Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs

A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy

17th January 2014 Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Visit Tajikistan – “That’s great. Where is Tajikistan?”

The following is a post by Professor Philip Riddle who is a tourism adviser and former head of VisitScotland. That’s the most common response I got when I told friends and relatives I was coming here as a tourism advisor with UK charity VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas). A good first lesson if your job is […]

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17th January 2014 Mumbai, India

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by Vijay Iyer

Senior Science & Innovation Adviser

Go Goa for research

Understandably, the sound of Goa conjures up images of sandy beaches, lush greenery, and the wide blue ocean. While you can have leisurely fun in Goa, you can also have fun with research there, as I found out! Earlier this month, I visited the Department of Chemistry at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science […]

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16th January 2014 Washington DC, USA

by Alex Brooks

Secretary for Asia-Pacific, Foreign & Security Policy Group

Burma, let’s talk

Ever drive onto the Beltway outside Washington DC, or the equivalent in your home town, during rush-hour and wish there were a couple more lanes available? The residents of Nay Pyi Taw, Burma, probably don’t share your concerns. The tiny handful of in-bound motorists has TEN lanes to choose from – as do their out-bound […]

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15th January 2014

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by Nigel Baker

Ambassador to the Holy See (2011-2016)

A new British Cardinal

Pope Francis was very clear in his letter to the men on his first list of new cardinals since the beginning of his Pontificate. Being a Cardinal, he said, “means neither a promotion, an honour, nor a decoration; it is simply a service”. Simplicity, humility, sobriety and service are the benchmarks for Pope Francis’s cardinals, […]

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15th January 2014 Athens, Greece

by Caroline Makropoulos

Caroline Mackropoulos, British Embassy Athens, focusing on defence matters

We’re all stories, in the end

How can defence possibly be interesting?  For me it can be if it’s about people – the people behind events, their roles and lives.  How they think.  What they think and what inspires them.  What they do and how they work with others. I’ve never been a great fan of Doctor Who.  But I like […]

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14th January 2014 New Delhi, India

Europe acting together to promote research and innovation cooperation in India

Awareness Raising and Information Campaign in India – 9 January to 31 March 2014 Last week I was at the Indian Institute of Technology – Delhi (IIT-D) to represent the UK at the first event of the European Roadshow 2014 Research, Innovation & Higher Education. The UK shares strong linkages with the IIT-D and it […]

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14th January 2014

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by Leigh Turner

Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna

Violence against women, Kusursuzlar and can IKEA do good?

I recently enjoyed the new Turkish film Kusursuzlar (“The Impeccable Ones”).  The film shows how two adult sisters respond differently to a traumatic event, the details of which are revealed as the film progresses.  It makes gruelling viewing, but has some fine comedy moments – especially featuring the male neighbour who may or may not be a […]

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13th January 2014

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by Sarah Dickson

Ambassador to Guatemala (June 2012 - June 2015)

Semana Británica 2014 – Quieres participar?

Ya que comenzamos el 2014 la Embajada está en completo modo de planeación para la Semana Británica.  Esta celebración de todas las cosas británica se llevará a cabo del 7 al 15 de marzo e incluirá eventos abiertos al público como un día familiar, un evento de moda y juegos de futbol.  Quiero enfocarme ahora […]

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