1st October 2026
A Year Too Big for Two Suitcases: Notes From a Chevening Scholar
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy
11th May 2026
The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill: turning a global ocean agreement into UK law
9th April 2026
The Gulf, Berlin and the Commission on the Status of Women: building global alliances to advance women’s progress
3rd June 2016
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Havana – an exotic destination – and competition? Only a step away from Turks and Caicos
Travelling to any new destination is always exciting, and a visit I made to Havana recently met all my expectations. Given President Obama’s recent visit there, and the Rolling Stones free performance in front of about one million people, Havana and Cuba are certainly high on the list of many people’s “must visit” locations. Thanks […]
Read more on Havana – an exotic destination – and competition? Only a step away from Turks and Caicos | Reply
1st June 2016
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
#Adiosistanbul 5: brilliant museums
A sometimes overlooked #reasonstolikeistanbul is the profusion of quirky museums. Some famous Istanbul museums reflect the city’s ancient history, such as the Archaeology Museum (housing exhibits from both within and outside what is today Turkey) or the unparalleled Aya Sofya. These should be on the itinerary of any visitor. But some of my favourite museums […]
31st May 2016 Beijing, China
Newton expands upon Chinese science links started by the Queen
The UK and China have a long history of collaboration in science. The Newton Fund is taking this to a broader spectrum by supporting both leading researchers that have worked with the UK for decades and young researchers who are working with the UK for the first time. Professor Yong-guan Zhu, the Director General of […]
Read more on Newton expands upon Chinese science links started by the Queen | Reply
27th May 2016 Hanoi, Vietnam
Son Doong – a Jewel in Vietnam’s crown
Last week I was fortunate enough to enjoy an amazing adventure, joining a group of fellow ambassadors on a five-day expedition to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong in Quang Binh province’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park. (Although the trip was organised by the Vietnamese government, let me assure readers that I took the time […]
Read more on Son Doong – a Jewel in Vietnam’s crown | Reply (2)
27th May 2016 Beijing, China
UK goes GREAT at China’s Big Data Expo
This week saw the UK Day at China’s national Big Data Expo in Guiyang. Big data is a significant priority for the Chinese Government, which was highlighted by the attendance of Premier Li Keqiang to give the opening speech. Premier Li described big and open data as the new oil in our economy and the […]
27th May 2016 Delhi, India
ASSOCHAM summit on making India entrepreneurial, creative & innovative
Last week, I was invited to share experiences on how the UK links intellectual property rights with increased innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth at ASSOCHAM’s 2nd ICI Summit. The theme of the event was ‘India: Entrepreneurial, Creative & Innovative’. The highlight of the conference was the Chief Guest’s address by Mr. YS Chowdhary, Hon’ble Minister […]
Read more on ASSOCHAM summit on making India entrepreneurial, creative & innovative | Reply
26th May 2016 Calgary, Canada
Putting UK-Canada filmmaking in the spotlight
I’ve always wanted to walk the red carpet at a film premiere, and within days of arriving in Calgary I had my chance.
Read more on Putting UK-Canada filmmaking in the spotlight | Reply (1)
26th May 2016 London, UK
Remote Training: Is there anybody out there?
I´ve been Europe’s Regional Digital Training Officer for six months, training over the phone and on a shared desktop (where bandwidth allows). Previously, I worked as a teacher in a high school, so remote training is almost completely new to me. I’ve discovered that in many ways it is more difficult than attempting to control […]
Read more on Remote Training: Is there anybody out there? | Reply
26th May 2016
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Catholic religious on the front line
Baroness Anelay, Foreign Office Minister and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, paid a brief visit to Rome last week. The main focus of her trip was to meet religious men and women from Catholic congregations working in Africa and elsewhere to help the victims of sexual violence in conflict. The […]
26th May 2016 Bangalore, India
Pune University offers glimpse into a smarter city
I recently joined the British Trade Office in Pune as its new Knowledge Economy Advisor. Having previously worked for the British Council I know Pune’s key strength is its excellence in education and focus on innovation. The Savitribai Phule Pune University is one India’s top universities. So, I took the opportunity to visit to find […]
Read more on Pune University offers glimpse into a smarter city | Reply