BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//FCDOA - ECPv6.17.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for FCDOA
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/London
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20240331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20241027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20270328T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20271031T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T120000
DTSTAMP:20250507T132504Z
CREATED:20250312T094631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T132504Z
UID:10000144-1747220400-1747224000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Lieutenant Colonel Tobias Ellwood VR
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk by  \nLieutenant Colonel Tobias Ellwood\nwith the title \nStrengthening European Engagement\non Wednesday 14 May 2025  \nat 11.00 am BST on Zoom \nModerated by Robert Ondrejcsak \nAdmission free \n\nThe importance of and how to engage most effectively with the EU and wider European relations for our mutual good and to respond effectively and collectively to the multiple challenges facing the free world. This is a very topical and critical issue at present and we are keen to stimulate a dialogue\, especially around security and defence. \nBio \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFormer United Kingdom Minister for Africa.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLieutenant Colonel Tobias Martin Ellwood VR is an American born former British Conservative Party politician and soldier who served as the Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East from 2005 to 2024.\n\n\n\n\n\nRobert Ondrejcsak\n\nFormer Ambassador of Slovakia to the United Kingdom (2020–2025) and State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic in two governments (2010–2012 and 2016–2020). He also served as the director of the Centre for European and North Atlantic Affairs (CENAA) (2007–2010 and 2016–2020)\, a Bratislava-based international relations and security think tank active in Central Europe\, Ukraine\, the South Caucasus\, and beyond. He is the founder of another security policy think tank\, STRATPOL – Strategic Policy Institute (2016).
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-lieutenant-colonel-tobias-ellwood-vr/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-12-at-11.37.51-e1741772700895.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250528T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250528T120000
DTSTAMP:20250527T094657Z
CREATED:20250318T130031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T094657Z
UID:10000146-1748428200-1748433600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:A Visit to 25 Kensington Gore on 28 May at 10.30
DESCRIPTION:Visit to 25 Kensington Gore\non 28 May at 10.30 pm \nTicket £25 including tea/coffee and biscuits \n15 people \n\n \n  \nA visit to 25 Kensington Gore has been arranged for 15 people on 28 May at 10.30.  The cost is £25 for tour and tea/coffee and biscuits.  This historic house was built by Sir Samuel of Samuel Montague Bank from 1873-75.  At the turn of the century\, it housed the head of the Sassoon family. \n  \nThe building has 6 stunning reception rooms\, a billiard room\, a dining room to accommodate 32 people to dinner\, 8 bedrooms\, 9 bathrooms\, 4 kitchens\, an indoor swimming pool with 3 showers\, 4 guest powder rooms\, a magnificent gym and wine cellar.  The roof gardens overlook both Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. \n  \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/a-visit-to-25-kensington-gore-on-28-may-at-10-30/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-19-at-16.46.26.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Cynthia Butterworth":MAILTO:cynthia.butterworth@fco.gov.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250605T153000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250605T170000
DTSTAMP:20250321T074828Z
CREATED:20250128T122641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T074828Z
UID:10000140-1749137400-1749142800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY: The 5th Transatlantic Panel Discussion with our US and Canadian counterparts
DESCRIPTION: The 5th Transatlantic Panel Discussion with our US and Canadian counterparts\nwill take place \non Thursday 5 June at 15.30-17.00 BST on ZOOM\nTopic of Discussion:\n‘The Future of NATO’\n\nThe UK panellist: \nDame Mariot Leslie was the UK’s permanent representative to NATO from 2010-2014.  A career British diplomat\, her prior appointments included head of the Foreign Office’s policy planning staff; minister and deputy head of mission in the British embassy in Rome;  ambassador in Oslo; director defence and strategic threats and counter-terrorism envoy; and immediately before her NATO appointment\, director-general for defence and intelligence in the Foreign Office. \nThe US panellist: \nRobert Hunter was U.S. Ambassador to NATO from 1993-1998.  Previously\, he was Vice President for International Politics at CSIS\, a member of the NSC Staff\, foreign policy advisor to Senator Edward Kennedy\, senior fellow at the Overseas Development Council\, research assistant at the IISS\, and advisor to VP Humphrey.  He also was director of the Center for Transatlantic Security at the National Defense University\, a member of the Secretary of State’s International Security Advisory Board\, and a member of the Senior Advisory Group to the U.S. European Command. \nThe Canadian panellist: \nKerry Buck was Canada’s Ambassador to NATO from 2015-2018.  A career diplomat\, she was Political Director and Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security and Political Affairs\, Canadian Representative at the UN\, G7\, NATO\, OAS\, and OSCE on issues of human rights\, security\, disarmament\, terrorism\, and humanitarian affairs\, and Assistant Secretary to the Treasury Board\, Economic Sector.  She is currently a senior fellow a the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa\, the Bill Graham Centre at Trinity College\, and Senior Mentor at the Canadian Armed Forces College. \nThe Moderator: \nStephanie Smith Kinney is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Foreign Service.  Her diplomatic career included tours of duty in Europe and Latin America as well as multilateral diplomacy under the auspices of the United Nations.  Ms. Kinney was one of the three chief U.S. negotiators for the original Framework Convention on Climate Change.  A recipient of the Department of State’s Lifetime Achievement Award\, she has recently worked as a change management consultant in the private sector\, State Department\, the American Foreign Service Association\, and the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. \nThis will be an important and extensive discussion. Do join us \nAdmission is free. \nPlease do register here or by contacting Lucie Portman at lucie.portman@fcdo.gov.uk.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/the-5th-transatlantic-panel-discussion-with-our-us-and-canadian-counterparts/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USCAUK.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250611T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250611T163000
DTSTAMP:20250609T122547Z
CREATED:20250506T122020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250609T122547Z
UID:10000148-1749650400-1749659400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Visit to the 1901 Arts Club
DESCRIPTION:FCDO Association is organising \nVisit to the 1901 Arts Club\non Wednesday 11 June at 2 pm\n7 Exton Street\, London SE18UE\nExton Street close to Waterloo Station and Waterloo East\, is off Waterloo Road before the church of St John’s Waterloo. No 7 is on the right and side \nTickets: £17\n\nInspired by Europe’s salon culture and housed in a converted schoolmaster’s residence\, the 1901 Arts Club has elegant facilities for chamber music performances\, rehearsals\, corporate and private meetings and entertainment on licensed promises.\n  \nCynthia Butterworth has arranged for an FCDOA visit to the Arts Club on 11 June at 2 pm. The programme will commence with a short presentation and talk by Glenn Kesby\, the club general manager\, about the history of the former schoolmaster’s residence\, its refurbishment and transformation into the 1901 Arts Club. At 3 pm there will be a 30-minute piano recital by Adam Heron or another talented young musician followed by tea\, coffee or water plus cakes and sweet treats on the first floor. After tea\, we will be at liberty to explore the club and ask questions. The suggested departure time is 4.30 pm. \n  \nTickets £17 per person can be bought via the FCDOA website or by sending a cheque made out to the FCDO Association in a SAE to: \nCynthia Butterworth \nFCDOA \nRoom KG.15 \nKing Charles Street \nLondon SW1A 2AH \n  \nClosing date is Wednesday 21 May\n  \n  \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/visit-to-the-1901-arts-club/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-06-at-15.31.05.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Cynthia Butterworth":MAILTO:cynthia.butterworth@fco.gov.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250613T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250613T120000
DTSTAMP:20250313T130658Z
CREATED:20250313T130658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T130658Z
UID:10000145-1749812400-1749816000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA AGM 2025 registration
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA AGM 2025 \nwill be held on Friday 13 June at 11.00 GMT on ZOOM \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/87917122813?pwd=bwpfkka4Ns0UPsRA6dQbusN6Y9l8IZ.1 \nMeeting ID: 879 1712 2813\nPasscode: 469009 \nYour FCDOA
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-agm-2025-registration/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AGM-thumbnail.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T120000
DTSTAMP:20250331T140952Z
CREATED:20250319T131019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T140952Z
UID:10000147-1750762800-1750766400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Gillian Angrave: Tales from the Other Side of the Desk – An Alternative View of Diplomatic Life
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online talk by  \nGillian Angrave\nTales from the Other Side of the Desk – An Alternative View of Diplomatic Life \non Tuesday 24 June at 11.00 on ZOOM \nFree admission \n\nIntroducing Gillian Angrave:  Author and Travel Writer \nBorn in Oadby\, Leicester\, in 1945\, Gillian was educated at Guthlaxton Grammar School and the Leicester College of Technology.  After three years working as a PA for an architect\, an engineering company\, and a branch of The Rank Organisation\, she joined P&O as an Assistant Purser in 1967\, sailing in CANBERRA and ORIANA until 1974. \nAfter a brief spell ashore\, she again got itchy feet and in 1976 joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office as Ambassador’s PA.  Her postings took her to the Philippines\, Peru\, Guatemala (expelled because of Belizean Independence)\, Chile (during the Falklands conflict)\, Mexico and Hungary.  She retired from ‘The Office’ in 2005 on her 60th birthday. \nSingle (her love of travel somehow always seemed to get in the way of marriage)\, upon retirement Gillian became\, and still is\, a Registrar of Marriages in West Sussex\, a job she also loves.  Now she marries everyone else! \nA keen photographer\, Gillian is also a self-published author\, having charted the course her itinerant life has taken in her books.  Her hobbies also include\, modern languages\, bellringing\, Tai Chi\, and golf (1991 Hungarian Ladies Open Champion). \n“My life has been spent fulfilling my dream of travelling the world”\, she explains.  “I count myself so lucky and privileged to have sailed the Seven Seas and worked for the Diplomatic Service in such exciting\, often dangerous\, but always fascinating countries. Travel has been my constant companion\, and I wouldn’t have missed the experience for the world.  I intend to keep travelling for as long as I can.” \nCivil Service Pensioners Alliance about my time in the Office and coping with retirement afterwards.  (“A Leap into the Dark” – https://civilservicepensions.lnk.to/podcast ) \nWebsite: https://www.gillangrave.co.uk \nemail: info@gillianangrave.co.uk
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-gillian-angrave-skirting-the-world-my-life-as-an-ambassadors-pa/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gillian-Angrave-as-Registrar-of-Marriages-e1742389810705.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250708T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250708T170000
DTSTAMP:20250708T072057Z
CREATED:20250708T072057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T072057Z
UID:10000149-1751961600-1751994000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FORUM: fifteenth issue\, June 2025/quinzième numéro\, juin 2025
DESCRIPTION:We invite you to download the fifteenth issue of FORUM\, for June 2025. Please click on the link below. If this link does not work properly\, let us know and we can forward a PDF version of the newsletter. \n  \nhttps://forumdiplocan.ca/forum
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/forum-fifteenth-issue-june-2025-quinzieme-numero-juin-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250909T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250909T133000
DTSTAMP:20250910T091931Z
CREATED:20250709T070423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T091931Z
UID:10000150-1757421000-1757424600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Well-being workshop on 9 September 2025
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Flier – Wellbeing Workshop \n  \n \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/well-being-workshop-on-9-september-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250910T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250910T153000
DTSTAMP:20250901T095703Z
CREATED:20250811T081948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T095703Z
UID:10000154-1757514600-1757518200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:In conversation with Dr Fiona Hill CMG and Sir Jeremy Greenstock: Britain’s Strategic Defence Review on 10 September at 14.30 BST
DESCRIPTION:In conversation with\nDr Fiona Hill\nBritain’s Strategic Defence Review from conception to implementation\nModerator: Sir Jeremy Greenstock\n10 September at 14.30 BST on ZOOM \nTickets £5 \n\n  \nRussia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 dramatically reshaped the landscape of European security\, revealing deep vulnerabilities in a defence system that has eroded over many years. In response to this shifting environment\, the United Kingdom has published its Strategic Defence Review (SDR)—a groundbreaking defence strategy document that stands out as one of the most significant in the nation’s post-Cold War era. One of the three lead reviewers of the SDR\, Dr. Fiona Hill CMG\, will be joining us to discuss the review and how it will shape Britain’s future defence policy\, both at home and abroad. \n  \nBio: Fiona Hill \nDr. Fiona Hill CMG is a senior fellow in the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution and Chancellor of Durham University. Hill served as deputy assistant to the president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the U.S. National Security Council from 2017 to 2019\, as well as national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia at the U.S. National Intelligence Council from 2006 to 2009. Hill has researched and published extensively on issues related to Russia\, the Caucasus\, regional conflicts\, and strategic issues\, as well as the link between deindustrialization and political populism. She is the author of the bestselling memoir “There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the 21st Century” and co-author of “Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin.” In December 2023\, Hill was recognized by the United Kingdom as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George\, for services to international relations and in July 2024\, Hill was appointed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to be an external reviewer for a Strategic Defence Review for the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-fiona-hill-strategic-defence-review-10-september-at-14-30-bst/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Fiona-Hill-MASTER-scaled-e1756130296653.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250930T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250930T110000
DTSTAMP:20250826T091448Z
CREATED:20250811T075531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T091448Z
UID:10000153-1759230000-1759230000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Daniel Snowman: Harry Truman’s ‘decision’ to drop the atomic bomb 80 years ago
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk by\nDaniel Snowman\nwith the title \nHarry Truman’s ‘decision’ to drop the atomic bomb 80 years ago \n80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki\n30 September 2025 at 11.00 on Zoom \nModerator: Dr Oliver Meier\, Policy and Research Director\nEuropean Leadership Network (ELN) \nAdmission free \n\nThe recent film about J. Robert Oppenheimer (the ‘father of the A-bomb’) attracted widespread attention and gave rise to a recurrent debate about whether Hiroshima was a ‘good thing’ (it brought World War II to a rapid end with minimum loss of life)\, or one of the most abhorrent political decisions in history.  How did Truman reach his ‘decision’ to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945? \nDaniel Snowman\, veteran journalist and historian\, will talk about the lengthy\, frank and highly revealing interview he had a few years later with (by then) ex-President Truman about his ‘decision  with the man ultimately responsible\, Harry Truman\, in his library in Independence\, Missouri. Looking back\, Daniel recalls that historic encounter in all its detail.  History may not “repeat itself”\, he says.  But given the widespread concern nowadays about growing international tensions (and even potential nuclear warfare)\, we need to re-appraise how and why the Hiroshima decision was taken – and its implications for today’s increasingly fragile world order.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-daniel-snowman-80th-anniversary-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-26-at-12.05.12-e1756199681348.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251014T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251014T120000
DTSTAMP:20251008T130741Z
CREATED:20250811T124006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T130741Z
UID:10000155-1760439600-1760443200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by James Babbage\, Director Threats National Crime Agency
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk: The Growing Threat from Online Crime – How We Need to Respond\nSpeaker: Dr James Babbage\, Director General (Threats)\, National Crime Agency\nModerator: Tom Keatinge\, Centre for Finance and Security at RUSI\nDate & Time: 14 October at 11:00 AM (UK time)\nTickets: £5 \n\nOverview: \nOnline serious and organised crime is escalating rapidly\, posing a significant threat to the UK and other nations. From ransomware attacks that have disrupted NHS services in Scotland and South East England\, to the devastating financial and psychological toll of online fraud\, the impact is widespread and growing. Critical infrastructure—including air and sea traffic control and vital communication systems—is increasingly targeted by hostile actors. \nIn this timely and urgent talk\, Dr James Babbage\, Director General for Threats at the National Crime Agency\, will explore the evolving landscape of online crime and discuss how we must respond. He will outline the operational strategies being deployed across sectors\, and the importance of collaboration with policing\, national agencies\, and industries such as finance and tech to “design out” crime. \nDr Babbage joined the NCA in June 2023 and leads the whole-of-system operational response to serious and organised crime. His focus is on reducing harm through investigative disruption and strategic partnerships. \n\nJoin us for this critical discussion on safeguarding our digital future.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-james-babbage/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-26-at-12.09.26.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251028T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251028T120000
DTSTAMP:20251001T115415Z
CREATED:20250811T074625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T115415Z
UID:10000152-1761649200-1761652800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Discovering Baron William de Ropp\, MI6’s top spy in Nazi Germany with Tim Willasey-Wilsey
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk\nTim Willasey-Wilsey CMG\nDiscovering Baron William de Ropp: MI6’s Top Spy in Nazi Germany \n🗓 Date: 28 October 2025\n🕚 Time: 11:00 AM BST\n💻 Platform: Zoom\n🎟 Tickets: £5 \n\nJoin us for a fascinating online talk by Tim Willasey-Wilsey CMG\, as he uncovers the remarkable story of Baron William de Ropp—MI6’s top spy in Nazi Germany. Mentioned in the official history of MI6\, de Ropp’s trail led Tim across Herefordshire \, Tennessee\, the Baltic States\, Germany\, and archives throughout Europe. The journey was filled with unexpected discoveries and moments of real drama. \n\nAbout the Speaker\nTim Willasey-Wilsey CMG served in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for 27 years\, with postings across Africa\, Latin America\, Asia\, and Europe. Since leaving the FCO in 2008\, he has worked as International Advisor at NatWest and is currently a Visiting Professor at King’s College London. \nHis first published book\, The Spy and the Devil\, explores the life and legacy of Baron de Ropp. \n \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-tim-willasey-wilsey-discovering-baron-william-de-ropp-mi6s-top-spy-in-nazi-germany/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Tim-Willasey-Wilsey3387-3-scaled-e1754898329235.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251107T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251107T133000
DTSTAMP:20251031T100218Z
CREATED:20250827T064510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T100218Z
UID:10000156-1762513200-1762522200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Annual Lecture 2025 by Dame Karen Pierce On the Nature of Diplomacy
DESCRIPTION:The 2025 FCDOA Annual Lecture\nDame Karen Pierce\nOn the Nature of Diplomacy\nFriday 7 November\n11.00 – 13.30\nLocarno Suite\, King Charles Street\nLecture followed by a reception \nTickets £30 \n\nDame Karen  – previously ambassador in Washington and recently appointed the UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans\, charged with driving forward the UK’s strategic objectives across the region including preparations for the summit in London of Balkan leaders in autumn this year – has kindly accepted our invitation to give this year’s Annual Lecture.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-annual-lecture-2025-by-dame-karen-pierce/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-03-31-at-11.21.18.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251118T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251118T170000
DTSTAMP:20251118T092600Z
CREATED:20251118T092600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T092600Z
UID:10000162-1763452800-1763485200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:THE MIDDLE EAST ASSOCIATION Newsletter November 2025
DESCRIPTION:Newsletter: The Middle East Association \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/the-middle-east-association-newsletter-november-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251126T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251126T120000
DTSTAMP:20251111T101546Z
CREATED:20250910T130704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T101546Z
UID:10000158-1764154800-1764158400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Gabrielle Rifkind\, Director\, Oxford Process
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk\nSpeaker: Gabrielle Rifkind\nTitle: What is a preventive diplomacy mindset\nRole: Director\, Oxford Process\nDate: Wednesday\, 26 November\nTime: 11:00 AM (UK time)\nAdmission Free\nModerator: Rt Rev Bishop Peter Price\n\nJoin us for an insightful online talk with Gabrielle Rifkind\, Director of Oxford Process\, as she explores the role of preventative diplomacy in today’s global landscape. \nThe term “preventive diplomacy” was first coined by former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld. Within the United Nations framework\, it is considered a key component of broader conflict-prevention efforts. It refers specifically to early diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing the emergence of disputes\, the escalation of tensions into violence\, and the spread of ongoing conflicts. \nGabrielle is an accredited mediator with a strong track record in conflict resolution. She works with groups involved in armed conflict or entrenched rivalries to identify opportunities for de-escalation\, reduce tensions\, and create pathways to peace. Her approach is grounded in both political and psychological insight\, and she brings many years of experience in fostering serious analysis and dialogue. \nRather than seeking elusive common ground\, Gabrielle’s innovative method focuses on helping parties manage deep and radical differences without resorting to violence. \nOver the past two decades\, her work has centred on some of the world’s most complex and enduring conflicts\, including the Iran nuclear issue\, the proxy wars in Syria\, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict\, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. \nRt Rev Bishop Peter Price\, former Bishop of Bath and Wells and Chair of Conciliation Resources.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-gabrielle-rifkind-director-oxford-process/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251210T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251210T120000
DTSTAMP:20251211T134244Z
CREATED:20250909T085604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T134244Z
UID:10000157-1765364400-1765368000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Upcoming Online Talk: Changing Diplomacy with Nick Westcott 10 December
DESCRIPTION:The FCDOA online talk “Changing Diplomacy” with Nick Westcott\n  \n🗓 Date: 10 December 2025\n🕚 Time: 11.00\n💻 Platform: Zoom\n🎟 Admission Free \n\nDiplomacy is evolving rapidly in today’s complex global landscape. Understanding what diplomats do—and how to do it well—has never been more important. \nJoin us for an insightful online talk by Nick Westcott\, author of the newly published book How to Be a Diplomat (Routledge\, 2025). Drawing on decades of experience\, Westcott offers a practical guide for aspiring diplomats and a thoughtful reflection for seasoned professionals. His talk will explore how diplomacy must adapt to a changing world\, making it relevant to practitioners across all sectors and stages of their careers. \nAbout the Speaker\nNick Westcott served as a British diplomat for 35 years\, with postings in Brussels\, Tanzania\, Washington DC\, and as British High Commissioner to Ghana and Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire\, Burkina Faso\, Niger\, and Togo. From 2011 to 2017\, he was Managing Director for Africa and later for the Middle East at the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels. \nFollowing his diplomatic career\, he led the Royal African Society as Director (2017–2023) and currently holds the position of Professor of Practice in Diplomacy at SOAS University of London. \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/upcoming-online-talk-how-to-be-a-diplomat-with-nick-westcott/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Nick-Westcott.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T120000
DTSTAMP:20260108T135004Z
CREATED:20251008T091111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T135004Z
UID:10000159-1768388400-1768392000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Lord Harris: How Do We Prepare for a Turbulent and Uncertain Future?
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk with Lord Harris\nHow Do We Prepare for a Turbulent and Uncertain Future?\n🗓️ 14 January\n🕚 11:00 AM (Online) \nLord Simon McDonald\, former FCDO PUS has agreed to moderate the talk. \nTickets £5 \n\nWe are living through a period of growing global instability. The international order is under strain\, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. Hostile actors—such as President Putin and other adversarial states and organisations—are actively working to undermine liberal democracies\, with the UK seen as a key target. \nTo defend ourselves effectively\, we must urgently strengthen our systems and structures against sabotage. This includes protecting critical infrastructure—pipelines\, air and sea routes\, communication networks—as well as securing trade routes\, supply chains\, financial systems\, healthcare\, and the foundations of our democratic institutions. \nA shift in mindset is essential—across all sectors and among all citizens. National resilience must become a shared priority. \nWhat will it take for the UK to prepare for the shocks and risks ahead?\nHow can we build a society that is more robust\, adaptive\, and united in the face of disruption? \nJoin Lord Harris for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on how we can meet these challenges head-on.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-lord-harris-how-do-we-prepare-for-a-turbulent-and-uncertain-future/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-14.29.06.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260120T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260120T133000
DTSTAMP:20251202T080452Z
CREATED:20251202T080452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T080452Z
UID:10000164-1768912200-1768915800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Wheel of Life Coaching Session with Melissa Lawson — International Policy Consultant & Professional Coach
DESCRIPTION:🗣 Wheel of Life Coaching Sessionwith Melissa Lawson — International Policy Consultant & Professional Coach📅 Tuesday\, 20 January 2026 🕧 12:30–13:30 (UK time)📍 Online | Admission: Free \n\nthink through these big questions. \nIf you’d like to experience this for yourself\, join a free online Wheel of Life coaching session on Tuesday 20 January 2026. To reserve a place\, please email melissa@endimpact.com by Friday 16 January 2026. \nThis session will be particularly valuable for FCDOA members preparing for upcoming career workshops – helping you first to set your career in the wider context of your life\, thus enabling you to move forward with clarity and purpose. \n \nBy Melissa Lawson\nInternational Policy Consultant and Professional Coach\nEndImpact.com
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/wheel-of-life-coaching-session-with-melissa-lawson-international-policy-consultant-professional-coach/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T120000
DTSTAMP:20251118T091349Z
CREATED:20251103T112846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T091349Z
UID:10000160-1769511600-1769515200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk with Nicholas Hopton
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk with Nicholas Hopton\nwith a title: A Tuscan farmhouse project – building the dream\n🗓 Tuesday\, 27 January 2026\n🕚 11:00 AM (UK time)\n📍 Zoom\n🎟 Tickets: Free \n\nJoin us for a special online talk with Nicholas Hopton\, who will discuss his newly published book\, Maremma Mia (Chiselbury Publishing\, 14 November 2025). In this engaging session\, Nicholas will share the inspirations behind the book and reflect on the experiences that shaped his writing. \nMaremma Mia is a vivid and personal account of life in a lesser-known corner of Italy\, blending memoir\, travel writing\, and cultural insight. \nhttps://www.chiselbury.co.uk/bookstore/p/maremma-mia \nFormer Foreign Office colleague Nicholas Hopton talks to Janet Rogan about his new book\, Maremma Mia. The Daily Mail said it “does for southern Tuscany what Peter Mayle did for Provence“. Silk Roads author Peter Frankopan called it “a lyrical and affectionate love letter to Tuscany’s wilder heart”. Join this talk to hear about the people\, history\, landscape\, food\, wines and traditions of an unspoilt part of Tuscany – and\, of course\, what doing up an old farmhouse in Italy really involves. \nBio \nNicholas Hopton was a British diplomat for 35 years. He was Ambassador to Yemen\, Qatar\, Iran and Libya and earlier was posted to Rabat\, Rome and Paris. Since leaving the FCDO\, Nicholas has re-launched the Middle East Association\, runs a geopolitical consultancy\, Belmont Advisory. He is also an ambassador for the HALO Trust\, a fellow at RUSI and the Atlantic Council\, and an advisory board chair at the Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics. \nThis event is free to attend\, but registration is required. \nWe look forward to welcoming you online! \nModerated by Janet Rogan\, Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Royal African Society.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-with-nicholas-hopton/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T153000
DTSTAMP:20260126T102128Z
CREATED:20251202T080737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T102128Z
UID:10000165-1769517000-1769527800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY: FCDOA Job Opportunities Workshop In association with Claire Career Consulting Limited
DESCRIPTION:🗣 FCDOA Job Opportunities WorkshopIn association with Claire Career Consulting Limitedwith Jacquie O’Dea📅 Tuesday\, 27 January 2026 | 🕧 12:30–13:30 (UK time)\n📅 Tuesday 10 March 2026 | 🕧 12:30–13:30 (UK time)\n📅 Thursday 23 April 2026 | 🕧 12:30–13:30 (UK time)\n📍 Online | Admission: Free
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-job-opportunities-workshop-in-association-with-claire-career-consulting-limited/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260226T153000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260226T170000
DTSTAMP:20260203T122051Z
CREATED:20251118T092122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T122051Z
UID:10000161-1772119800-1772125200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Next Transatlantic Panel Discussion 26 February
DESCRIPTION:Next Transatlantic Panel Discussion\nJoin us for an engaging conversation with our US and Canadian counterparts:\n📅 Thursday\, 26 February\n🕒 15:30 – 16:45 GMT\n📍 Online via Zoom \nTopic: The Practice of Diplomacy in a Dystopian World \nAdmission free \nMore information is available here.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/next-transatlantic-panel-discussion-26-february/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USCAUK.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260311T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260311T120000
DTSTAMP:20260112T092244Z
CREATED:20251202T084304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T092244Z
UID:10000166-1773226800-1773230400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Sir Vince Cable on 11 March
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk\nSpeaker: Sir Vince Cable\nTopic: Eclipsing the West: China\, India and the Forging of a New World\n📅 Date: 11 March\n🕚 Time: 11:00 AM\n📍 Platform: Zoom\n🎟 Tickets: £5 \nModerated by James Kynge\, Senior Research Fellow\, Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House \n\nJoin us for an insightful session with Sir Vince Cable\, former Business Secretary\,  who will examine the shifting balance of global power as China and India emerge as dominant players on the world stage. This talk will explore how geopolitics\, economics and influence are being reshaped—and what this means for the future of the West. \n\nThe book examines the shift of economic power toward the Asian superstates — China and\, potentially\, India. In a world where global rules have weakened\, size increasingly confers advantage. The coming decades may see intensified competition among the USA\, China and Japan\, unless the EU can\, however improbably\, realise its potential as a unified bloc. \nThe book outlines three long‑term scenarios for the global order: \n\nGlobal West – in which India aligns with the Western bloc\, collectively confronting China and its allies.\nMultipolarity – a world divided into competing spheres of influence\, with weakened global rules and insufficient attention to global public goods.\nVortex – a downward spiral in which neglect of shared challenges such as climate change\, economic coordination and pandemic preparedness leads to recurring crises and instability.\n\n\nBio  \n\nVince Cable had a varied career before entering Parliament\, including service in the Kenya Treasury\, a period in the Diplomatic Service\, work in Shell Planning as Group Chief Economist\, and roles as Programme Research Director at ODI and Chatham House. \nHe served for 20 years as MP for Twickenham and was Secretary of State for Business\, Innovation and Skills\, as well as President of the Board of Trade\, throughout the five-year Coalition Government. He later became Leader of the Liberal Democrats. \nHe is now a Visiting Professor at the LSE\, Nottingham University and Shenzhen University. His business roles include Chair of Element 2\, the hydrogen infrastructure company\, and Chair of the eFreight2030 consortium.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-vince-cable-on-11-march/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260318T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260318T120000
DTSTAMP:20260210T083439Z
CREATED:20251201T100451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T083439Z
UID:10000163-1773831600-1773835200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Adrian Clewlow: A Deniable Conspiracy. (Mogadishu)
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk\nSpeaker: Adrian (Ade) Clewlow\nTopic: A Deniable Reality: the real life inspiration behind a spy thriller set in Mogadishu\nModerator is Emily Hawke \n📅 Date: 18 March\n🕚 Time: 11:00 AM\n📍 Platform: Zoom \nTicket £5 \n\n\nJoin us for an online talk with Adrian (Ade) Clewlow\, who will discuss his debut novel A Deniable Conspiracy (Mogadishu)—a gripping espionage and political thriller set against the volatile backdrop of Somalia. Drawing on first-hand experience and deep regional insight\, Ade offers a compelling perspective on the world of intelligence\, conflict and covert operations. \n\nA Deniable Reality\nThe Real-Life Inspiration Behind a Spy Thriller Set in Mogadishu \nFrom a detached villa in a quiet Nairobi suburb\, Ade Clewlow began a journey that would blur the boundaries between contractual obligation and duty to country. \nIn this candid and compelling talk\, Clewlow recounts his experience of living and working in one of the world’s most dangerous cities at a time when access to key decision-makers was both rare and highly prized. He reflects on how those experiences—twelve years later—became the inspiration for his debut spy thriller\, A Deniable Conspiracy. \nDrawing directly on his remarkable military and post-service career\, Clewlow delivers a story rich in authenticity\, intrigue\, and danger. Set against the volatile backdrop of Mogadishu\, the novel follows Christian Travers\, a British ex‑military contractor working for the United Nations who becomes entangled in a covert operation with global ramifications. \n\nSpeaker Bio\nBetween 2010 and 2012\, Lieutenant Colonel Ade Clewlow MBE operated at the highest levels of defence diplomacy\, leading UK Ministry of Defence policy and planning for the Horn of Africa. After overseeing the launch of the first military operation in Somalia in decades\, he retired from the armed forces and transitioned to life as a civilian contractor in the region. \nWhile serving as Chief of Staff for a UN‑funded strategic communications team in Mogadishu\, Clewlow developed an extensive network within the Somali political elite—gaining a level of access that far exceeded his original brief. This influence did not go unnoticed and drew the attention of former colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. \n\n📘 A Deniable Conspiracy is available to purchase online:\n👉 https://amzn.eu/d/d2Gf2Ns \n  \n\n  \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-adrian-clewlow/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ADE-scaled-e1770712432780.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260414T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260414T120000
DTSTAMP:20260309T104523Z
CREATED:20260128T090426Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T104523Z
UID:10000169-1776164400-1776168000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Sir David Omand: Surviving Crises
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online talk by Sir David Omand\nSurviving Crises\nFormer Head of GCHQ \na talk on the theme of his book “How to Survive a Crisis“ \non 14 April 2026 at 11.00-12.00 \nModerator: Sir Jeremy Greenstock \nTicket £5 \n\nSir David Omand will draw on his most recent book\, How to Survive a Crisis (Penguin paperback\, 2023) and on his own career to discuss how organisations and government can best try to to survive crises and avoid disasters. Conflict\, terrorism\, cyberattack\, climate change\, the threat of AI\, rupture in the international order: it has never been more important to be prepared for the crises that await us. “This book is the instruction manual we all need. Leaders\, in particular\, should take note”\, Sir Alex Younger\, former chief of SIS. “We live in a world where crises have become the new normal. Here is the survival guide you need”\, Peter Ricketts. \nProfessor Sir David Omand GCB \nSir David Omand is a Visiting Professor in the Department of War Studies\, King’s College London. He was Director of GCHQ\, Permanent Secretary of the UK Home Office\, Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office as UK Security and Intelligence Coordinator.  He also served in the MOD as Deputy Under Secretary of State for Policy and was Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Defence during the Falklands conflict. He served for three years with the Diplomatic Service as the UK Defence Counsellor in NATO\, Brussels. He served for seven years on the UK Joint intelligence Committee. For many years he was the Senior Independent Director of the Babcock International Group. Among other publications\, he is the author of How to Survive a Crisis: Lessons in Resilience and Avoiding Disaster (Penguin Viking\, 2023)\, How Spies Think: 10 Lessons in Intelligence (Penguin Viking\, 2020)\, Principled Spying: The Ethics of Secret Intelligence (with Professor Mark Pythian) (Oxford University Press\, 2018) and Securing the State (Hurst\, 2010). \n \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-sir-david-ormand/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-11-at-10.16.42-e1770804684827.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260421T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260421T120000
DTSTAMP:20260420T110858Z
CREATED:20251202T132214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T110858Z
UID:10000168-1776769200-1776772800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Sir Mark Lyall Grant: Are we facing the death of multilateralism?
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk\nSpeaker: Sir Mark Lyall Grant GCMG \nAre we facing the death of multilateralism?\nModerator is Sir Matthew Rycroft KCMG CBE  \n📅 Date: 21 April\n🕚 Time: 11:00 AM (London time)\n📍 Platform: Zoom\n🎟 Tickets: free \n\nWith the UN failing to stop or prevent conflicts in Ukraine\, the Middle East and Africa\, and President Trump openly dismissive of multilateralism\, have we reached the end of the road for the post World War 2 international order?  If so\, what will replace it and how can the UK exploit its strengths to thrive in this new environment?  \n  \nSir Mark Lyall Grant GCMG \n  \nMark Lyall Grant qualified as a Barrister before joining the diplomatic service in 1980.  After postings in Pakistan\, France and South Africa\, he was appointed High Commissioner to Pakistan (2003-06)\, Political Director in the FCO (2007-09) and British Ambassador to the UN (2009-15). In that capacity\, he chaired the UN Security Council on 4 occasions. \nMark’s final Government appointment was National Security Adviser to David Cameron\, then Theresa May (2015-17)\, advising the Prime Minister on Security\, Defence and Foreign policy issues\, overseeing the British Intelligence Agencies and acting as Secretary to the National Security Council. \nMark is currently a visiting Professor at King’s College\, London\, a Bencher at Middle Temple and a fellow at Eton College. He has a number of private sector consultancy roles\, focussed on national and international security\, and on geopolitics; and is on the advisory board at Chatham House. He was knighted in 2007 by HM Queen Elizabeth the Second and in 2022 was appointed the King of Arms at the Order of St Michael and St George.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-mark-lyall-grant-on-multilateral-diplomacy/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mark-Lyall-Grant-pic-e1771405733889.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T120000
DTSTAMP:20260427T071939Z
CREATED:20260324T104700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T071939Z
UID:10000171-1778065200-1778068800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by William Horsley
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA is organising an Online Talk\nby  William Horsley\nPress freedom ‘under attack’: what’s really at stake?\non 6 May at 11.00 am London time on ZOOM\nModerator is Fiona O’Brien \nTicket £5 \n\nWe have scheduled this talk to coincide with World Media Freedom Day at a time when Media freedom faces a severe global decline due to surging political repression\, violence against journalists\, and economic fragility. Among the challenges facing the media are authoritarian censorship\, Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)\, dangerous working conditions in conflict zones\, and the rapid spread of misinformation\, which collectively fuel widespread self-censorship. The UK has played an active role in developing policies to protect Journalists launching our National Committee for the Safety of Journalists in 2020 and the UK’s National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists was first launched in 2021 and refreshed in 2023. In 2025 the UK’s National Committee for Safety of Journalists  focused on three priority areas: enhancing the criminal justice response to crimes against journalists; supporting journalists and their employers to tackle online and offline harassment; and – with a non-legislative focus – tackling the risks posed by SLAPPs and other abusive legal threats against journalists. \nWilliam Horsley will draw on his 35 years’ experience as a BBC journalist and foreign correspondent\, and his ‘second career’ as a press freedom advocate and international director (2009-2026) of the Centre for Freedom of the Media at University of Sheffield \nHe will share his analysis of the ‘democratic backsliding’ associated with increasingly harsh suppression of critical media worldwide\, and the countervailing efforts by press freedom advocates and international institutions to protect the Fourth Estate in recent times. \nBio \nUK Chairman of the Association of European Journalists (AEJ); co-founder of the Centre for Freedom of the Media (CFOM) and Emeritus Professor at the University of Sheffield; former BBC foreign correspondent and TV & Radio programme presenter; author of the OSCE Safety of Journalists Guidebooks and consultant to UNESCO and the Council of Europe; co-author of Who Controls the Narrative? Legal Restrictions on Freedom of Expression in the Commonwealth (2025); member of the RSF London Bureau Advisory Board.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-william-horsey/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/william-horsey.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260527T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260527T120000
DTSTAMP:20260518T101704Z
CREATED:20260407T143014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T101704Z
UID:10000173-1779879600-1779883200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Fiona Clouder: Wednesday 27 May
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online talk by \nFiona Clouder\n‘Latin America – From Canning to Mining – Opportunity’ \nWednesday 27 May at 11.00 GMT on ZOOM \nModerated by Dr Christopher Sabatini \nsenior fellow for Latin America at Chatham House \nAdmission free \n\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/89177206719?pwd=kBuhfGGKhzKsWvFgbuft8x5C6LTFFa.1 \nMeeting ID: 891 7720 6719\nPasscode: 112959 \n  \n\n  \n\nWe are delighted to welcome Fiona Clouder\, former UK Ambassador to Chile and a leading expert on Latin America\, for a talk exploring the region’s historic ties with the UK\, current strategic priorities\, and the opportunities that lie ahead. \nFiona will open with a brief look at the UK’s longstanding connections with Latin America\, including the origins and impact of the FCDO’s Canning Agenda\, which she led to revitalise UK engagement across the region. She will also touch on her work as Regional Ambassador for COP26\, driving collaboration with governments and businesses towards a Net Zero world. \nThe main focus of her talk will look forward: \n\ncritical minerals and the energy transition\,\ngeopolitics and regional dynamics\, and\nemerging opportunities for the UK in an increasingly strategic part of the world.\n\nAbout Fiona Clouder \nFiona Clouder has extensive experience in Latin America\, both as a senior diplomat and in the private sector\, particularly in mining\, energy\, environment\, and the geopolitics surrounding these sectors. She served as UK Ambassador to Chile (2014–2018) and later as Regional Ambassador for Latin America and the Caribbean for COP26 (2020–2022). \nHer diplomatic career has spanned trade and investment\, defence and prosperity\, science and innovation\, and environmental policy. Before joining the FCO in 2001\, she worked with the Research Councils (now UKRI)\, where she helped develop the UK’s early approach to science diplomacy and established the global Science and Innovation Network (UKSIN). \nIn addition to running her own consultancy\, Fiona works with The Ambassador Partnership and is: \n\nSenior Advisor to Appian Capital Advisory\,\nDirector at the Chilean Cobalt Corporation\,\nDistinguished Fellow at RUSI\,\nChairman of the Anglo Chilean Society\, and\na Board Member of Canning House\, the UK’s leading forum on Latin America.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-fiona-cloudesly/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-13-at-10.22.08-e1776064978573.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260612T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260612T120000
DTSTAMP:20260407T123202Z
CREATED:20260407T123202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T123202Z
UID:10000172-1781262000-1781265600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:AGM Registration
DESCRIPTION:Please register here to attend the FCDOA AGM online on 12 June 2026 at 11.00 on ZOOM: \nHere are your log in details: \nTopic: FCDOA AGM 2026\nTime: Jun 12\, 2026 11:00 AM London\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85363384581?pwd=0OvtocEWfhE7OT3BwN7YZpxResDLeH.1 \nMeeting ID: 853 6338 4581\nPasscode: 000654 \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/agm-registration-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260707T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260707T120000
DTSTAMP:20260616T080134Z
CREATED:20260407T143317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T080134Z
UID:10000174-1783422000-1783425600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by General Sir Simon Mayall: De-coding the Modern Middle East
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk with\n General Sir Simon Mayall KBE CB\nwith the title \nDe-coding the Modern Middle East\n7 July\, 11:00 (Zoom) \nTicket: £5 \nModerated by Nick Hopton \n\nWe are pleased to welcome General Sir Simon Mayall KBE CB for an in‑depth online talk on the current state of the Middle East. Drawing on more than 40 years of senior military and diplomatic experience\, General Mayall will offer his highly respected analysis of a region marked by persistent change\, conflict\, and profound uncertainty. \nGeneral Mayall’s long career has taken him across many of the key countries in the Middle East\, where he has worked closely with political and military leaders and helped shape elements of the UK’s engagement and policy. His insights into the dynamics of the region—including his widely regarded analysis of the revolution in Iran—bring clarity to some of the most complex and consequential issues in global affairs. \nIn this talk\, he will explore: \n\nthe historical\, political\, and religious forces shaping the region\nthe relationships and rivalries driving today’s conflicts\nthe implications for regional stability and global security\nwhat the coming decade may hold for the Middle East\n\nKnown for his ability to explain complex situations in an accessible and engaging way\, General Mayall offers an informed and human perspective on a region whose developments will continue to influence global affairs for years to come. \n\nLieutenant General (Retired) Sir Simon Mayall KBE CB \nSir Simon Mayall was commissioned into the British Army in 1979 after graduating from Balliol College\, Oxford\, where he read Modern History. Over the course of a distinguished career spanning several decades\, he served in Germany\, Belgium\, the United Kingdom\, and Oman\, and was deployed on operations in Northern Ireland\, Cyprus\, the Balkans\, and the Middle East. He commanded troops at every level and held a succession of increasingly senior staff appointments within the Ministry of Defence\, including Assistant Chief of the General Staff\, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Operations)\, and Defence Senior Adviser for the Middle East. \nAlongside his military service\, Sir Simon pursued academic study\, completing a Defence Fellowship at St Antony’s College\, Oxford\, and earning an MA in International Relations from King’s College London. He was knighted in 2014 and retired from the Army in 2015. \nSince retirement\, Sir Simon has combined his academic interest in history with his extensive professional experience in the Middle East to develop a recognised expertise in this complex and volatile region. He is frequently sought after for commentary and analysis\, drawing on his deep understanding of history and religion to provide context and insight into contemporary events across the wider Middle East. \nIn 2020\, he published Soldier in the Sand: A Personal History of the Modern Middle East\, which uses a three-generation family narrative to explore the history of the region since the end of the First World War. In 2024\, he published The House of War: The Struggle between Christendom and the Caliphate\, examining the 1\,300-year interaction between the Christian and Islamic worlds through ten pivotal sieges and battles\, from the early medieval period to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918. \n\nJoin us for what promises to be a compelling and thought‑provoking session.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-general-sir-simon-mayall/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/simon.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260907T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T120000
DTSTAMP:20260915T112556Z
CREATED:20260805T144430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T112556Z
UID:10000176-1788778800-1791374400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Ian Proud on 6 October
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk by\n\nIan Proud\nKEEPING CALM AND CARRYING ON: SAFEGUARDING MENTAL HEALTH IN A CRISIS\non 6 October\, 11.00-12.00 on Zoom\nModerated by Dr Dipti Patel \nAdmission free\n\nForeign Office staff will climb mountains to step up and help British citizens in the event of a major crisis overseas\, whether a natural disaster\, terrorist attack or a global repatriation caused by a pandemic. But\, as first responders\, the experience can exact a huge emotional toll and create a timebomb of mental health challenges that can endure for years. Loving relationships and powerful social circles can help them to cope. Employers also have a role in managing the consequences of events which touch staff so closely in so many ways. Ian Proud dedicated his personal experience to improving Foreign Office crisis capability\, a commitment he took into his final role in the Office\, as Vice Principal of the International Academy.\n\nDr Dipti Patel\, Chief Medical Officer at the FCDO\, will invite Ian to share his experience and discuss with him how the FCDO and other organisations can learn the impact of responding to such events on their staff\, and support them.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-ian-proud-on-6-october/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fcdoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-10.29.49-e1789471547324.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR