The gulf between optimists and pessimists about our future seems particularly deep as we end 2024. Yet whatever the divisions, there seems a general, and growing feeling that we need to work ever harder to find the time, the space and the connections to truly talk to each other; to find common ground.
This is the role of Wilton Park; and in 2024 our dedicated team have worked with colleagues across government and partners globally to deepen understanding of the vast forces remaking our world, and how to collaborate and shape the opportunities they represent; whilst recognising, and managing the risks, wherever possible.
Over the course of 77 Wilton Park events in the UK and around the world, we have brought together over 3,000 key decision makers, experts and activists from 148 countries to address new ways to deliver jobs and growth, enhance our security, build deeper links across Europe, revitalise leadership on climate and nature, and modernise our approach to development.
Our events are ever more innovative in addressing these challenges, including working with the Vatican to mobilise women faith leaders to address climate change; creating a new Global Impact Group of companies to drive progress on growth and development issues; providing greater support to grow bilateral initiatives between the UK and key European partners; and supporting NATO to rethink its future challenges and options to address them.
In 2025 we will be pushing ourselves further to support global priorities, acting as a vital forum for identifying, convening, and mobilising expertise and influence on major global issues. But we cannot achieve impact without you. As we work to bring more challenge, diversity, networks and fresh thinking into international policy dialogue, we rely on the good will and support of our ever growing networks around the world.
If you believe you have the insights, connections or resources we need to address a critical challenge, please do get in touch. We look forward to working with you all, for UK and global benefit, in 2025.
For now, I wish you all a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Tom Cargill
