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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231213T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231213T113000
DTSTAMP:20231106T093939Z
CREATED:20230927T121730Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T093939Z
UID:10000106-1702463400-1702467000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk 75th Anniversary of UDHR
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA is organising an online talk\n75th Anniversary of UDHR \non 13 December at 10.30 on Zoom \nwith the title \nCan Diplomacy Advance Human Rights?\nwith \n Rashmin Sagoo\nChatham House\, Director of International Law Programme \n& \nDavid Griffiths\nChatham House\, Associate Fellow\, International Law Programme \n  \nModerator: Dame Audrey Glover\n  \nTickets £5 \n\nThe relationship between diplomacy and human rights is an uneasy one. Diplomacy is an art of negotiation\, persuasion and compromise. Human rights are tightly defined and universal. The relationship between the two may seem paradoxical\, but in the context of an unstable world order\, it has never been more important. \nIn the 75th anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights\, this discussion will explore the critical role of diplomacy in advancing human rights in the future \n  \n \nRashmin Sagoo leads the International Law programme at Chatham House. She developed her international law\, policy and diplomatic experience in the government\, humanitarian and international organization sectors. \nRashmin joined Chatham House from the British Red Cross where she advised it and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on a range of issues\, notably: international humanitarian law\, international human rights law\, international disaster laws\, data and counter terrorism. \nShe was formerly a UK government lawyer and diplomat\, advising on human rights\, international humanitarian law\, EU law/Brexit\, UN Security Council resolutions and international judicial architecture; and a European Commission expert on proposals to strengthen EU equality and non-discrimination laws. \nShe has led several high-profile cases before domestic and international courts\, including the Court of Justice of the European Union\, the US Supreme Court\, and as agent to the European Court of Human Rights. \nImproving diversity and representation have been running themes throughout her career. \n  \nDavid Griffiths is an associate fellow of the International Law Programme and a consultant on human rights strategy. He is also a member of the OSCE’s Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief. \nPreviously\, David worked at Amnesty International as director of the Office of the Secretary General\, and\, before that\, as that organization’s deputy director for Asia where he began the process of establishing a regional office in Sri Lanka. \nHe began his human rights career in field research and advocacy on freedom of religion and minority rights in South and Southeast Asia. He holds degrees from the University of Oxford and SOAS University of London \n  \nDame Audrey Glover \nDame Audrey Francis Glover\, DBE CMG\, is a British international lawyer\, experienced election observer\, former director of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (1994-1997)\, Chair Of The Board Of Trustees at Foreign Policy Centre and  Chairperson of the Council of LINKS. Her main career was as a legal adviser to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/19761/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240109T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240109T120000
DTSTAMP:20231107T141421Z
CREATED:20230927T091612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231107T141421Z
UID:10000105-1704798000-1704801600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Sir Malcolm Evans on ZOOM
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA is organising an online talk by\nSir Malcolm Evans KCMG\, OBE\, FLSW\nPrincipal Regents Park College\, Oxford \nwith the title \nUK engagement with multi-lateral bodies: reflections from an international human rights perspective \non 9 January 2024 at 11.00 on Zoom \nTickets £5 \nModerated by Rita French \n\nThis talk offers the perspectives of a former expert member of a UN human rights treaty body and international lawyer\, who has worked with and through a variety of multi-lateral bodies and processes on matters concerning human rights\, of the perception of the UK and its influence in such bodies and how this might be enhanced. \nBiographical Note: \nMalcolm Evans is Principal of Regent’s Park College\, Oxford. Until 2022 he was Professor of Public International Law at the University of Bristol\, where he also served as Head of the School of Law and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law. His research interests centre on the international protection of human rights\, with particular focus on the prevention of torture and the freedom of religion in recognition of which he was knighted in 2015. He also works extensively on issues concerning the international law of the sea\, including in particular questions concerning maritime boundaries and the protection of human rights at sea. Among his many roles\, Sir Malcolm has served as a member and\, from 2011-2020\, Chair of the United Nations Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture. In 2015 he was appointed a Member of the Panel of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales\, then the largest and most wide-ranging public inquiry yet undertaken\, which concluded its work in late 2022. He has also served as a member of the Advisory Panel on Freedom of Religion and Belief of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. He was General Editor of the International and Comparative Law Quarterly from 2013-2023. Since 2010 he has been a member of the Foreign Secretary’s Advisory Group of Human Rights and in 2021 he was elected an Associate Member of the Institut du Droit International.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/19753/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240112T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240112T140000
DTSTAMP:20240110T144456Z
CREATED:20231016T130209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240110T144456Z
UID:10000107-1705017600-1705068000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:New Year’s Reception Locarno Suite
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA NEW YEAR’S RECEPTION\n\nFriday 12 January 2024 \n12.00-14.00\nThe Locarno Suite \nKing Charles Street\n  \nTickets £28 \n  \n  \nRegrettably we are unable after 13 December to refund the cost of cancelled tickets for this event. This date is the point at which we have to make firm and final commitments regarding the provision of catering and security. Refunds for cancellations after this date would have a negative cost impact on our financial planning for the reception. It is essential that we ensure this does not happen. Many thanks for your understanding. \n\n  \nAfter careful consideration\, the board have decided to mark the beginning of 2024 by hosting a New Year reception for members instead of an event in the crowded run-up to Christmas this year. Once we have reached agreement with the FCDO’s security staff on the necessary modalities\, tickets will become available on the FCDOA website. \nWe hope you will join us on the 12th of January for our fist social event of 2024. It will be a pleasure to have you with us.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/new-years-reception-locarno-suite/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240123T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240123T120000
DTSTAMP:20240109T134444Z
CREATED:20230831T125110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240109T134444Z
UID:10000102-1706007600-1706011200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Dr Helen Fry
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA is organising an online talk \non 23 January 2024 at 11.00-12.00 on ZOOM \nby \nDr Helen Fry  \nwith the title \nThe Spies who should be Remembered: Women in Intelligence across Two World Wars \n \nModerator: Tim Dowse \n\nA groundbreaking history of women in British intelligence\, revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the twentieth century \nIn twentieth century\, women took on an extraordinary range of roles in intelligence\, defying the conventions of their time. Across both world wars\, far from being a small part of covert operations\, they ran spy networks and escape lines\, parachuted behind enemy lines and interrogated prisoners. Meanwhile\, back at Bletchley and Whitehall\, women’s vital administrative work in Military Intelligence kept the British war engine running. Helen looks at the rich and varied intelligence and espionage work women undertook as civilians and in uniform. From spies in the Belgian network ‘La Dame Blanche’\, knitting coded messages into jumpers\, to those who interpreted aerial images and even ran entire sections. She will talk about some of the inspirational contributions of these remarkable women from her extensive research. \nABOUT HELEN FRY \nHistorian Dr Helen Fry has written numerous books on the Second World War with particular reference to the 10\,000 Germans who fought for Britain\, and also British intelligence\, espionage and WWII. Her latest bestselling book is Women in Intelligence: The Hidden History of Two World War. She has written over 25 books – including her bestselling book The Walls have Ears: The Greatest Intelligence Operation of WWII; her highly acclaimed Spymaster: The Man who Saved MI6; The London Cage about a secret interrogation centre in WWII; and MI9: A history of the British Secret Service for escape and evasion in World War Two. She has appeared in numerous TV documentaries and is an ambassador for the National Centre for Military Intelligence. Helen was recognized as a woman of achievement\, along with 400 other women across all fields\, at the Women of the Year Lunch 2022. She is a trustee of the Friends of the Intelligence Corps Museum. Her website: www.helen-fry.com \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-dr-helen-fry-on-23-january-2024/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240125T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240125T160000
DTSTAMP:20231212T120221Z
CREATED:20231212T114235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231212T120221Z
UID:10000112-1706194800-1706198400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Visit to the Government Art Collection on Thursday 25 January 2024 at 15.00 – admission free
DESCRIPTION:Event:          Visit to the Government Art Collection \nLocation:     Old Admiralty Building\, Admiralty Place\, London SW1A 2BL \nDate:            Thursday 25 January 2024 at 15.00 \nPlaces:         15 \n\n  \nA tour of the Collection has been arranged for 25 January at 3 pm.  There is no charge and the tour by the Curator lasts about one hour.  The tour will provide an introduction to the Government Art Collection and its role in promoting British art\, history and culture around the world.  The tour also includes a visit to the technical workshop and racking room. \nOld Admiralty Building off Whitehall can be approached from Charing Cross (Northern or Bakerloo lines) or Westminster (Jubilee\, District and Circle lines).  There are also many buses going up and down Whitehall (Trafalgar Square stop).  Access to Old Admiralty Building is via the entrance on Admiralty Place for reception and passes. \nPlaces can be booked online or by sending the slip below.  Please include an SAE if you want to be notified by post. \n  \nClosing date:         Monday 15 January \n  \nCynthia Butterworth                                          Cynthia.butterworth@fcdo.gov.uk \nFCDOA\, Room KG.15\, King Charles Street\, London SW1A 2AH\nTel:  020 7008 0967 \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/visit-to-the-government-art-collection-admission-free/
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ORGANIZER;CN="Cynthia Butterworth":MAILTO:cynthia.butterworth@fco.gov.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240131T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240131T151500
DTSTAMP:20231212T094248Z
CREATED:20231212T094203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231212T094248Z
UID:10000110-1706709600-1706714100@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:DFID Alumni/FCDO Association Joint Webinar: Climate Change: What is really happening and what should the UK do?
DESCRIPTION:DFID Alumni/FCDO Association Joint Webinar \n Climate Change: What is really happening and what should the UK do?\n Wednesday 31 January 2023 at 1400 UK time\nAdmission free.\n\nClimate change is now well recognised as a major challenge facing the world. The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) has just concluded. But what did it really achieve and where does it leave agenda?  \nWhat do the numbers show about whether progress is being made? Is the private sector starting to drive change despite muddled political leadership? Are carbon markets working? Which countries best drive change through tax incentives. \nMost global crises hit the poorest\, most fragile countries hardest. What does the climate crisis mean  for them and are they getting attention? What should aid donors do next to help them? \nWith the UK influence on global issues much diminished what realistic role should the next UK government play on climate despite? And how should it organise itself to be more effective on the climate debate? \nThis webinar will aim to take a strategic view of the issues. \nWe have assembled an excellent discussion panel comprising three experts: \n  \n\nDr Andrew Steer\, former DFID Director General\, World Bank Climate Change Envoy\, President of the World Resources Institute and now President of the Bezos Earth Fund.\n\n  \n\nProfessor Stefan Dercon\, former DFID Chief Economist\, Adviser to Dominic Raab in FCDO\, and now Professor of Economics and Director of the Centre for the Study of African Economies at Oxford.\n\n  \n\nSir Myles Wickstead was Secretary to the Africa Commission\, Ambassador to Ethiopia and is now a Professor of International Development and Adviser to the Liberal Democrats.\n\n  \nPauline Hayes\, Chair of the DFID Alumni Association\, will moderate the event. \n  \nThe webinar will last 75 minutes and is free of charge. Speakers will be asked to present for 10 minutes each leaving plenty of time for questions and debate. \n  \nIf you would like to attend as a FCDOA member\, please do so via the Association’s website or email fcdo.association@fcdo.gov.uk. \n  \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/dfid-alumni-fcdo-association-joint-webinar-climate-change-what-is-really-happening-and-what-should-the-uk-do/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240206T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240206T120000
DTSTAMP:20240109T133949Z
CREATED:20230829T125424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240109T133949Z
UID:10000101-1707217200-1707220800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Chris Mullin on 6 February 2024
DESCRIPTION:FCDO Association is organising\nan online talk by \nChris Mullin\nwith the title \nDidn’t You Used to be Chris Mullin?\non 6 February 2024 at 11.00 on ZOOM \nTickets £5 \nModerator: Bharat Joshi\, former PS to Chris Mullin \n\nNo longer in the tent\, but not quite out of it\, celebrated diarist Chris Mullin gives his take on the twelve turbulent years since he left Parliament. With his trademark wit and keen eye for the absurd\, he recounts events from the fall of New Labour to the death of the Queen. Rich in anecdote\, this candid new volume includes encounters with movers and shakers from all political parties and with citizens from all walks of life\, from dustmen to dukes. Chris Mullin has been a Labour MP for twenty years\, and despite his refusal to toe the party line – on issues like 90 days detention\, for example – he has held several prominent posts. To the apoplexy of the whips\, he was for a time the only person appointed to government who voted against the Iraq War. He also chaired the Home Affairs Select Committee and was a member of the Parliamentary Committee\, giving him direct access to the court of Tony Blair. Irreverent\, wry and candid\, Mullin’s keen sense of the ridiculous allows him to give a far clearer insight into the workings of Government than other\, more overtly successful politicians. He offers humorous and incisive takes on all aspects of political life: from the build-up to Iraq\, to the scandalous sums of tax-payers’ money spent on ministerial cars he didn’t want to use. His critically acclaimed talk will entertain and amuse far beyond the political classes.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-chris-mullin/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240208T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240208T130000
DTSTAMP:20231212T113110Z
CREATED:20231212T113110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231212T113110Z
UID:10000111-1707390000-1707397200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:HOLBEIN AT THE TUDOR COURT – THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2024 AT 11.00
DESCRIPTION:Event:                                             Holbein at the Tudor Court \nLocation:                                       The Queen’s Gallery\, Buckingham Palace Road\, London \nDate:                                               Thursday 8 February 2024 at 11.00 \nPrice:                                              £19 \nPlaces available:                         15 \n\nA visit has been arranged to see the exhibition Holbein at the Tudor Court at the Queen’s Gallery on Thursday 8 February 2024 at 11.00 \nHans Holbein the Younger was one of the most talented artists of the 16th century.  From his arrival in England in search of work he rose to royal favour\, chosen to paint the portraits of Henry VIII\, his family and leading figures\, among them Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More.   He also painted th famous picture of the Ambassadors hanging in the National Gallery. \nThe exhibition showcases one of the most important surviving collections of his work\, and includes drawings\, paintings\, miniatures and book illustrations. \nApplying online:           7 places can be booked online.  Once these have been assigned\, you will no longer be able to book.  I shall email joining instructions. \nApplying by post:         complete the slip below and return it with your cheque made out to the FCDO Association and include an SAE if you want to be notified by post.  If necessary\, there will be a ballot. \nIf you have a valid one year pass you may prefer not to apply for this visit. \nClosing date:   Tuesday 23 January 2024 \nCynthia Butterworth                                cynthia.butterworth@fcdo.gov.uk\nFCDOA\, Room KG.15\, King Charles Street\, London SW1A 2AH\nTel:  020 7008 0967 \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/holbein-at-the-tudor-court-thursday-8-february-2024-at-11-00/
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ORGANIZER;CN="Cynthia Butterworth":MAILTO:cynthia.butterworth@fco.gov.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240221T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240221T120000
DTSTAMP:20240212T172806Z
CREATED:20231114T100902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240212T172806Z
UID:10000109-1708513200-1708516800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Martyn Roper on 21 February 2024
DESCRIPTION:FCDO Association is organising an online talk by \nMartyn Roper OBE\nformer British Governor of the Cayman Islands\n\nwith the title\nRole of Governor in a British Overseas Territory: senior politician or ceremonial figurehead?\non 21 February 2024 at 11.00 on ZOOM \nAdmission is free \nModerator: Kathryn Colvin \n\nMartyn Roper\, former Governor of the Cayman Islands will give us his perspective and experiences as the  Governor of the Cayman Islands (2018-2023). He will explore what a Governor does\, what powers does he/she have\, what are relations like with the elected Government\, how does a Governor navigate local sensitivities while upholding UK objectives?  How different  is being a Governor\, a Head of State in an overseas  territory\, from being an Ambassador? Although his talk will mainly focus on his role as Governor he will  draw on fascinating  and long\, varied and distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service\,  also share other personal stories and  experiences from other periods in his career.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-martin-roper-on-21-february-2024/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240228T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240228T120000
DTSTAMP:20240101T153424Z
CREATED:20240101T153201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240101T153424Z
UID:10000113-1709118000-1709121600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Sir Vincent Fean on Wednesday 28 February at 11.00 am
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk by \nSir Vincent Fean\n    Israel and Palestine: what price the two-state solution?\non Wednesday 28 February at 11.00 am on ZOOM\nTicket £5 \nModerator: Richard Makepeace  \n\nThe UK has “form” on Palestine/Israel\, from the Balfour Declaration and the British Mandate through to Resolution 242 and the present dismal day. Spurred on by the Gaza tragedy\, the US and UK speak of reviving the vision of two sovereign states\, Israel and Palestine – but decline to recognise the second state in that long-desired outcome. Can the vision ever be realised? If so\, what would it take to advance it? How can our Ministers and diplomats change things for the better? \nCV of Sir Vincent Fean \nSir Vincent Fean is a trustee of the Balfour Project charity (www.balfourproject.org) which seeks to shed light on Britain’s role in Palestine/Israel from the 19th Century\, through the 1917  Balfour Declaration and the Mandate period (to 1948) and to today. The charity advocates equal rights\, an end to the Israeli occupation of 1967\, and British Government recognition now of the state of Palestine\, alongside Israel. \nBorn in 1952 in Burnley\,  Vincent was a member of HM Diplomatic Service from 1975-2014\, serving in Iraq (expelled)\, Syria\, the EU (Brussels) and France.  He was High Commissioner\, Malta (2002-06)\, Ambassador\, Libya (2006-10) and Consul-General\, Jerusalem (2010-14). Jerusalem meant talking to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank\, including East Jerusalem – the Occupied Palestinian Territories. His three years there convinced him of the need to argue for change; for peace under the law. \nVincent is married to Anne\, with two daughters\, one son and four grandsons. \n  \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-sir-vincent-fean-on-wednesday-28-february-at-11-00-am/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240410T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240410T120000
DTSTAMP:20240307T112756Z
CREATED:20240307T111959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T112756Z
UID:10000115-1712746800-1712750400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Michael Cockerell   
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA is organising an Online Talk  \nby Michael Cockerell\non 10 April 2024 at 11.00 am London time on ZOOM \nwith the title \nUnmasking our leaders: confessions of a political documentary maker\nTicket £5 \nThe moderator: Richard Smith\, FCDO deputy chief historian \n\nAn accomplished British broadcaster and journalist\, Michael Cockerell is the BBC’s most established political documentary maker\, with a long \, Emmy award-winning career in political programmes spanning television and radio. \nIn this election year\, he will talk about a lifetime removing the gloss from prime ministers and leading politicians. including \n\nHow politicians reacted during some of the key pivotal events in the UK’s recent history and\nA compelling insight into his career in political television and foreign reporting where tensions\, rivalries and life-threatening danger are part of the package.\n\nDrawing on his unique experience of filming all the past ten prime ministers\, Cockerell will disclose how he managed to lull some of the wariest people in the land into candour; how Margaret Thatcher flirted on screen but attacked him by name in the House of Commons; how Tony Blair said he would willingly “pay the blood price” in Iraq; how David Cameron learned a speech-making tip from Enoch Powell; and how Boris Johnson admitted to doubting his ability to be prime minister.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-michael-cockerell/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240418T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240418T140000
DTSTAMP:20240319T144956Z
CREATED:20240319T144956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240319T144956Z
UID:10000116-1713445200-1713448800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDO Historians – an online talk by Prof Helen McCarthy
DESCRIPTION:The FCDO Historians are organizing\nan online talk by \n Prof Helen McCarthy\nTitle: Last Post: Cultures of Retirement at the post-war Foreign Office \n on Thursday 18 April @ 13:00 on TEAMS \n  \nMicrosoft Teams meeting \nJoin on your computer\, mobile app or room device \nClick here to join the meeting \nMeeting ID: 351 697 418 168\nPasscode: DwNvVf \nDownload Teams | Join on the web \n\n\nThis paper explores retirement at the post-war Foreign Office\, asking how the end of working life was managed by the institution and how it was experienced by the individuals employed inside it\, with a focus on those recruited to the higher grades of the Diplomatic Service. Drawing on government records\, diplomatic memoirs and interviews from the British Diplomatic Oral History Project\, the paper shows how early retirement was used as a tool for managing the size and composition of the Service between the 1940s and early 2000s\, and how mandatory retirement at 60 shaped officer expectations and plans for later life\, both personal and professional. Furthermore\, it shows the importance of using gender as an analytical lens when studying the post-war retirement norm\, founded as it was on the standard model of the uninterrupted male career. \n  \nClick on the flyer for more information
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdo-historians-an-online-talk-by-prof-helen-mccarthy/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240423T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240423T120000
DTSTAMP:20240312T153316Z
CREATED:20240306T131754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240312T153316Z
UID:10000114-1713870000-1713873600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Sir Anthony Seldon
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online talk by \nSir Anthony Seldon \nOn Tuesday 23 April at 11.00 on ZOOM \nwith the title \n‘Is The Job of PM now Impossible?’ \n Tickets £5\n \n\nIn his book\, “The Impossible Office?: The History of the British Prime Minister ”  examines the role of the Prime Minister in the context recent political chaos enfolding Downing Street provides the framing for the extraordinary story of the office of Prime Minister\, and how and why it has endured longer than any other democratic political office in world history. Sir Anthony Seldon\, historian of Number 10\, explores the lives and careers\, crises and scandals\, and successes and failures of our great Prime Ministers from Robert Walpole to Clement Attlee and Margaret Thatcher\, up to the recent churn of Boris Johnson\, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Seldon discusses which of our PMs have been most effective and why\, as well as probing the changing relationship between the Monarchy and the Prime Minister in intimate detail. A celebration of the humanity\, frailty\, work and achievements of 57 remarkable individuals who averted revolution and civil war\, leading the country through times of peace\, crisis and war. \nA Times and Sunday Times Book of the Year. \nSir Anthony Seldon is the acknowledged national authority on all matters to do with Number 10 and prime ministers. His first book on a prime minister\, Churchill’s Indian Summer: The Conservative Government\, 1951-55 (1981)\, was published forty years ago\, and since then he has written or edited many books\, including the definitive insider accounts of the last six prime ministers. He has been the honorary historian at Number 10 Downing Street\, chair of the National Archives Trust\, and has interviewed virtually all senior figures who have worked in Number 10 in the last fifty years. His BBC Radio 4 series ‘The Prime Minister at 300’ was broadcast on the 300th anniversary of the office in April 2021. Jonathan Meakin was educated at Royal Holloway\, University of London and at the University of St Andrews. He has had a lifelong interest in history. He has worked on many publications with Anthony Seldon\, including Cameron at 10 and The Cabinet Office\, (19162016). Illias Thoms has worked with Anthony Seldon for over ten years and this is their fourth book together\, including Cameron at 10 and Brown at 10. He graduated from Balliol College\, Oxford with a degree in history and politics in 2014 and works as an assistant director in the UK film and television industries. Tom Egerton has worked with Anthony Seldon on various publications\, including Johnson at 10. He is the Editor and founder of The Political Inquiry and was educated in history and politics at the University of Warwick.          
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-sir-anthony-seldon/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240501T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240501T120000
DTSTAMP:20240429T150901Z
CREATED:20240408T122953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240429T150901Z
UID:10000120-1714561200-1714564800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Online talk on Wilton Park
DESCRIPTION:The Policies  and Power of Public Diplomacy\n Wilton Park’s World\n1 May 2024 at 11.00 am on ZOOM \nAdmission free \nJane Kinninmont will moderate the event. \n\nShe is currently Policy and Impact Director at the European Leadership Network and is a member of  the Wilton Park Advisory Council. Previously she was Head of Programmes for The Elders\, the organisation of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela to work for peace\, justice and human rights around the world.  Before joining The Elders\, Jane was Deputy Head and Senior Research Fellow at the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House. \n\nThe Wilton Park dialogues were originally established in the post 2nd World War to  create a partnership and platform to influence the building  of democracy  in Germany.  Since then it has evolved into a high level international policy forum to respond to changing and challenging global political contexts. In advance of publishing a book about the role of Wilton Park\, former Director Nick Hopkinson and two of the contributors\, historian Dr Richard Langhorne and researcher\, Dr Lindsay Aqui\, will trace the history and contribution of Wilton Park to international policy.  Richard will speak on Wilton Park’s institutional evolution from its early days to 1996 and Lindsay will present some key findings from her research about Wilton Park’s coverage of the UK -EC  relationship before 1987\, and Wilton Park’s role within that relationship. \nSpeaker biographical info:  \nNick Hopkinson is chair of the Sir Heinz Koeppler Trust. He was acting chief executive\, director\, and programme director (EU\, global economy and democracy) at Wilton Park between 1987 and 2010\, and edited its reports from 1992 to 2010. \nDr Richard Langhorne was director and chief executive of Wilton Park from 1993 to 1996\, and founding director of the Division of Global Affairs\, Rutgers University from 1993 to 2008. \nDr Lindsay Aqui is a research fellow in the Humanities at the University of Westminster. \nJane Kinninmont is currently Policy and Impact Director at the European Leadership Network and is a member of  the Wilton Park Advisory Council. Previously she was Head of Programmes for The Elders\, the organisation of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela to work for peace\, justice and human rights around the world.  Before joining The Elders\, Jane was Deputy Head and Senior Research Fellow at the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/online-talk-on-wilton-park/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240522T121500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240522T150000
DTSTAMP:20240508T103635Z
CREATED:20240326T114343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240508T103635Z
UID:10000117-1716380100-1716390000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bletchley Park visit
DESCRIPTION:Bletchley Park Visit\nBletchley Park\, Sherwood Drive\, Bletchley MK3 6EB\nWednesday 22 May 2024 at 12.15 \n30 places available \nPrice £27 \n\nA private tour has been arranged for members at 1 pm.  If he’s free at the time\, the CEO of Bletchley Park Trust\, Iain Standen would like to greet us on arrival.  Failing that the Historian\, Dr David Kenyon\, will take his place to welcome us. \nBletchley Park is a historical site in Buckinghamshire that was the central site of the UK’s codebreaking efforts during World War II.  It was where Alan Turing and other cryptologists decrypted the secret messages of the Axis Powers\, especially those encrypted with the Enigma and Lorenz machines.  The site was originally a mansion built by Browne Willis in 1711\, and later owned by the Leon family\, who expanded and renovated it in various styles. \nUnfortunately\, the Colossus machine is now housed next door in the National Museum of Computing and is not open on a Wednesday.  If interested\, the days of opening are Tuesday\, Thursday\, Saturday and Sunday.  Free flow for concessions is £7.50 per person and guided tours (maximum 15) is £15   The telephone number is 01908 374708. \nBletchley Park is a short walk from Bletchley railway station.  The recommended train from Euston is the 11.23 arriving at Bletchley at 12.01.  If you intend to drive there\, please let us know so we can inform the Bletchley Park Trust. \nApplying online:    15 places can be booked online. \nApplying by post:  compete the slip below and return it with your cheque made out to the FCDO Association and include an SAE f you want to be notified by post. \nCynthia Butterworth   cynthia.butterworth@fcdo.gov.uk\nFCDOA\, Room KG.15\, King Charles Street\, London SW1A 2AH\nTel:  020 7008 0967
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/21186/
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ORGANIZER;CN="Cynthia Butterworth":MAILTO:cynthia.butterworth@fco.gov.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240613T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240613T120000
DTSTAMP:20240618T082431Z
CREATED:20240327T155858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T082431Z
UID:10000118-1718272800-1718280000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:The FCDOA AGM 2024 registration
DESCRIPTION:The FCDOA AGM 2024\nwill be held on \n13 June at 10.00 on ZOOM\nPlease join us there!
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/agm-registration/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240625T153000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240625T170000
DTSTAMP:20240618T092417Z
CREATED:20240327T160716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T092417Z
UID:10000119-1719329400-1719334800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY: The 4th Transatlantic Panel Discussion with our US and Canadian counterparts
DESCRIPTION: The 4th Transatlantic Panel Discussion with our US and Canadian counterparts \nwill take place \non Tuesday 25 June at 15.30-17.00 BST on ZOOM\nTopic of Discussion: \nThe Russian Challenge: The Next Five Years\nThe UK panellist: \nSir Laurence Bristow\, who served as UK ambassador to Moscow from 2016-20. Subsequently\, he was ambassador in Afghanistan between June to November 2021\, so present during the fall of Kabul. \nThe US panellist: \nAmbassador William Courtney: former US ambassador to Georgia and Kazakhstan. He also served in Moscow and was senior director for Russia in the NSC during the Clinton presidency. He led several arms control negotiations and is currently active in the American Academy of Diplomacy. \nThe Canadian panellist: \nLeigh Sarty joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1993\, serving in the Canadian Embassy in Moscow from 1996-99 and then again as Deputy Head of Mission from 2012-16.  He also headed the Political Section at the Embassy in Beijing from 2003-07. \nIn Ottawa he was Director for Russia and East Europe from 2007-12\, Director General for Europe from 2016-18 and Global Affairs Canada Scholar in Residence until his retirement in 2021. \nThe moderator: \nSimon Smith\, who chairs the Steering Committee of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House\, was British Ambassador to Ukraine from 2012-15 and before that Economic/Commercial Counsellor at the British Embassy in Moscow during the last 2 years of Yeltsin’s Presidency and the first 2 years of Putin’s presidency. \nThis will be an important and extensive discussion. Do join us.  \nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/81064881740?pwd=WDFnVXZEWXFHc1FHSURiSkhJcWp4UT09 \nMeeting ID: 810 6488 1740\nPasscode: 096290
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/the-4th-transatlantic-panel-discussion-with-our-us-and-canadian-counterparts/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240702T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240702T120000
DTSTAMP:20240626T130741Z
CREATED:20240409T081055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240626T130741Z
UID:10000121-1719918000-1719921600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Online talk by Fergal Keane on 2 July 2024 is confirmed
DESCRIPTION:We just heard from Fergal Keane and the talk is going ahead as planned.\n\nFCDOA Online talk by former BBC war reporter\nFergal Keane  \nwith the title \nConfronting PTSD \n2 July 2024 at 11.00 am \nTicket £5 \n\nThe much-acclaimed BBC journalist Fergal Keane has covered conflict and brutality for over 30 years – including Rwanda\, Sudan\, South Africa\, Iraq\, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Driven by a compulsion to be where the night is darkest\, he has acquired a reputation for reporting with humanity and empathy in places afflicted by death\, serious injury and overwhelming tragedy. His book – The Madness: a memoir of war\, fear and PTSD – was The Irish Times 2022 book of the year. \nAt the same time\, he has struggled not to be overwhelmed by his ‘acute complex post-traumatic stress disorder’\, a condition arising from exposure to multiple instances of trauma experienced over a long period and which has caused him to suffer several mental breakdowns and hospitalisations. Despite this\, he has returned to report conflict again and again. \nFergal Keane will share his terror of PTSD\, his tips for living it with day to day and the people and poets he admires.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/online-talk-by-fergal-keane-on-2-july-2024/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240709T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240709T120000
DTSTAMP:20240701T092638Z
CREATED:20240604T131635Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240701T092638Z
UID:10000122-1720522800-1720526400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Online talk by David Crane: Empires of the Dead
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk\nby \nDavid Crane\nwith the title \nEmpires of the Dead. How one man’s vision led to the national memorialisation of the war dead from WW1 and subsequent wars. \nRichard Hughes\, Trustee of the Western Front Association has kindly agreed to moderate the talk \nTicket £5 \n\n  \nAs we commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the building of a new D-Day memorial in Normandy\,  historian  David Crane will look back on the life of Fabian Ware whose vision and determination led to the creation of the War Graves Commission and the subsequent memorialisation of the nation’s war dead\, provided a model for other countries and helped the post war generation and future generations to come to terms with colossal grief and build a national sense of identity leading to the annual act of Remembrance. This is a moving story sensitive to the ambiguities and nuances of war and death\, which included ensuring that all who died in the cause of freedom were treated equally  with no distinction of class or rank\, . \nBiographical Note \nDavid Crane\, historian\,  read English Literature at Oxford\, and taught in Britain and abroad. Books include a biography of Edward Trelawny\, arch-Romantic Fantasist and Byron’s companion in the Greek War of Independence\, a life of Scott of the Antarctic and\, in 2014\, Empires of the Dead.  Now writing the biography of Alan Ross\, war-poet\, sportsman\, editor and champion  of Commonwealth literature. Lives on the West coast of Scotland.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/online-talk-by-david-ware/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240923T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240923T160000
DTSTAMP:20240909T091402Z
CREATED:20240830T142407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240909T091402Z
UID:10000127-1727101800-1727107200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Joint FCDOA&DFIDAA Webinar: International Development: where next for the UK
DESCRIPTION:DFID Alumni/FCDO Association Joint Webinar \nInternational Development: where next for the UK\n14.30 on Monday 23 September 2024 on ZOOM \nAdmission free \n\nWith the UK election now over and a new Labour government in power with a large majority\, there is the prospect of some political stability. The new government has said it is committed to rebuilding the UK’s reputation internationally including on international development. It has announced some headline priorities on poverty\, climate and gender. For now at least\, international development stays within the Foreign\, Commonwealth and Development Office and returning the budget to 0.7% of gni remains an aspiration. \nBut the international is difficult. Global economic rebalancing is supporting rising nationalism and making the post WW2 international structures look dated. They are being challenged by wars in eastern Europe and the Middle East. Hard not soft power dominates debates. But the year of elections has so far shown that democracy in its many forms is alive and still able to deliver change. \nAnd domestically\, slow growth and struggling public services will restrict the government’s choices. \nSo what new international development opportunities are there and what should and will the new UK government do? \nThis joint webinar will aim to take a strategic view of the issues: \n\nWhat lessons should we draw from the last 25 years of UK’s contribution to international development?\nHas/will the 2024 year of elections change the international context significantly?\nWhere does it leave the prospects for multilateralism and rebuilding a consensus on international development?\nWhere should this focus\, given there isn’t much money around.\nThree months in\, how is the new UK government shaping against the pledges made?\n\nWe have assembled an excellent discussion panel comprising three experts: \n\nSir Mark Lowcock was DFID Permanent Secretary and then UN Humanitarian Coordinator. He and Ranil Dissanayake have written a history of DFID to be published on 3 October.\nTamsyn Barton who recently departed Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact.\nJanet Rogan\, formerly in the FCDO and now CEO of the Royal African Society as well as deputy editor of the FCDOA’s Inside Out magazine\n\nBaroness Minouche Shafik will attend and tell us about the review of UK international development that she is leading for the Foreign Secretary. The review will just be starting so Minouche will be able to talk about process not conclusions. \nPauline Hayes\, Chair of the DFID Alumni Association\, will moderate the event. \nThe webinar will last 75 minutes and is free of charge. Speakers will be asked to present for 10 minutes each\, leaving plenty of time for questions and debate. Participants will be eligible to receive a free copy of Mark and Ranil’s book ‘The Rise and Fall of DFID’ in hard copy or electronically. \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/joint-fcdoadfidaa-webinar-international-development-where-next-for-the-uk/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240924T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240924T133000
DTSTAMP:20240911T100402Z
CREATED:20240911T100402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240911T100402Z
UID:10000130-1727181000-1727184600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Women in Intelligence – with historian and author Helen Fry TEAMS
DESCRIPTION:Women in Intelligence – with historian and author Helen Fry \nColleagues in Trade Historians Group and DBT Gender Network are hosting a talk about “Women in Intelligence” as part of National Inclusion Week. \nWhen: 24 September 2024 12:30-13:30 (UTC+00:00) Dublin\, Edinburgh\, Lisbon\, London. \nMicrosoft Teams \nJoin the meeting now \nMeeting ID: 361 761 677 979\, Passcode: XYt6gu \nAs part of National Inclusion Week\, the Trade Historians Group in conjunction with the DBT Gender Equality Network are excited to announce a lunchtime talk on the theme of “Women in Intelligence” led by the historian and author\, Helen Fry. \nHelen’s book is the ground-breaking history of women in British Intelligence revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the 20th century during and between WW1 and WW2. During this time\, women took on an extraordinary range of roles in intelligence\, defying the conventions of their time. They ran spy networks and escape lines and interrogated prisoners. \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/women-in-intelligence-with-historian-and-author-helen-fry-teams/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241001T150000
DTSTAMP:20241001T093004Z
CREATED:20240724T122227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241001T093004Z
UID:10000124-1727791200-1727794800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:PROFESSOR KERRY BROWN\, 1 OCTOBER 2024 14.00 BST AT THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
DESCRIPTION:THE GREAT REVERSAL: BRITAIN\, CHINA AND THE 400-YEAR CONTEST FOR POWER\nPROFESSOR KERRY BROWN\, 1 OCTOBER 2024 14.00 BST AT THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY\, at Burlington House \n30 places available \nAdmission Free \nhttps://rsaa.org.uk/upcoming-events/the-great-reversal-britain-china-and-the-400-year-contest-for-power/ \n  \n\nThe relationship between Britain and China has shaped the modern world. Chinese art\, philosophy and science have had a profound effect upon British culture\, while the long history of British exploitation is still bitterly remembered in China today. But how has their interaction changed over time? \nFrom the early days of the East India Company through the violence of the Opium Wars to present-day disputes over Hong Kong\, Kerry Brown charts this turbulent and intriguing relationship in full. Britain has always sought to dominate China economically and politically\, while China’s ideas and exports—from tea and Chinoiserie to porcelain and silk—have continued to fascinate in the west. But by the later twentieth century\, the balance of power began to shift in China’s favour\, with global consequences. Brown shows how these interactions changed the world order—and argues that an understanding of Britain’s relationship with China is now more vital than ever. \n  \nKerry Brown is Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of the Lau China Institute at King’s College\, London. From 2012 to 2015\, he was Professor of Chinese Politics and Director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney\, Australia. Prior to this he worked at Chatham House\, as Senior Fellow and then Head of the Asia Programme. From 1998 to 2005 he worked at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office\, as First Secretary at the British Embassy in Beijing\, and then as Head of the Indonesia\, Philippine and East Timor Section. He is the author of twenty books on modern Chinese politics and a trustee of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/professor-kerry-brown-1-october-2024-14-00-bst-at-the-royal-astronomical-society-and-online/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241009T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241009T120000
DTSTAMP:20241002T111727Z
CREATED:20240909T110415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241002T111727Z
UID:10000129-1728471600-1728475200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Professor Peter Lee
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online talk by Professor Peter Lee\nThe Human costs of Drone Warfare\n9 October at 11.00 am on ZOOM\nAdmission £5 \nThe moderator is Timothy Dowse CMG \n\nSince the advent of military drones with lethal capability at the start of the twenty-first century\, extensive research and commentary has been devoted to the harmful impacts of drone strikes in different parts of the world. However\, the benefit to states who possess advanced technology has led to drones becoming ubiquitous for both the conduct of nonconventional strikes – targeted killing for the purpose of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency outside theatres of war – and for conventional war operations. This presentation will examine the enduring military and political appeal of weaponised drones\, the impacts on populations in areas where they are used\, the complications of rules of engagement in coalition operations\, the possibility of a proposed New Human Right to Protect the Freedom to Live Without Physical or Psychological Threat from Above being adopted\, and finally\, the psychological and emotional cost to RAF Reaper drone crews.  \nProfessor Peter Lee is a Professor of Applied Ethics and Associate Dean for Research in the University of Portsmouth Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. His research has spanned the ethical\, operational and other human aspects of UK Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drone) operations\, the ethics of AI and autonomous systems\, and moral injury and mental harms in military and police personnel. In 2014 he contributed ethics insights to the International Committee of the Red Cross Conference: ‘Autonomous Weapon Systems: Technical\, Military\, Legal and Humanitarian Aspects’. From 2016-2018 he was granted unprecedented research access to the two RAF Reaper squadrons for his book\, Reaper Force: The Inside Story of Britain’s Drone Wars.  In 2020 Peter led a project which explored legal\, ethical\, and moral perspectives on advanced technology and emerging weapon systems. In April 2023 he commenced a collaborative EPSRC-funded project to create a Trustworthy Autonomous Robotic Drone System to Support Battlefield Casualty Triage\, while in 2024 he was part of an ASIS-funded collaborative project entitled\, ‘Autonomous Vehicles: Opportunities\, Threats and Challenges. Peter served as an RAF chaplain from 2001-2008. He taught at RAF College Cranwell from 2008-2017\, and is a member of the UK Ministry of Defence Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy Ethics Advisory Panel. \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/22218/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241015T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241015T130000
DTSTAMP:20241001T121429Z
CREATED:20240821T070224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241001T121429Z
UID:10000125-1728993600-1728997200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Online talk by Dr Michael Knights – 15 October at 12.00 noon
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA is organising an online talk on ZOOM by \nMiddle East security Expert \nDr Michael Knights \nwith the title \nEmbedding with Arab militaries in the Yemen War  \non Tuesday 15 October at 12.00 BST – 13.00 \nTicket is £5 \n\nDr Knights will talk about what was it like to be embedded with Yemeni\, UAE and Saudi forces on the frontlines of the Yemen war. This is a vantage point on modern conflict that very few military analysts and contemporary historians have gained but it is an important one. Watching non-Western militaries fighting other non-Western militaries\, gives a vital glimpse into the military strengths and weaknesses of our partners and adversaries. \nBio \nDr Michael Knights\, is senior fellow with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and one of the world’s leading experts on the Gulf and security challenges and  also a leading expert on the on-the-ground realities of wars in the Middle East. He will provide insights from the battlefronts of Yemen about why the war was fought\, who did the fighting\, and what we can learn about how Arab armies fight terrorists and Iran-backed militias. He is the  author of The Race for Mukalla (Profile editions\, June 2024)
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/online-talk-by-dr-michael-knights/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241021T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241021T190000
DTSTAMP:20241021T125012Z
CREATED:20241021T123345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241021T125012Z
UID:10000135-1729533600-1729537200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:UK Antarctic Heritage Trust: Port Lockroy: 80 years of an ever-evolving story
DESCRIPTION:Last chance to join tonight’s webinar!\n \nOnline Talk\nMonday 21 October 2024\n18.00 – 19.00 BST / 13:00 – 14.00 EST \nPlease join us tonight for Endurance: Behind the Lens\, the first in our fourth season of online talks\, Antarctica In Sight: Live! \nOur latest webinar features Natalie Hewit\, director of the new film Endurance from National Geographic Documentary Films. \nIn 2022\, a team of modern-day explorers set out to find Shackleton’s lost ship\, Endurance. In this free webinar\, UKAHT’s Chief Executive Camilla Nichol will chat with Natalie about her experience searching for the wreck\, her insights about Shackleton’s extraordinary expedition and the challenges of filmmaking in Antarctica. \nThe webinar is free to attend and will be streamed via YouTube. Attendees will receive a link before the event via their registered email address. \nGet your free tickets by clicking here.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/uk-antarctic-heritage-trust-port-lockroy-80-years-of-an-ever-evolving-story/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241120T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241120T120000
DTSTAMP:20240925T084509Z
CREATED:20240923T092658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240925T084509Z
UID:10000131-1732100400-1732104000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Sir Simon Gass: What we must learn from the UK’s campaign in Afghanistan?
DESCRIPTION:FCDO Association is organising an online talk \nby Sir Simon Gass GCMG CVO \nwith the title \nWhat we must learn from the UK’s campaign in Afghanistan? \non 20 November at 11.00 am on ZOOM \nTicket £5 \n\nSimon will reflect on the 20 year history of the West’s direct involvement in the Afghanistan campaign\, drawing on his experience\, first as NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative in Kabul\, then as the UK’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and finally as the Prime Minister’s Representative for the Afghan Transition. He will speak about expectations for the future of Afghanistan and seek to draw some lessons about how the West invested so heavily for success yet\, in the end\, failed to achieve its objective. \nSimon Gass was  the Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee from June 2019-2023. Sir Simon was the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) Political Director from 2012 to 2015\, where he was responsible for policy on the Middle East\, Russia\, Africa\, South and Central Asia\, the United Nations and other international institutions. \nBefore that he held a range of policy and senior management posts within the FCO\, including NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan and British Ambassador to Iran and Greece.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-simon-gass-what-we-must-learn-from-the-uks-campaign-in-afghanistan/
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241126T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241126T120000
DTSTAMP:20241003T111842Z
CREATED:20240909T104419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241003T111842Z
UID:10000128-1732618800-1732622400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Leigh Turner
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online Talk by Leigh Turner \nLessons in Diplomacy: Politics\, Power and Parties \n26 November 2024 at 11.00 on Zoom \nThe event will be moderated by Sir Stephen Wall \nFree admission \n\nRobert Leigh Turner CMG is a writer and former British diplomat. His final role was British Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in Vienna from August 2016 to September 2021.  \nLeigh´s previous roles included  HM Consul General Istanbul and Director General for Trade and Investment Turkey\, Central Asia and South Caucasus from 2012-2016\, and HMA Kyiv from 2008-2012.  \nLeigh will talk about his book “Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics\, Power and Parties” which is dedicated “To the many brilliant diplomats from whom I learned the lessons in this book”. Themes include How to survive a crisis\, How to understand Putin’s war on Ukraine\, How to Handle Politicians and How to make diplomacy reflect our changing world. The book will be [or was\, depending on timing] published on 24 September.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-leigh-turner/
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241206T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241206T133000
DTSTAMP:20241205T152745Z
CREATED:20240724T094831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241205T152745Z
UID:10000123-1733482800-1733491800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:The 2024 FCDOA Annual Lecture
DESCRIPTION:The 2024 FCDOA Annual Lecture\nSpeaker: Sir Alex Younger\n The title: A spy’s view of a fragmenting world\nnew date due to Sir Alex’s busy schedule is 6 December 2024 \n11.00-13.30 \nThe Locarno Suite\, FCDO \nThe moderator is Sir John Sawers \nTickets £30\n\nSir Alex was for 30 years a career intelligence officer in Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service\, MI6. He served in Europe\, the Middle East and Afghanistan. He was appointed as Director of Counter Terrorism from 2009 to 2012\, Head of Operations from 2012 to 2014 and then Chief of the Service from 2014 to 2020. Prior to SIS\, Alex served in the British Army as an infantry officer. He attended St Andrews’ University\, where he read computer science\, among other things. \nSir Alex led MI6 during a period of unprecedented technological change\, when both digital threats and opportunities intensified. \nThe lecture will be followed by a reception. \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/the-2024-fcdoa-annual-lecture/
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241211T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241211T120000
DTSTAMP:20241205T093006Z
CREATED:20240828T080335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241205T093006Z
UID:10000126-1733914800-1733918400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Online talk by Lord Evans of Weardale KCB DL
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA is organising an online talk by\nLord Evans of Weardale KCB DL \non 11 December at 11.00 am on Zoom \nwith the title \nStandards in Public Life\nAdmission free \nThe moderator is Lord Simon McDonald GCMG KCVO \n  \n\nStandards in Public Life have been hotly debated in the last two or three years\, with some arguing that public standards have been eroded and that public trust in government has consequently fallen to an all time low. Jonathan Evans served as Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life from 2018 to 2023 and in this talk he addresses why public standards matter\, whether our current standards model is fit for purpose and how best public standards can be upheld. \nBio \nJonathan Evans is a crossbench member of the House of Lords. \nJonathan’s main career was in the British Security Service (MI5) where he was Director General from 2007 – 2013. \nFrom 2013 – 2019 he was a non-executive director of HSBC Holdings. He is currently a non-executive director at Ark Datacentres Ltd and Chair of the Public Interest Committee at KPMG UK. \nFrom 2018 – 2023 Jonathan was Chair of the Committee for Standards in Public Life. \nJonathan is Chair of the HALO Trust\, Chair of the Skinners Charity Foundation\, a Visiting Professor at Kings College London and a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent. \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/online-talk-by-lord-evans-of-weardale-kcb-dl/
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250114T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250114T120000
DTSTAMP:20250106T122458Z
CREATED:20240923T100657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T122458Z
UID:10000132-1736852400-1736856000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Dr. Hamidreza Azizi
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online talk by Dr. Hamidreza Azizi \nThe future of Iran’s relations with nonstate allies in the “axis of resistance” or its relations with Russia \non 14 January at 11.00 am on ZOOM \nAmbassador to Iran\,  Rob Macaire will moderate the session \nTicket £5 \n\nBio \nDr. Hamidreza Azizi is a Visiting Fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin. He is also a Nonresident Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs in Doha and an associate researcher at Clingendael – the Netherlands Institute of International Relations. Azizi holds a Ph.D. in Regional Studies from the University of Tehran and worked as a lecturer at several Iranian universities\, including the University of Tehran (2016-2018) and Shahid Beheshti University (2016-2020). Azizi’s research interests include security and geopolitical issues in the Middle East and Central Eurasia\, Iran’s foreign and security policy\, and Iran-Russia relations.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-dr-hamidreza-azizi/
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