Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government on Thursday, June 4, to discuss the future of democracy in a technology-driven world, according to the Blavatnik Family Foundation.
Trudeau engaged with Dean Ngaire Woods and the School’s Master of Public Policy class in what the institution described as an opportunity for students to hear from a former head of government on the evolving challenges facing democratic institutions and governance. He also met separately with Canadian students at Oxford during the visit.
In a statement posted to social media, Trudeau reflected on the engagement: “Had a day of insightful and thought-provoking conversations with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School on the future of democracy in a tech-driven world. Thank you to Dean Woods, to the Blavatnik students, and to the Canadian alumni I had the pleasure of speaking with.” The Blavatnik School added that it was “delighted to welcome former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the school this week for a conversation with Dean Ngaire Woods and our MPP class.”
The Blavatnik School of Government, founded by Dean Ngaire Woods, has established itself as a forum for rigorous exchange among policymakers, scholars, and emerging public leaders on global governance challenges. Woods, a professor of global economic governance at Oxford, has been active in discussions around technology’s impact on democratic systems, including hosting conversations on how innovation relates to the rule of law and how societies can remain resilient in an age of digital transformation.
Trudeau’s visit reflects his long-standing engagement with technology policy and democracy. During his time as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister—serving from 2015 until his resignation in January 2025—he reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting democratic institutions at the third Summit for Democracy in March 2024, according to government records. The technology-democracy nexus has become an increasingly urgent topic globally, with democratic institutions worldwide grappling with how to preserve public trust and electoral integrity while navigating rapid technological change, artificial intelligence, and digital sovereignty concerns.
Sources
- Blavatnik Family Foundation — confirmed Trudeau’s visit to Oxford on June 4, 2026, the conversation with Dean Ngaire Woods, and engagement with the MPP class and Canadian students
- Oxford Mail — reported Trudeau’s direct quote about the visit and the Blavatnik School’s statement welcoming him
- Government of Canada — documented Trudeau’s reaffirmation of Canada’s commitment to democracy at the third Summit for Democracy in March 2024
