Soft Power: Diplomacy and Development Working Together to Make a Success of Global Britain

On Wednesday 30th January, the Coalition for Global Prosperity, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development were delighted to co-host a private roundtable with the Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, the Rt Hon Mark Field MP, at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The roundtable brought together senior development and diplomatic actors to discuss the upcoming ‘Soft Power Strategy’ and generated practical suggestions of how coordinated and strategic uses of soft power across the two departments can make a success not only of ‘Global Britain’, but also cement Britain’s role as a force for good in the world.

“The Coalition was delighted to host this event at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office today on how the Britain can leverage development tools to support its soft power strategy. It is vital to have a joined-up approach which links effective development with diplomacy and defence to ensure the UK continues to be a force for good. Britain is THE development superpower and our aid flies the flag for the UK around the world. ”

— Theo Clarke, Chief Executive of the Coalition for Global Prosperity