  

Dionne Walton, Students’ Union CEO said: “Young people are too often forgotten in decision-making spaces, despite having so much to contribute to the future of their communities.

"We’re looking forward to supporting this event, and hearing directly from young people about what matters to them, what they want to see change and how they can help shape the county’s future. This event is an opportunity for an engaging debate which listens to their perspectives and makes sure their voices are part of the conversation.”   

The second event, held on Tuesday 17 November, will be an Open Lecture titled: Equality in democracy – Overcoming barriers and improving political representation.  

The University will be welcoming back its former chancellor and women’s rights activist Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE who will be in conversation with Suffolk MP Jess Asato.  

Writer and academic Dr Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, will explore the issues around improving political representation - past, present and future. Jess will speak of her own experience of being a woman in politics and referencing her legal action against Elon Musk's xAI after its chatbot Grok created fake sexualised images and videos of her. 

Both events are free to attend, but places must be booked in advanced via the University of Suffolk website.

To register for the Spotlight Suffolk event, visit the webpage here: Spotlight Suffolk - How can Suffolk’s young people shape the county’s future? | University of Suffolk.

To sign up for the Open Lecture, head to this webpage: 10th Anniversary Open Lecture | University of Suffolk.

Event Details:  

Spotlight Suffolk – How can Suffolk’s young people share the county’s future?  

Thursday 5 November 

Doors open at 5.00pm for a 6.00pm start. 

Suffolk One College, Scrivener Drive, Pinewood, Ipswich, IP8 3SU 

Open Lecture – Equality in democracy 

Tuesday 17 November  

Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start. 

University of Suffolk, Waterfront Building, IP4 1QJ