11th October 2024
Busting the gender myths – women and organised crime
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy
11th October 2024
One Year In
11th October 2024
International Day of the Girl Child: Enabling Girls to Shape Their Own Futures
19th March 2024 Panama
Russia – 25 years of broken hopes and smashed dreams
First printed in the physical edition of La Prensa on 27th of February 2024. Twenty-five years ago I had the good fortune to be living in Russia. My wife and I spent almost four years in Moscow. We felt so lucky to be able to travel all around that most extraordinary country. In many ways, […]
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8th March 2024 Vienna
Gender equality is non-negotiable
Almost a decade ago, the world agreed that by 2030 we must achieve gender equality and empower ALL women and girls. But, in 2024, we are nowhere near achieving this. Why? Rather than countries coming together at the United Nations to make progress, a vocal minority are actively trying to undermine gender equality through the UN.
19th February 2024 Skopje, North Macedonia
There are no borders in knowledge, those are just contours of new horizons and possibilities
Being part of the educational process in each country requires a person to have a set of different skills among which being a leader and influencing community changes through policy-making and future generations. Working as a professor means being a researcher at the same time, and those two areas are the ones that complement one […]
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4th December 2023
Disability Inclusive Education: our commitment to supporting children with disabilities to achieve SDG 4
This year’s theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities’. This feels particularly poignant when we look at education. Children with disabilities are the single most marginalised group of children; the least likely to be […]
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9th November 2023 Skopje, North Macedonia
Remembrance of WW1 Veterans in Skopje: Lessons for a United NATO Alliance
World War I was a defining moment in history, a global conflict that changed the course of nations and lives forever. It touched every corner of the world, including this very country where I have the privilege to serve as His Majesty’s Ambassador. Here, under the Macedonian sky, lies a significant site that has a […]
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31st October 2023 Vienna
Why we need partnership with civil society to tackle corruption
Over the 20 years since the UNCAC was adopted we have learned a lot about what enables the Convention to drive change – for the UK it comes down to two key principles: transparency and inclusion of civil society.
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16th October 2023 Geneva, Switzerland
Exhausted nations
If anyone sensible was trying to design a system to get countries from across the world to reach agreement on tricky, highly sensitive issues, then they wouldn’t do it like this. First, call a very long meeting. Let’s say five weeks long. But make sure it comes hot on the heels of two other very […]
16th October 2023 Canberra, Australia
UK in Australia launch Science and Technology Season
Innovation and invention will help us to overcome some of the most important challenges facing the world today. That’s why I’m so excited that the team here in Australia is launching its Science and Technology Season. Over the next ten weeks we will run trade missions, attend trade shows, host visits and events all focused […]
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13th October 2023 Vienna
Atomic diplomacy: what I learnt interning at the UK Mission
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is one of the most significant organisations in the UN system. When I started my internship, I found both the IAEA and the UK Mission in a flurry of activity. Preparations were underway for the IAEA’s General Conference, a central event in the Agency’s calendar…
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11th October 2023
Being the Head of Girls’ Education Department for a day
Hi, I’m Layla and I’ve taken over Judith Herbertson’s role as Head of Girls’ Education Department for the day. I’m 16 years old, currently studying my A levels in geography, history and politics. I’m interested in a career in international development because I want to make a difference by helping others. I’ve taken over Judith’s […]
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