Public diplomacy

In the constantly shifting information environment, with 24/7 coverage of events and the accelerating speed of global information flows, how does the FCO engage people beyond government to achieve foreign policy objectives?

Global issues

Public Diplomacy is a process of achieving the UK’s international strategic priorities through engaging and forming partnerships with like-minded organisations and individuals in the public arena. So beyond traditional government-to-government channels, we talk to NGOs, think tanks, opinion formers, young people, businesses and individual citizens.

It’s not just about delivering messages but holding a two-way dialogue, listening to and learning from audiences around the world, in order to get a better understanding of the changing perceptions of the UK and its policies.

We also run wider 'reputational' programmes around key events such as Shanghai Expo 2010, promoting the London 2012 Olympics and backing England's 2018 World Cup bid.

Working in partnership

Our main public diplomacy partners are the British Council, BBC World Service and Wilton Park. They receive government funding through the FCO but retain operational and editorial independence.

We support potential future leaders through Chevening scholarships and fellowships and keep in touch with Chevening alumni. This scheme has been running for 25 years and has 30,000 alumni.

We also enter into partnerships with many other organisations to tackle specific global issues.