The Trust

The WHT Leadership and Scholarships Programme was established as a 95th birthday tribute to the publisher and philanthropist Lord Weidenfeld, who did so much to promote strategic dialogue. In his honour, multiple generous donations, including a philanthropic gift of £15 million from Swiss philanthropist André Hoffmann, matched by £12 million from the University of Oxford, has created an endowment which funds 30 young leaders annually.

I believe in supporting young, talented students through the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship scheme in order to make a difference to today's highly complex world through education. Knowledgeable and skilled leaders are needed to shape more equitable and sustainable societies, particularly in trouble-stricken regions. 

André Hoffmann, Co-founder and first Chairman of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust

The Trust enables these graduates and early career professionals from mainly developing and emerging countries to study at Oxford and participate in a specially created Leadership Programme which gives them the tools to return to their countries and make a difference in whichever sphere they can. The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust is the largest philanthropic scholarship supported by the University of Oxford.

George Weidenfeld reflected and represented things that are really important. And in practical terms, the consequence of that was the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme. We should reflect on his vision, a vision in which he comprehended that of course people’s individual identities, their religion, their ethnicity, matter. But what matters most, by far, is their sense of common humanity. We should remember him and also acknowledge André Hoffmann and other benefactors, including the University of Oxford, who ensured that his vision could be turned into reality. 

Lord Patten of Barnes, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Speaking at the WHT 15th Anniversary Dinner July 2023

The WHT would love to hear from others interested in supporting this exceptional Scholarships and Leadership Programme. If you are interested in working with us please contact Dame Hilary Boulding.

The 2018 WHT cohort set up the WHT Leadership Fund to support the Scholarships and Leadership Programme. More information and their fundraising video can be seen here.