9th December 2025
Why We Need Data, Courage, and Community
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy
2nd December 2025
In cybersecurity, there are no limits – only new voices ready to lead
14th October 2025
Lost and Found (but mostly lost)
2nd December 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
6 Months to Elections (Here and There…)
Recently we learnt the date of next year’s election in #Ethiopia – 24 May 2015. So last Monday marked the 6 month countdown. I know that the National Election Board, #NEBE, are already very busy making preparations. This will be only the fifth opportunity Ethiopians have had to chose their government through the ballot box: […]
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2nd December 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
World Dementia Envoy visits Australia
330,000 Australians, 900,000 Britons and 44 million people around the world are living with dementia. These numbers are set to at least double over the next 30 years. It’s not only a human tragedy for those who suffer, but there are big economic and social costs for society. For 70% of Australians in their fifties, it […]
1st December 2014 Brasilia, Brazil
Time to reflect
Today is World AIDS Day. It is a great opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the last 20 years. The devastating Ebola outbreak in West Africa is a reminder of what it was like when AIDS started. Stigma, misunderstanding and discrimination were widespread. People were scared and afraid […]
1st December 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Help BiH farmers sell their products in the EU
Since I took up my post in Bosnia and Herzegovina this summer I have taken every opportunity to travel around the country. The beauty and diversity of the rural landscape is the first thing that strikes the newcomer, and from every highway one can see the distinctive, beehive-shaped haystacks and crops and livestock tended by […]
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1st December 2014 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day in Scotland’s Special Year
There are strong links between Scotland and Brunei, and as we celebrate Scotland’s national day over the weekend, anyone passing the British High Commission will notice a subtle change In addition to the red, white and blue of the Union Flag, there is a simple blue field with a bold white cross running from its […]
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1st December 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
HMAS Canberra: Australia’s new amphibious capability
Up close, warships look enormous. As we approached Woolloomooloo Wharf in Sydney for the commissioning ceremony, HMAS Canberra, Australia’s newest – and largest ever – naval vessel loomed over the invited guests. Navies do these things in style. The Governor General, Prime Minister and senior naval officers all spoke, Padres blessed the ship, the band played. […]
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30th November 2014 Sofia, Bulgaria
Doing Business in Bulgaria over the Past 30 Years
by Dr. Barbara Page-Roberts Dr. Barbara Page-Roberts is International Marketing Consultant who has been connected to Bulgaria for many years. “I have spent the most of the past 30 years in Bulgaria, and I consider it to be a privilege that I live here permanently for the past ten.” – Dr. Barbara Page Roberts On the face […]
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30th November 2014 Skopje, North Macedonia
Scottish recipes for St Andrews Day
The people of Scotland account for 8,3 % of the total UK population. Today, Scotland marks its national day – St Andrew’s Day. It’s a chance to really celebrate all that is great about our heritage and culture – our people, our food, and our skills, many of which have been passed on through generation […]
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30th November 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
A Scotsman in the Holy See
Guest blog by Monsignor Charles Burns OBE, Ecclesiastical Advisor of the British Embassy to the Holy See There have been Scots here in Rome for many centuries. The Scottish Hospice was founded in 1475 to assist Scottish pilgrims, and the Pontifical Scots College – where the Feast of St Andrew is celebrated every year – […]
29th November 2014 Islamabad, Pakistan
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day in Pakistan
For many here in Pakistan, Scotland needs no introduction, with its vibrant Pakistani communities and the links between Scotland and Pakistan in higher education and business.I was delighted that my first big event as the new British High Commissioner to Pakistan after I arrived in January was to host a Burns Night party. Haggis being […]
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