RUSI’s Chesney Gold Medal Awarded to Lyse Doucet and Christina Lamb
RUSI has recognised international journalists Lyse Doucet CM OBE and Christina Lamb OBE for their authoritative contributions to knowledge in the defence and international security fields, through their commitment to rigorous and high-quality journalism.
The duo become the recipients of the 35th Chesney Gold Medal, the highest award in the gift of the Council of the Royal United Services Institute. The purpose of the award is to mark a lifetime of distinguished contribution to international defence and security.
Lyse is the BBC's Chief International Correspondent. A household name in the UK, having reported for the BBC since the mid-1980s, she has made a significant contribution to public understanding of conflicts and has specialised in the Middle East, covering the wars in the region since the mid-1990s. She has also reported extensively from Afghanistan, Ukraine and other conflicts, and has made a series of award-winning documentaries highlighting the plight of children caught up in war.
Christina has been a war correspondent for over three decades and is currently the Chief Foreign Correspondent of The Sunday Times. She has added greatly to international understanding of the conflicts in the Pakistan and Afghanistan region through her courageous reporting, from the period when she travelled with the Mujahideen fighting the Soviet occupation to the final US and UK withdrawal from Kabul in 2021. She has also covered wars in the Middle East and Africa. Through her books, she has been prominent in the campaign to highlight the scourge of sexual violence against women in conflict areas.
The award ceremony will take place on 15 October. As well as the ceremony, a panel session – moderated by RUSI’s Director-General, Dr Karin von Hippel – will see Lyse and Christina discuss the importance of raising public awareness of the human impact of conflict.
Commenting on the award, Dr von Hippel said:
As the highest award which can be made by the Institute, I’m so pleased that the Chesney Gold Medal has been given to Lyse and Christina. They have told so many ground-breaking and deeply moving stories which have shone a light on some of the most complex and challenging conflict-affected regions. There could not be worthier recipients. I am looking forward to our discussion on 15 October and to celebrating their careers and achievements.
Dr Karin von Hippel
Director-General
Attending the award ceremony and panel discussion
This will be an in-person only event exclusively for RUSI members, taking place at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET. Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
