LSE announces the Firoz Lalji Global Hub
An extraordinary commitment of $35m USD from LSE alumnus Firoz Lalji and his family is enabling LSE to create a Global Hub that will enhance our world-leading events and extended education programmes on campus in London, online and around the world.
The Firoz Lalji Global Hub, on the site of 35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields (35 LIF), will create a digital environment that builds upon and advances LSE’s founding purpose “to know the causes of things for the betterment of society” through world-class social sciences teaching and learning, research and external engagement.
The flagship centre for in-person extended education delivery, public events and conferences, and data science labs and much-needed space for academic departments, the Global Hub will also be the digital nexus from which blended delivery of events, training and sharing of knowledge can be delivered online and around the world.
In recognition of this leadership gift to LSE through our Shaping the World Campaign, the Global Hub will carry Firoz Lalji’s name. The gift, through the Lalji Family Foundation, takes Mr Lalji’s support of LSE to over $50m USD, the largest alumni gift commitment in the School’s history.
Mr Lalji has maintained an enduring connection to LSE since graduating in 1969, characterised by his and wife Najma’s generous support for the School. He is donor and founder of the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa and associated Programme for African Leadership, Chair of LSE’s North American Advisory Board, and was appointed as an inaugural Shaping the World Campaign Co-Chair.
“I was inspired by the LSE Director’s vision of bringing the world together in London and online to debate the greatest global challenges of our time, where debate is inclusive yet diverse, in a respectful and neutral context. This will create a sustainable future not only for LSE, but for communities, countries and society at large. I am also delighted this facility will create a permanent home for the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa and the Programme for African Leadership, providing extensive digital infrastructure for blended delivery.”
“We are immensely grateful to Firoz, Najma and all their family for their continued generosity and vision for the future, bringing hope after such a turbulent global period. LSE events are dynamic, intellectually rigorous programmes that are a key mode of academic knowledge transfer, projecting our identity globally and convening the finest minds through LSE. The Firoz Lalji Global Hub will facilitate our delivery of these events, in person and online, through the very best technology and digital facilities. Connecting to the Global Hub, individuals will have opportunities to learn and contribute, building relationships with LSE and the finest minds in the social sciences over a lifetime, and playing a part in shaping the world together.