15th September 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
“Democracy” can be defined as a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. For countries to build successful and stable democracies, the existence of a strong and freely operating civil society is crucial. […]
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11th September 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
The Ethiopian New Year is an important part of the unique and beautiful Ethiopian culture. It has always been a pleasure for me to be here at this time of year and witness this enjoyable experience. I have served as the UK Ambassador to Ethiopia for approaching four years now. And this Ethiopian New Year […]
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31st August 2015
Bangalore, India
Declining water quality is a global issue. At a time when the global population is growing and industrial and agricultural activities grow, plus the impact of climate change, clean water is become scarcer globally. While this is not new phenomena, I was amazed at the innovations that are being developed by researchers in UK, India, […]
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26th August 2015
Islamabad, Pakistan
Last night, I hosted the lion’s share of the 73 Chevening Scholars heading from Pakistan to the UK this autumn to study Masters Degrees at some of the UK’s top universities. I took the opportunity to say a few words: Thank you for joining me here at the British High Commission. I am delighted to […]
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20th August 2015
Mumbai, India
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of welcoming Maharashtra’s two senior police officials to London for a 3-day programme on exchanging best practices in intellectual property (IP) enforcement between the UK and India. Mr Sanjay Kumar IPS, Additional Director General of Police – Criminal Investigation Department (Pune), and Mr Dhananjay Kamalakar IPS, Joint Commissioner […]
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20th August 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Yesterday was World Humanitarian Day. Geographically and geopolitically Ethiopia lies at the heart of a deeply unstable region, with neighbouring Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Eritrea all engaged in conflicts. Enjoying comparative peace for some time now, it has been hosting refugees since the 1990s. But recent times have seen a dramatic rise in the […]
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6th August 2015
The UK’s Modern Slavery Act came into force on 31 July This landmark legislation brought into law some important new provisions. These include mechanisms to seize traffickers assets and use those funds to help compensate victims, prevention orders to ensure that those who pose a risk of committing modern slavery offences cannot work sectors where they will […]
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31st July 2015
Havana, Cuba
A lot of people ask me which are the best books written about Cuba. This year, more than ever it seems, people are interested. The rapprochement between Cuba and the United States, the two countries re-opening embassies after 54 years, the Cuban government’s steady economic reforms; all of this, and the thought that it will […]
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31st July 2015
Beirut, Lebanon
Dear Lebanon, Sorry to write again. But I’m leaving your extraordinary country after four years. Unlike your politicians, I can’t extend my own term. When I arrived, my first email said ‘welcome to Lebanon, your files have been corrupted’. It should have continued: never think you understand it, never think you can fix it, never […]
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25th June 2015
Skopje, North Macedonia
I leave Macedonia today after a fascinating three years as Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Skopje. There have been many developments across the political and economic spectrum during that time. I have had the pleasure of working with a dynamic team within this Embassy, and developed our cooperation in the fields […]
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