The Cambridge Union will host two heads of state this term, as well as singer Rina Sawayama and Russian exile Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the newly released term card has revealed.

The prime minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazović, and the president of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, are both set to address the chamber during Easter term.

Many of this term’s speakers hail from the world of politics - 2024 U.S. Presidential candidate Marianne Williamson will also visit the chamber. The Union will also welcome speakers from the sporting world, including darts champion Michael van Gerwen and Premier League-winning manager Claudio Ranieri. Love Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu will also finally visit Cambridge this Easter, after her event was cancelled last term.

Other notable speakers include Cherie Blair and Horrible Histories star Laurence Rickard. Speakers officer Edward Hilditch said that “there is a speaker for everyone” in the Union’s line-up, and emphasised an increased scope for member involvement this term, including auditions for the interviewer role at certain events.

The Union’s debates calendar focuses on political and economic discussions, including motions on the Commonwealth, the free market, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The Israel-Palestine conflict has been a frequent point of debate at the Union in recent years, as the society has met with controversy and protest for hosting Israeli politicians including Tzipi Hotovely and Dan Meridor.

This term’s debates, says Nick Davis, Debates Officer, are linked by their practicality: “These debates are not abstract intellectual exercises, but speak to issues which shape millions of people’s lives.”

As well as these Thursday night debates, the Union will also host debating workshops for ethnic and gender minorities, with an additional session planned for ex-offenders. This marks a change from recent terms, when the debating workshops were open to women & non-binary people only.

The term card also includes a range of social events, including cheese tasting, puppy therapy, and a Eurovision watch party.

Cambridge Union President James Appiah III dedicates part of the term card’s foreword to King Charles, who made his first Union speech 53 years ago. Appiah goes on to welcome all forms of participation in the society: “I encourage you all, just like our King, to speak in our chamber.”

Appiah emphasises the Union’s commitment to representation, drawing attention to its first women and non-binary debate, and promising that “at this institution, we are dedicated to enhancing your voice no matter your background.” The Union president echoed his predecessor, Christopher George, in emphasising the society’s defence of free speech: “The Union remains steadfast in upholding and actively defending this vital principle.”

The term’s equalities events include the currently ongoing ‘Intersubjectivity’ exhibition, and a pair of panel events focusing on trans rights and the climate crisis. Equalities officer Holly Sheridan said: “With free speech comes responsibility, and ensuring that this institution empowers a diverse range of views on topical issues is our priority.”