Isabel Hilton OBE is a highly respected journalist, broadcaster, and public speaker, known for her expertise in China, climate change, and cross-cultural dialogue. Isabel founded China Dialogue, a global non-profit dedicated to fostering awareness and discussion about environmental issues. Her groundbreaking work in journalism and environmental advocacy was recognised in 2009 when she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Isabel continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her insights into international relations, environmental challenges, and media.
Isabel’s academic journey began at the University of Edinburgh, where she studied Chinese. She later deepened her expertise at the Beijing Languages Institute and Fudan University in Shanghai. Her career as a journalist took her to Latin America, China, and Europe, where she reported for prestigious publications such as The Sunday Times and The Independent. Isabel quickly gained recognition for her thoughtful and incisive reporting, which covered global political and cultural issues with a rare depth of understanding.
In 2006, Isabel founded China Dialogue, the world’s first bilingual website dedicated to climate change, which has become an influential platform for environmental discussion. In addition to her role as a founder, she has presented programmes like BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight and BBC Radio 3’s Night Waves. Isabel holds leadership positions with organisations such as The Centre for Investigative Journalism, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and E3G, a leading climate think tank. Her work reflects an unwavering commitment to journalism, environmental advocacy, and intellectual inquiry.
Isabel combines decades of journalistic experience with academic insights and compelling storytelling. Fluent in Chinese, Spanish, and French, she is uniquely positioned to address topics such as China’s global influence, climate change, and international relations. For organisations seeking engaging and impactful discussions on sustainability, geopolitics, and cross-cultural collaboration, Isabel offers an exceptional and authoritative voice.
How to hire Isabel Hilton OBE
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Isabel Hilton OBE for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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Isabel Hilton OBE's official speaker topics are listed below:
- China’s global economic and political footprint
- Climate change and cross-cultural collaboration
- Climate policy and actionable solutions
- Geopolitics and international relations
- Investigative journalism and its impact
- Sustainability and global environmental challenges
- The environmental impact of China’s policies
- 2023 – Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI Europe
- 2023 – Co-chair of the Board of The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
- 2021 – Non-Executive Director at E3G
- 2009 – Awarded OBE
- 2006 – Founded China Dialogue, pioneering bilingual environmental journalism
- 2000-2009 – Presenter for BBC Radio 3’s Night Waves
- 1995-1998 – Presenter for BBC Radio 4’s ‘The World Tonight’
- 1989-1992 – European Affairs Editor at The Independent
- 1985-1989 – Latin America Editor at The Independent
