Wilton Park runs conferences on key international policy challenges at its centre near Brighton in West Sussex, on the south coast of England.

Conferences cover the key political, security and economic issues confronting the world. Global concerns such as the environment and terrorism are also addressed, as well as issues such as social reforms and the impact of the information revolution.

They attract high quality participants from around the world and are open to all with expertise to share.

The academic independence of Wilton Park and the quality of its conferences are overseen by an Advisory Council of distinguished figures from a wide range of occupations in the UK. They are appointed by the Foreign Secretary. Members of the Council hold two meetings a year to discuss Wilton Park's conference themes and performance.

Donald Lamont, formerly Britain's Ambassador to Venezuela, is the Chief Executive of Wilton Park, which is one of the FCO's executive agencies.