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?
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.
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.
This cross-government campaign invites the world to take a fresh look at the UK, and is designed to promote Britain as one of the very best places to visit, live, work, study, invest and do business
Find our about the work of the BBC World Service and the FCO's relationship with them.
Find out about the work of the British Council and our relationship with this organisation.
Wilton Park conferences provide an excellent environment for leading opinion formers to discuss the best ways to deal with key challenges.
In 2012, London will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Games offer a unique chance to invite people everywhere to take a fresh look at modern Britain.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made a State Visit to the Republic of Ireland from 17 to 20 May 2011, at the invitation of the Irish President Mary McAleese.
His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Her Royal Highness Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, were married on 29 April 2011.
