This virtual event will discuss the findings of an upcoming Foreign Policy Centre (FPC) and Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) publication entitled: Global Britain for an open world? Examining the importance of open societies to the UK’s ‘force for good’ ambitions. The event and publication seek to examine the UK’s approach to supporting open societies and show its importance in a changing world where authoritarian powers are gaining influence.

Following on from the G7 and looking ahead to the COP26 and the Biden-led Summit for Democracy, the publication explores the ways in which the open societies agenda is of particular importance to the UK and where it is best placed to make a difference. This event and corresponding publication come as the UK is developing its departmental strategies, including those on Open Societies and International Development, which will help define its future approach to the world. The publication argues that the commitment to supporting open societies must be a crucial part of the UK’s pledge to be a ‘force for good’ in the world and that it needs to be fully integrated throughout the work of the FCDO and the UK Government as a whole. The event will build on this and discuss how the UK can influence the global debate and work on the ground in countries to defend openness, democracy and human rights.

Listen to an audio recording of the event below and you can watch the video of the event here.