Embassy Induction Seminar 2009 Review

Welcome to London

More than 150 diplomats and their families from 80 missions attended the annual Diplomatic Induction Seminar at the British Library, organised by Embassy Events. In addition to a video address by the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, diplomats were welcomed by the Chairman of the British Library Sir Colin Lucas and they received a briefing from the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Ambassador of Kuwait Khaled Al Duwaisan, an overview of protocol and privileges from the former Director of FCO Protocol Charles de Chassiron, and an introduction to London’s diplomatic networks.

An intensive morning of networking followed, in which diplomats received a personal safety seminar from the Diplomatic Protection Group and attended Living in London workshops with their spouses. The afternoon programme included diplomacy workshops with speakers drawn from the world of politics, business, culture and consular affairs. The full day ended with a prize draw, networking reception and a tour of the Library. And as a reward for an intensive day’s networking, diplomats left the library with a designer cupcake courtesy of Lola’s Kitchen.