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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for FCDOA
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BEGIN:VEVENT
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250122T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250122T120000
DTSTAMP:20250106T125214Z
CREATED:20241002T121642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T125214Z
UID:10000134-1737543600-1737547200@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:The FCDOA Online talk by Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones: Is Europe ready and capable to deal with the multiple to threats liberal democracy?
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA Online talk by \nBaroness Pauline Neville-Jones\nwith the title \nIs Europe ready and capable to deal with the multiple to threats liberal democracy? \n  \n22 January 2025 at 11.00 on ZOOM\nThe session will be moderated by Timothy Dowse CMG \nTickets £5 \n\nGiven her expertise and experience in the security sector and\, coupled with her membership of the European Leadership Network\, Baroness Neville-Jones will explore the  current security situation in Europe; and comment on the readiness of European Leaders to deal with the multiple threats to liberal democracy from Russia and her allies\, as well as from far right and left movements and the collapsing rules based international system. \nThe Rt Hon Baroness (Pauline) Neville-Jones DCMG is a Conservative peer in the UK House of Lords. She sits on the Joint Committee for the National Security Strategy andwas Minister for Security and Counter Terrorism in the 2010 -2015 Coalition government. From 2013 to 2018 she was a member of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and is a member of the Quantum Strategic Advisory Board. She was a member of the UK Diplomatic Service from 1963 to 1995 during which time she was Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee.  As Political Director of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office she led the UK delegation to the Dayton negotiations on Bosnia in 1995. She has also been Chairman of the FTSE 250 UK technology company QinetiQ and served on the governing board of the BBC.  She has been on the governing Councils of City University\, London University and Oxford University and is currently Deputy Pro Chancellor of Lancaster University.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/the-fcdoa-online-talk-by-baroness-pauline-neville-jones-is-europe-ready-and-capable-to-deal-with-the-multiple-to-threats-liberal-democracy/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250204T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250204T120000
DTSTAMP:20250106T103139Z
CREATED:20241227T140426Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T103139Z
UID:10000138-1738666800-1738670400@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Major General Mungo Melvin about Ukraine
DESCRIPTION:FCDO Association is organising an online talk by \nMajor General (Retd) Mungo Melvin CB OBE MA \nTuesday\, 4 February 2025 at 11.00 on ZOOM \nwith the title: \nA Country on the Edge:\nThe Causes\, Character and Consequences of the War in Ukraine \nModerated by Dr Olesya Khromeychuk \nAdmission free \n \n\nSince Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 we have all been reminded of the stark realities of total industrial war – last seen in Europe eight decades ago. Now approaching its fourth year\, the present conflict seems set to grind on as doubts surface as to the duration and efficacy of Western support. \nNot only are the armed forces of Ukraine bravely defending their homeland\, but also the Ukrainian civilian population is suffering great deprivation and suffering under a Russian blitz of aerial bombing\, missile strikes and drone attacks. This war is not a ‘quarrel in a faraway country\, between people of whom we know nothing’ (Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain\, 1938). Rather\, it concerns the very survival of an independent state in the face of wanton aggression. \nUkraine deserves both our respect and support for its struggle has become as much our war in the defence of democracy and the associated values we hold dear. Hence we must continue to give Ukraine the assistance it requires and at the same time strengthen NATO’s capabilities to deter and to defend in future. \nMajor General Mungo Melvin\, a military historian who knows Ukraine well\, will give us a personal view on the war’s origins and dynamics\, explaining why its outcome will shape Europe’s security landscape for decades to come. \nMungo Melvin retired from the British Army in 2011\, following a career of 37 years in the Royal Engineers and General Staff\, much of it spent in Germany. He attended the German Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Hamburg\, 1986-88\, served as the chief planner in 1st (UK) Armoured Division during the First Gulf War and commanded an engineer regiment in the Balkans. Later highlights included Chief Engineer of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and General Officer Commanding of the British Army’s Support Command in Germany. He also taught strategy at the Royal College of Defence Studies. \nFollowing his retirement from active service\, he served as a reservist 2011-2018\, employed principally as a military historian and senior mentor. He was a specialist military advisor to the UK’s House of Commons Defence Committee from 2012 until 2017. During this period he was also President of the British Commission for Military History. Since 2012 he has been a Senior Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute\, London. From October 2016 to June 2024 he served as Chairman of the Royal Engineers Historical Society\, and has been an Honorary Vice President of the Western Front Association since 2018. \nHis biography\, Manstein: Hitler’s Greatest General (2010) was awarded as the best military biography of the year by the US Society for Military History in 2012. As the British Army’s senior advisor for the First World War centennial commemorations\, Mungo Melvin edited the Army’s Battlefield Guide to the Western Front of the First World War (2nd edition\, 2015). His next major work\, Sevastopol’s Wars: Crimea from Potemkin to Putin\, was published in April 2017. \nAlongside editing the latest volume of the Royal Engineers official history\, covering the period 2000-2019\, published in April 2024\, he has also embarked on a major new study into the role of decisive battle in warfare. Mungo Melvin continues to advise NATO and UK forces\, and support various studies of battlefields\, both ancient and modern.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-major-general-mungo-melvin/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250226T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250226T153000
DTSTAMP:20250210T110814Z
CREATED:20241120T132438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T110814Z
UID:10000136-1740580200-1740583800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Daniel Snowman
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA is organising online talk by \nDaniel Snowman\nwith the title: \n‘Misunderstanding of the present is the inevitable consequence of ignorance of the past.’   \non Wednesday 26 February 2025 at 14.30 pm on ZOOM \nThe event is moderated by Professor Alexander Evans \n\nDaniel Snowman\, in the footsteps of the great French historian Marc Bloch\, argues that an informed understanding of the past has never been more important than now: a time when all-important decisions about the wider world are imminent. \nIs our story that of the ‘rise and fall’ of a once great civilisation? Or has the latter-day marriage of new (digital) technology and cultural democratisation led us – via the catastrophe of Coronavirus – into the threshold of a new era? These are the kind of large issues the colourful travelogues\, thought-provoking anecdotes and celebrity encounters are there to serve. \nJust Passing Through is a richly illustrated memoir in which many of Daniel Snowman’s own experiences are presented against the wider historical context of the times in which they occurred. The book is broadly chronological and\, for all the diversity of its subject matter\, it is held together by a powerful central theme: the recurrent attempt to cross traditionally accepted boundaries – personal\, religious\, cultural\, intellectual\, political\, institutional\, geographical et al. All a bit of a high-wire act – and perfect for seeing today’s troubling\, transitionary times in historical perspective.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-daniel-snowman/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250304T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250304T120000
DTSTAMP:20250204T142536Z
CREATED:20241216T152102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T142536Z
UID:10000137-1741086000-1741089600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Peter Ford with the title Passport To Adventure
DESCRIPTION:The FCDO Association is organising an online talk by \nPeter Ford\nwith the title  \nPassport To Adventure\non 4 March 2025 at 11.00 on ZOOM \nAdmission free \n\nA talk with slides\, anecdotes and stories covering the highs and lows of a 28 year career as a mainstream officer\, working for the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office and numerous photo agencies around the world. \n  \nFrom Soviet Department to Chief Photographer for the Office via Karachi\, Hong Kong\, Vienna\, Kyiv\, Jakarta\, Shanghai\, Kyiv\, Tbilisi\, and Luanda.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-peter-ford-with-the-title-passport-to-adventure/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250319T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250319T120000
DTSTAMP:20250313T125356Z
CREATED:20241227T141201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T125356Z
UID:10000139-1742382000-1742385600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online talk by Mohamed Cassimjee
DESCRIPTION:FCDOA is organising an Online talk by \nMohamed Cassimjee  \nwith the title: \n“UK-African Relations: Time for a re-set?” \non 19 March at 11.00 on ZOOM \nModerator is Janet Rogan \nAdmission free \n\n  \nIn the absence of a hegemonic power and the presence of a multipolar world order\, major global shifts focusing on alliance building are taking place. Major\, traditional and emerging powers are actively engaged to try to influence and shape the global order. \nAs a result of the growing importance of Africa on the global stage and the option of Africa to choose a policy of non-alignment\, Africa is being courted as an important strategic partner. It therefore becomes imperative for the UK\, to pursue a deeper relationship with Africa and to base the relationship on an equal partnership approach. \nMr Cassimjee will speak on the theme of  whether the time is right for a UK-Africa Strategy and the importance of having such a strategy \n  \nBiographical Note \nMohamed Cassimjee is a  geopolitical consultant at Global Compass and presently a public affairs officer at the Oxfordshire County Council. \nHe was a senior diplomat for South Africa for over 26 years. He served as deputy ambassador to Germany from 2016-2020\, and prior to that served abroad in Washington DC\, Uganda\, and Senegal. He also served in various positions as a director at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)\, covering both bilateral and multilateral relations. \nHe is a mentor at the Blavatnik School of Government\, a Research Associate at the Centre for African Studies at Oxford University\, and Associate Fellow at the British Foreign Policy Group (BFPG). He is also an advisory board member of the SA/UK Chamber of Commerce in London.\nHe attended the Netherlands Institute for International Relations as part of his diplomatic training. He presently lives in North Oxfordshire with his family. \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250328T104500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250328T130000
DTSTAMP:20250226T122141Z
CREATED:20250226T121615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T122141Z
UID:10000142-1743158700-1743166800@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:Visit to Benjamin Franklin’s house on Friday 28 March at 10.45 am
DESCRIPTION:Visit to Benjamin Franklin’s house\nFriday 28 March \n10.45 am \nTicket £13 \n\nThis will be a history and architectural tour for up to 30 people of Benjamin Franklin’s house at 36 Craven Street\, close to Charing Cross station. It is the only remaining house of Dr Franklin. Following restoration\, it opened to tours on 17 January 2006\, the 300th anniversary of Franklin’s birth. He lived there for nearly 16 years between 1757 and 1775. It is now a Grade 1 heritage listing on account of the Franklin connection and its many Georgian features. \n  \nThe 5-storey building has no lift. \nFor more information please contact Cynthia Butterworth at Cynthia.Butterworth@fcdo.gov.uk \nDeadline: Friday 14 March
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/london-tour-friday-28-march-at-10-45-am/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250408T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250408T120000
DTSTAMP:20250210T110951Z
CREATED:20250204T141634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T110951Z
UID:10000141-1744110000-1744113600@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:FCDOA Online Talk by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE: Wilfred ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale – the most famous man you’ve never heard of
DESCRIPTION:The FCDOA is organising an online talk by \nLieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE\non Tuesday 8 April 2025 at 11.00 on ZOOM \nwith the title: \nWilfred ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale – ‘The most famous man you’ve never heard of’ \nThe event is moderated by Christine Mc Queen   \nAdmission £5 \n\nA Suspicion of Spies: The life of an extraordinary spy\, Wilfred ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale and his forty year espionage career. Biffy was the greatest spy most people have never heard of. A Suspicion of Spies is the first biography of ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale and tells the intriguing story of an extraordinary man – suave\, sophisticated\, genial and rich but also a ruthless and effective spymaster. Following his career\, that spanned the Russian Revolution to the Cold War and beyond\, A Suspicion of Spies is awash with stories of adventure\, bravery\, glamour and exoticism. This biography is the story of the complicated intrigues of the world of intelligence. It is what the British are good at and Biffy was one of the best. Biffy’s story and his many connections with Russia\, Poland\, Germany\, France and the USA will have resonance with today’s international situation. \nLieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE  \nDuring his 20 year military career he saw active service in Northern Ireland\, the Falklands Campaign\, the Gulf War and Bosnia\, as well as serving in the Far East\, Cyprus and Germany.  Key appointments included Chief of Staff of an Armoured Brigade\, Instructor at the Army Staff College\, Staff Officer at the Directorate of Special Forces\, Military Assistant to General Sir Peter de la Billiere\, Military Assistant to General Sir Michael Rose in Bosnia and Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion Scots Guards. In 1992 he was awarded the OBE for Operational Service in Northern Ireland. \nDuring his military career he developed extensive knowledge and skills in Complex Relations and Negotiations\, Intelligence\, Counter Terrorism\, Protective Security and Media Relations. Since 1996 he has been at the forefront of the development of the Private Security Industry worldwide and has been a very significant contributor to the debate over the industry’s global contribution to government security initiatives. In 2001 he formed Aegis\, which quickly developed a reputation for excellence. Aegis has worked in all areas of Private Security. Clients have included: The US Government (DOD\, DOS\, US AID and others)\, The UK Government (MOD\, FCO)\, The Italian Government\, UN\, UNDP\, the Oil & Gas Sector\, Banks\, Insurance\, Construction\, Accountancy and Law firms. \nAs well Protective Security\, Tim developed a very effective Community Relations and Reconstruction program in Iraq\, and founded The Aegis Charitable Foundation. Aegis was also awarded the first ever UN contract for training a wildlife Anti-Poaching Unit. \nIn addition to Iraq\, he has extensive Security experience in Afghanistan\, Yemen\, Somalia\, Libya and throughout Africa. Currently he works as a Strategic Consultant and is involved in countering the threat to wildlife in Africa. \nHe has written three books: ‘An Unorthodox Soldier’ – a biography\, ‘A Dangerous Enterprise’ – a history of the 15th Motor Gunboat Flotilla\, and ‘A Suspicion of Spies’ – a biography of Wilfred “Biffy” Dunderdale. \nOther interests include collecting art\, music\, game fishing\, shooting\, stalking and dangerous game hunting.
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/fcdoa-online-talk-by-lieutenant-colonel-tim-spicer-obe-wilfred-biffy-dunderdale-the-most-famous-man-youve-never-heard-of/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250429T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250429T120000
DTSTAMP:20250317T090255Z
CREATED:20250311T083348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T090255Z
UID:10000143-1745924400-1745928000@fcdoa.org.uk
SUMMARY:The FCDOA talk by Sir Adam Thomson on Russia\, Ukraine\, and Euro-Atlantic Security
DESCRIPTION:The FCDOA talk by  \nSir Adam Thomson \nRussia\, Ukraine\, and Euro-Atlantic Security: what could a ‘solution’ look like? \non Tuesday 29 April at 11.00 London time on ZOOM \nModerator Sir John Sawers \nTicket:£5 \n\nAs Director of the European Leadership Network until this January\, Adam Thomson has been closely engaged in non-governmental guerrilla diplomacy with Russians\, Ukrainians\, Europeans\, and Americans in pursuit of a cessation of hostilities.  He offers an informed outsider’s view on what an easing of the Russia-West confrontation might now look like. \nBio \nSir Adam Thomson is a Senior Associate Fellow of the European Leadership Network and was the ELN’s Executive Director from 2016 until January 2025.  The ELN is an independent\, non-partisan network of past\, present and future security policy leaders from all across the continent dedicated to a safer Europe. It helps to prevent existential conflict in Europe and beyond. \nAdam served for 38 years in the British Diplomatic Service. His final posting was as PermRep to NATO 2014 – 2016. Other postings and roles included Moscow\, Washington\, the UN\, New Delhi\, Islamabad\, Soviet analyst for the Joint Intelligence Committee 1989 – 91\, ) and seconded to the Cabinet Office and head of the FCO’s Security Policy Department 1998 – 2002. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://fcdoa.org.uk/event/the-fcdoa-talk-by-sir-adam-thomson-on-russia-ukraine-and-euro-atlantic-security/
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END:VEVENT
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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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