Arwa Hanin Elrayess has made history after being elected president of the Oxford Union for Trinity Term 2026. She becomes the first person of Palestinian origin, and the first Arab woman, to lead this prestigious debating society.
Elrayess, a Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) student at St Edmund Hall, secured victory with 757 votes, defeating her nearest rival Liza Barkova by a margin of 155 votes. With this win, she adds her name to the long list of Oxford Union presidents, but stands out for bringing representation to under-represented voices.
Her election arrived during a time of internal turbulence within the Union. Elrayess’s campaign promised renewed stability, transparent governance, financial accountability, and a renewed focus on the Union’s core mission, open, meaningful debate. She emphasized that internal politics had recently overshadowed the Union’s purpose.
Outside the Union, Arwa has been active socially and politically. She worked on the documentary Heart of a Protest, which documents pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the UK, a background that underscores her commitment to activism and global issues.
Her election has drawn praise from across the world. On social media and professional networks, family, supporters, and observers celebrated the breakthrough, calling it a “historic step for representation.” Her father publicly acknowledged her achievement, emphasizing pride in her becoming the first Arab woman, Palestinian, and Algerian to lead Oxford Union.
For many, Arwa’s victory represents more than personal success; it’s a sign that spaces long considered exclusive are slowly shifting to include diverse voices. As she takes office in spring 2026, expectations are high: for stronger governance, thoughtful debates, and a renewed spirit of inclusion at one of the world’s most respected forums for student discourse.
