26th February 2026
Different Memories, Shared Futures: Why Inclusive Remembrance Matters for Serbia and the Region
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs
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22nd December 2025
Continuing to grow the global alliance for women and girls
17th December 2025
MAKING LIFE SAFER, FOR EVERYONE
6th June 2013 New Delhi, India
Together for health: UK and India pen MoU on health cooperation
Health and disease was one of the major areas identified for collaboration between the UK and India at the Indo-UK Science & Innovation Council last year, and it’s been a regular topic on this blog ever since. Here’s Himangi Bhardwaj, our Health Adviser in New Delhi, bringing the latest news on Indo-UK Health… 19th May […]
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5th June 2013 Kingston, Jamaica
Is anyone listening?
Listening is not one of the first things that comes to mind when we think of social media, most of us view it as a tool to connect with people we know, or to meet new people. The concept of listening via social media has evolved over time. When used correctly information can be garnered in […]
5th June 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
The Golden Thread
You might assume from the title that this is going to be about mathematical theory or science fiction or indeed sewing. But the “golden thread” in question is our Prime Minister’s description of the link between peace, good governance and open societies and economies as part of new thinking on poverty reduction through wealth creation. […]
4th June 2013 Ottawa, Canada
Cecil Spring-Rice: Singing the Unsung Hero
Most of us go through life trying to make a difference for the better, whether in a small way, or in a way that has a bigger, more lasting impact on the world around us. Very few people truly succeed in doing so. And of those that do, very few perhaps get the recognition they deserve…
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4th June 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Post 2015 MDGs: Our Time Starts Now!
Last Friday 31 May was a momentous date. For on that date, in New York, the 27-strong High Level Panel appointed by the UN Secretary General – and co-chaired by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron; Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; and Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono presented its final report on the post-2015 […]
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4th June 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
The Poor and the Powerful: A New Global Partnership
Can we be the generation to eliminate extreme poverty from the earth? This is the challenge set by the Report of the High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, co-chaired at the request of the UN Secretary General by the Presidents of Liberia and Indonesia, and the Prime Minister of the United […]
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4th June 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
A Step Towards A Safer World
A step towards a safer world was taken in New York on 3 June when the UK, Sweden and 65 other states signed the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). I worked on the ATT during my time heading the political and security team at the UK delegation in New York between 2005 and 2008. I confess […]
3rd June 2013 Beirut, Lebanon
Courage, Challenges and The Post Civil War Generation
I was asked to speak at a graduation ceremony on Friday. It was the end of a tiring and typically eclectic week, including a huge celebration of HM Queen’s birthday (held early, ironically, to avoid Lebanese elections), the launch of the Jaguar F-Type, postponement of elections, the usual round of mountain top meetings with leaders, […]
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3rd June 2013 Vientiane, Laos
Laos through my eyes – Colin Butters
The British Embassy plane, a de Havilland Beaver piloted by Major Alan Calder, Assistant Military Attaché, delivered me to Pakse in September 1972, together with my motor bike. As a volunteer with VSO, my job was to oversee the technical running of the Lao National Radio station in Pakse, and to continue the training of the Lao technicians.
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3rd June 2013 Geneva, Switzerland
Launches, lunar landings and hyper-speed delegates
I’m sure the June session of the Council never used to be this busy. In years gone by it felt less like a session in its own right and more like the after show party of the March session when delegations would run a few resolutions that they didn’t quite find the time for and […]
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