10th December 2015 London, UK
Extremism in all its forms attacks the fundamental values that bind us as a global community and undermine our efforts to build a better, more tolerant world. These values of democracy, liberty, rule of law, mutual respect and tolerance are enshrined in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and today – UN Human Rights […]
10th December 2015 London, UK
Last month I witnessed the remarkable elections: this was a historic turning point in the country’s long road towards democracy. Although it has only been one month since Burmese citizens used their right to vote, I hope we are approaching another turning point in Burma, one where all rights are protected and promoted. As well […]
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7th December 2015 London, UK
“I didn’t realise the harm I was doing by abandoning and ignoring these young mothers, now I know. I want to help these girls. I will start today” One in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence – mostly by an intimate partner. One in three. This statistic shocks and saddens me every […]
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3rd December 2015 London, UK
As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, CARE International is launching a number of campaigns to highlight the importance of reaching young men while at school in the struggle for gender equality. From the Balkans to the Great Lakes of Africa, youth of all genders are joining together to change […]
Read more on There can be no bystanders: why gender equality and a life free from violence needs everyone’s support | Reply
30th November 2015 London, UK
Sir Fitzroy Maclean (1911-96) — a ‘true Maclean scion’ ‘A man of daring character, with Foreign Office training’: thus Winston Churchill perfectly summed up the glamorous and enigmatic Fitzroy Maclean, who combined the careers of diplomat, soldier, partisan, politician and writer. His talents — aided by personal charm and enviable contacts — enabled him to […]
Read more on A famous Scot in the FCO for St Andrews Day | Reply
30th November 2015
Today is St Andrew’s Day, when Scotland celebrates its Patron Saint. It’s a day for all of us Scots to mark Scotland’s contribution to the UK and indeed to the wider world. The American author, Arthur Herman, published a book a few years ago entitled “How the Scots invented the Modern World”. His focus was […]
25th November 2015 London, UK
You’ve probably heard of the War of 1812, but do you know about the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation of July 3, 1815, or ‘A Convention to Regulate the Commerce between the Territories of the United States and of His Britannick Majesty?’ Probably not, especially since the name is so tricky to remember. However, it […]
Read more on The start of a beautiful friendship | Reply (3)
2nd November 2015 USA
Identity is complicated. As a British-Indian representing the UK overseas I had spent more time spelling my name than talking about gender. But that changed in 2011 when I became the first female British Consul General to San Francisco. A year later, I had the privilege of joining some of the brightest young Americans at […]
30th September 2015 London, UK
Most communications professionals want to sharpen their digital communication skills, but we all know it’s hard to find the time to learn new skills and practice them. September was digital learning month for the Communication Directorate at the FCO. Our digital team offered up their creative skills and time to run training sessions and demos […]
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17th September 2015 London, UK
I was not an early adopter of twitter. I wondered what I would have to say of interest, and was suspicious of the time it would take. Apprehensively, I sent my first tweet the night I presented my credentials as High Commisioner in Nairobi. Three and a half years later, I am a convert. If […]