Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs

A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy

8th March 2024 Vienna

Avatar photo

by Corinne Kitsell

Ambassador and UK Permanent Representative to IAEA and CTBTO

Gender equality is non-negotiable

Ambassador Corinne Kitsell

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.  

Read more on Gender equality is non-negotiable | Reply

19th February 2024 Skopje, North Macedonia

Angelina Stanojoska

Angelina Stanojoska

Associate Professor , PhD Faculty of Law, University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola, 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 […]

Read more on There are no borders in knowledge, those are just contours of new horizons and possibilities | Reply

4th December 2023

Avatar photo

by Judith Herbertson

Head of Girls' Education, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

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 […]

Read more on Disability Inclusive Education: our commitment to supporting children with disabilities to achieve SDG 4 | Reply

9th November 2023 Skopje, North Macedonia

Matthew Lawson

Matthew Lawson

His Majesty's Ambassador to 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 […]

Read more on Remembrance of WW1 Veterans in Skopje: Lessons for a United NATO Alliance | Reply

16th October 2023 Geneva, Switzerland

Avatar photo

by Bob Last

Head, UK Mission Political and Human Rights Team

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 […]

Read more on Exhausted nations | Reply

16th October 2023 Canberra, Australia

Louise Cantillon

Louise Cantillon

British Consul General and Deputy Trade Commissioner Asia Pacific (Australia & New Zealand)

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 […]

Read more on UK in Australia launch Science and Technology Season | Reply

13th October 2023 Vienna

Jasper Newport

Jasper Newport

Intern at the UK Mission to the UN (Vienna)

Atomic diplomacy: what I learnt interning at the UK Mission

IAEA General Conference with Minister Bowie speaking on a panel

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…

Read more on Atomic diplomacy: what I learnt interning at the UK Mission | Reply

11th October 2023

Layla

Layla

Head of Girls’ Education Department for a day

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 […]

Read more on Being the Head of Girls’ Education Department for a day | Reply