Encounters with Key UK Institutions and Figures
The meetings were held with some of the leading institutions and figures in politics, business, public administration, mass media, NGOs and education. Below is a list of main meetings that took place during the trip, accompanied by some pictures: Media: Financial Times (Quenteen Peel, FT international affairs editor, and Andrew Jack, currently FT correspondent on health care), TV Channel Four (Liam Halligan, economics correspondent for Channel 4 News). International Financial Organizations: European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (Alan Rousso, Lead Counsellor; Larry Sherwin, Deputy Director of Communications). UK Government Agencies: Foreign & Commonwealth Office (Simon Smith, Head of Eastern Department; The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs), Department of Trade & Industry (Thomas Walker, Deputy Director on Enterprise Policy, Small Business Service), UK Trade and Investment Agency (Amanda Groom, Strategy & Communications team). British Parliament: House of Commons (Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs & Defence Adviser to the Liberal Democrats; Michael Wills, Member of Parliament, Liberal Democrat). Business: Federation of Small Businesses (Stephen Alambritis, Head of Press and Parliamentary Affairs), London Stock Exchange (Svetlana Rozanova, Manager on International Business Development), Citigroup (James Sleeman, Vice President, Energy & Utilities). NGOs: Reuters Foundation (Paddy Coulter, Director). Education: Oxford University / Said Business School (Professor Hopwood, Dean; Stephen Chambers, Head of MBA Programs). One of the most interesting meetings was held on September 21, 2005, at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Warm reception was held by Mr. Simon Smith. The welcoming and convivial atmosphere set a good stage for an exchange of views on complex issues such as international anti-terrorism policy and approaches to Iraq. The participants were also privileged to meet The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, who shared his concerns about problems in his constituency. The group was truly impressed by the cordial conversation with the Foreign Secretary.
Key Organizations Involved
The Financial Times, a long-established international daily newspaper, focuses on business and economic news. Its international editorial team's insights serve as a cornerstone for global business journalism. The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development is crucial for supporting innovation and development across nations. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office plays a critical role in managing the UK's foreign relations and diplomatic endeavors. Additionally, universities like Oxford University and its Said Business School foster the development of future business leaders. Lastly, international finance giants like Citigroup influence global financial markets and strategies significantly.