The power to heal: Chef José Andrés and Dr. Denis Mukwege on humanitarian crises

  • Fri, September 18, 2026 • 1:30 pm ET
  • Atlantic Council Headquarters
  • 1400 L Street NW • Floor 11
  • Washington, DC 20005

Chef José Andrés and Dr. Denis Mukwege discuss humanitarian leadership and how sustained global attention to overlooked crises can contribute to shape resilience policies.

On Friday, September 18 at 1:30 p.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center will host a special fireside chat featuring Chef José Andrés, humanitarian, restaurateur, and founder of World Central Kitchen, and Dr. Denis Mukwege, gynecological surgeon, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Sakharov Prize recipient, and founder and president of Panzi Hospital and Foundation in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Drawing on their extensive experience responding to conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and public health emergencies, these two global humanitarian leaders will explore how civil society can bring attention to forgotten crises, strengthen support for affected communities, and help shape policies that promote resilience and recovery. The discussion will also examine the broader challenge of sustaining international engagement in protracted and often overlooked humanitarian emergencies.

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Welcome remarks

Adrienne Arsht
Executive Vice Chair and Founder, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center; Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security,
Atlantic Council

Speakers

José Andrés
Founder and Chief Feeding Officer,
World Central Kitchen

Dr. Denis Mukwege
President and Founder,
Panzi Hospital and Foundation

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The Africa Center works to promote dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and to redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

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