21st Century Diplomacy in a time of Crises

The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office pursues national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. The FCDO also promotes the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend the country's values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners. This is a very wide range of responsibilities in an increasingly complex world and requires people who can understand different cultures and how they can find mutual interest in political as well as business relations. Jon Wilks will talk about how the modern British diplomat strives to meet such challenges.
Discussion Points:
21st Century Diplomacy in a time of Crises
- What is the role of diplomats in the modern world?
- What are the particulars of being a UK diplomat?
- Is this a career worth recommending?
About the Speaker
Jon Wilks CMG is the British Ambassador to Qatar, and was previously Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq (2017-2019), Oman (2014-2017) and Yemen (2010-2011). He was also the UK Syria Envoy (2012-2014) and Regional Arabic Spokesman (2007-2009), when he was a regular guest in Doha of Al Jazeera. Jon joined the FCO in 1989 as an Assistant Desk Officer Iran in the Middle East Department. He was educated at Durham University where he graduated with an MSc in Natural Sciences, later returned to the same university to study an MA in Middle East Politics and followed this with a MPhil in International Relations from St. Anthony's College Oxford.