Top UN advisor Bience Gawanas to become Warwick Chancellor

The University of Warwick has appointed former United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and anti-apartheid activist Bience Gawanas as its new Chancellor.  

The Namibian lawyer and anti-Apartheid activist, 68, will act as ceremonial head at Warwick, leading major events including graduation ceremonies. 

Due to take on the job in January 2025, the Namibian lawyer and anti-Apartheid activist, 68, will act as ceremonial head at Warwick, leading major events including graduation ceremonies. 

Gawanas grew up under Apartheid South Africa’s occupation of Namibia, becoming actively involved in the country’s liberation struggle at a young age.

She began her legal studies at the University of Western Cape Town (UWC) where Catholic sponsors helped her withstand pressure from government officials to switch to nursing. She was expelled after the Soweto uprisings in 1976.

This expulsion did not deter her; she became a prominent member of the SWAPO Youth League.

Gawanas was forced into exile for her activism during Apartheid South Africa’s occupation of Namibia before coming to Warwick as a refugee for an undergraduate law degree. Later, she returned to Namibia where she worked on issues of social justice and development including women’s health. 

In January 2018, Gawanas was appointed as Special Adviser on Africa for the UN by Secretary General António Guterres. 

Bience brings a wealth of international experience and a deep commitment to education and global development

Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick

In a University press release, Vice Chancellor Stuart Croft commented: “Bience brings a wealth of international experience and a deep commitment to education and global development.  

“Her leadership on the world stage, particularly in promoting equality and opportunity, aligns perfectly with Warwick’s mission to inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders.” 

Gawanas also expressed her own gratitude and excitement for the role:  

“Education is a powerful tool for transformation, as I found out from my own time at Warwick. I arrived at Warwick as a refugee and left knowing that Warwick has empowered me to contribute to an independent Namibia and to an equitable and just world.” 

Dr Gawanas will replace outgoing Chancellor and House of Lords peer Catherine Ashton, who has served in the role since 2017.