11th July 2019
London, UK
Last year was the deadliest year on record for journalists. UNESCO records suggest that at least 99 journalists were killed, 348 imprisoned and 60 held hostage. That is why, this week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has jointly hosted with the Canadian government a major international conference in London, putting media freedom at the forefront […]
Read more on Diplomacy has never been more relevant. Here’s why | Reply
27th September 2016
London, UK
Every year iconic buildings across the capital open their doors to the public as part of Open House London. When the organisation was founded in 1992, they wanted to open up coveted spaces to the public to enhance their appreciation and understanding of architecture and design. For 20 years the Foreign Office has been one […]
Read more on Our house, in the middle of King Charles Street | Reply
31st August 2016
London, UK
I joined the Foreign Office at the beginning of August as a Graduate Intern in the Africa Directorate and to say that I joined at an eventful time would be an understatement: a new Prime Minister, a new Foreign Secretary and two new government departments off the back of June’s Brexit vote (not to forget […]
Read more on My First Month at the Foreign Office | Reply (3)
14th December 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Time to move on and let someone else take a turn. This is my last day in extraordinary Ethiopia as the British Ambassador. Goodbyes are never easy, but I have had an amazing four years getting to know this place – full of hospitable people and outstanding experiences. But as is common for most diplomats, we […]
Read more on አመሰግናለሁ Farewell… | Reply (7)
8th December 2015
Islamabad, Pakistan
More than one third of all Forced Marriage cases reported to the Forced Marriage Unit in London are linked to Pakistan. This is four times more than any other country in the world. Last year, 82 cases of Forced Marriage were reported to my Consular Assistance team in Islamabad only. This year, we have offered […]
Read more on Forced Marriage – You have the right to choose | Reply (1)
6th November 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Two weeks ago all UK eyes were on China’s State visit to the UK. But the Chinese weren’t the only ones in town building commercial ties. It was also a week for Ethiopia in London, with a number of events where Ethiopia showcased their recent economic success and future potential. I joined Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister […]
Read more on Ethiopia – a huge opportunity for UK investment | Reply
29th September 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Digital Diplomacy is a key part of our work in the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We are encouraged to use social media and become closer to our audiences, to engage with and listen to them – it helps us reach a much wider range of stakeholders than through traditional methods of diplomacy. I started […]
Read more on Social Media & Ethiopia: a discussion with some top ‘influencers’ | Reply
27th August 2015
Sofia, Bulgaria
“The Embassy has run an internship programme for the last few years. The interns bring to the Embassy a fresh perspective alongside gaining valuable work experience. They are usually tasked with one big “project” (based on their own interests) during their time with us but, also quickly become an important part of Embassy life. I […]
Read more on British Embassy Sofia Internship Scheme | Reply
1st July 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
This is a networked world. And yet there are few genuinely global networks out there. By that I mean networks that have a capacity to operate globally, co-ordinated centrally but operating in capillary fashion, horizontally in a radial pattern as well as vertically in a hub and spoke model. One of the reasons why we […]
Read more on Global networks | Reply (2)
19th June 2015
New Delhi, India
Guest Blogger: Dr. Himangi Bhardwaj, Senior Health Adviser for the FCO’s (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) network in India, and part of the official UK delegation to the World Health Assembly, reports on her maiden United Nations experience, and her exciting adventures! The World Health Assembly 68 (WHA 68), organised from May 18 – 26, 2015 […]
Read more on World Health Assembly 68: a GREAT fortnight for global health | Reply