Giles Duley MBE

Giles Duley is a photographer, writer, chef, presenter, and CEO of Legacy of War Foundation. His work focuses on the long-term humanitarian impact of conflict. Starting his career as a music photographer, Giles worked with Mariah Carey, Oasis and Lenny Kravitz for publications including Q, Vogue, Sunday Times, and Elle.

Giles changed his focus to documentary work, partnering with well-respected charities such as HI (Humanity and Inclusion), EMERGENCY, Save the Children and UNHCR, to highlight lesser-known stories deserving of public attention and action. Although documenting challenging, and at times, horrific situations, Giles captures the strength of those who fight adversity rather than succumb. His photographs draw the viewer to the subject, creating intimacy and empathy for lives differing from ours only in circumstance. His work has taken him to Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, DR Congo, Angola, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ukraine, Jordan, Lebanon, Colombia, Vietnam, and Nigeria.

He started his Legacy of War project, which looks to explore common themes of conflict. A core part of the project is collaborations with other artists and writers to reach a wider audience. These collaborations have included the musicians Massive Attack and PJ Harvey.

Whilst working in Afghanistan, Giles was severely injured by an IED. As a result of his injuries he is a triple-amputee. He since returned to Afghanistan to continue his work as a photographer, documenting the toll of war on civilian lives - as well as founding and acting as CEO of the NGO Legacy of War Foundation, an international charity supporting communities and individuals as they rebuild their lives after conflict. This work as a campaigner for the rights of both refugees and those living with disability was recognised with an MBE.

In addition to his work as a campaigner and photographer, Giles has made and hosted two Unreported Worlds for Channel 4, and produced and presented the six-part VICE TV series, The One-Armed Chef. He also works as the Corporate Impact Advisor for Angelina Jolie's Atelier Jolie venture.

The Sunday Times included him in their Alternative Rich List, for those who are ‘rich in experience, rich is spirit, rich in life….’ Natasha Kaplinsky said of Giles “Even catastrophic injury has not stopped him doing what he feels he should be doing with his life.” He was appointed at the United Nations first Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations.

With stories that are turns poignant, inspirational, and amusing, Giles looks at the enduring nature of the human spirit as well as the passion for his work that helped him overcome his injuries. He offers a look at a world few see first-hand, putting things in perspective, and offering lessons in commitment, goals, and values. Giles considers what businesses can learn from the power and importance of telling a story, as well as his resilience and determination and recounts stories such as how getting a drunken tattoo with the men that saved his life didn’t entirely go to plan.