Multilateral Diplomacy: How it Really Works
Join us for a conversation with Ambassador Simon Manley, the UK's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the World Trade Organization in Geneva.
Multilateral Diplomacy: How it Really Works
15 Nov 2022, 17:30 – 18:30
We have a tendency to idealise multilateralism and learn about it as a theoretical concept. But what does multilateral diplomacy look like in practice? And how is the UK shaping the work of multilateral organisations so that they deliver real impact for real people?
There is no denying that the multilateral system is facing unprecedented challenges. As we continue to grapple with the long term impacts of Covid-19, we are facing unprecedented global humanitarian need and a planet in peril. Despite its flaws, multilateralism delivers too much to too many for the world to turn its back.
During this talk, Ambassador Simon Manley will talk about his experience of multilateral diplomacy, from a young diplomat in New York to his current role as the UK’s Ambassador to the United Nations and World Trade Organisation in Geneva. Ambassador Manley also represents the UK at over 30 other organisations; whilst some are lesser-known, they make decisions that affect our day-to-day lives.
Ambassador Manley will also discuss how multilateral diplomacy differs to bilateral diplomacy and offer his top career advice to aspiring diplomats.
Ambassador Simon Manley
Permanent Representative of the UK to the World Trade Organization, the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva
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Simon Manley, CMG took up his post as the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, United Nations and other International Organisations based in Geneva in April 2021.
Simon oversees the work of the UK Mission in Geneva and represents the United Kingdom in its engagement with over 35 international organisations, agencies and offices based in the city. These include the UN Human Rights Council, the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Telecommunications Union, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, CERN, and the World Economic Forum.
Simon has been a member of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service since 1990. He was British Ambassador to Spain and non-resident Ambassador to Andorra from October 2013 until August 2019.
Simon has held a number of senior roles in the FCO (now FCDO) in London, including Director-General, Covid-19 (2020), Director, Europe (2011 to 2013), Director, Defence and Strategic Threats (2008 to 2011) and Head of CounterTerrorism (2006 to 2008). Earlier in his career, he worked at the UK’s Mission to the United Nations in New York, and was twice seconded to the European Union: the first time to the European Commission and the second to the Council of the European Union.
Simon was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2009.
Simon studied Modern History at Magdalen College, Oxford and International Relations at Yale University Graduate School. He is married to Maria Isabel Fernandez Utges Manley. They have three daughters.
Further information
Ticketing
Ticketed
Cost
Free
Open to
All
Availability
Yes
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