Conor Ashleigh
Conor Ashleigh is a documentary filmmaker, photographer and storyteller who works with individuals, communities and organisations to shape stories that educate, empower and drive change. Over the past decade, he has worked across more than 65 countries, collaborating with organisations including the Red Cross, World Vision, UNICEF, the World Bank and the World Health Organization.
With a background in community development and communications, Conor combines photography and filmmaking with a strengths-based, participatory approach that places people at the centre of their own narratives. His work explores the diversity of human experience and people’s relationship to place, with stories published in The New York Times, The Guardian, Le Monde and Al Jazeera, and exhibited internationally.
Conor is a member of Oculi and holds a Master’s in Communication for Development from Malmö University.
A brief summary of your keynote presentation
Everybody has a story worth hearing, and often the most powerful ones exist in the most unassuming places. I believe people have an instinct for recognising meaningful stories—but often lack the confidence to capture and share them. In this keynote, I explore how storytelling can be a practical, accessible tool for educators to amplify voices within their communities, build connection, create impact and most importantly have some fun!
It’s about shifting from thinking of storytelling as a specialised skill to seeing it as something we can all engage with—thoughtfully, ethically, and with confidence.