Beyond Conflict & Sir Terry Waite: Christmas event at London Stock Exchange

During these last eight years we have seen the urgency of our work grow in magnitude, with wars around the world unfold, including in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. It was fitting that we closed 2025 with an event on Resilience and Hope with our Founding Ambassador Sir Terry Waite, hosted by our partner and donor the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG).

Sir Terry spoke powerfully and movingly about how he overcame being held hostage by Hezbollah from 1987-1991 through forgiveness and helping others in need on his release. In a compelling Christmas season interview with Reuters’ Editor At Large, Axel Threlfall, Sir Terry spoke on how to overcome these difficult and dark times and gave each one of us a call to action to effect positive change. He told us: “We must fight to keep hope alive.”

In a masterful interview, Sir Terry told Axel about his work with Beyond Conflict on helping to support victims of war around the world, as well as his other work with hostages, prisoners in the UK and the homeless.

LSEG Foundation CEO, Luke Manning,  was our host for the evening and it was a full house on the night, 17 December 2025. Luke said the event moved and inspired all  who attended.

Edna Fernandes, Beyond Conflict Co-Founder and Executive Director said:
“On behalf of Beyond Conflict’s team, may I extend our heartfelt thanks to Sir Terry Waite, Luke Manning and LSEG for a fantastic and inspiring evening that spoke to people across all generations, cultures and faiths.” 

Gillian Dare, BC Chair said:
“Sir Terry’s  was impressive, thoughtful and measured,  but above all open, willing to recall what he went through. His message of hope and forgiveness came though loud and clear as well as his resilience.”