Toasting a Decade of the DSCL

The Diplomatic Spouses Club in London celebrated their 10th anniversary with a glittering gala fundraiser in aid of the English Speaking Union

It was an evening of joyful reunion as the founder of the DSCL, Agnes Fenyvesy, joined hands with the DSCL President Maria Asuncion Cancela Silva, to celebrate the remarkable 10-year journey of the Diplomatic Spouses Club in London at a gala dinner held in the majestic Dartmouth House, home of the ESU.

Addressing an audience of diplomatic spouses and their partners, sponsors and long-time supporters of the DSCL, Agnes described the origins of the club. She recalled arriving in London in 2012 on her first overseas posting with her husband (a Hungarian diplomat). But the reality of being a diplomatic spouse in London fell far short of the dream of living in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Having put her successful career as a civil servant on hold, she felt lonely and at a loose end.

I definitely did not wish to sit out four years in London, waiting for the posting to end, and move on with an empty shell of a feeling.”

DSCL origins

And so the idea of establishing an association dedicated to offering support and fostering friendship between diplomatic spouses began to emerge. Attending the Embassy Induction Seminar, hosted by Embassy Magazine in October that same year, Agnes met Carmen Davies, a British diplomatic spouse and volunteer of the FCDO’s ‘Diplomatic Neighbours’ group, whose encouragement and wise counsel the club has valued from the beginning.

She also reached out to Elizabeth Stewart, the Programme Director of the Embassy Group, and together they worked on a dedicated induction programme for diplomatic spouses out of which – with the support of the then Doyenne of the Diplomatic Spouses Corps, Mrs Dalal Al Duwaisan – the DSCL was officially launched in 2014.

Gratitude
Welcoming everyone to the celebration, Maria Asuncion, the outgoing President of the DSCL, said:

“As we come together, I would like to remark on some essential words during this anniversary celebration.

“First, gratitude. Without gratitude, we cannot expect generosity, and without generosity, we lose the reasons to be grateful. These concepts are intertwined, reflected in the design of our 10th-anniversary logo. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the British institutions and local brands whose generous support we cherish. We are truly grateful to welcome you into our family tonight.

“Next, I want to emphasise understanding. Celebrating this anniversary at the ESU, an institution that aligns with the mission and values of the DSCL, allows us to reflect on this vital concept. Promoting understanding goes beyond merely speaking the same language; it requires good practices, positive intentions, and a constructive attitude toward finding common ground in our shared values.”

Constant support

Maria Asuncion also thanked past presidents who have led the organisation. These include the DSCL’s founder Agnes Fenyvesy (Hungary), Monica Pavese (Latvia), Cindy Renggli (Switzerland), Rauchan Ussenova (Kazakhstan), Swati Jha (India), Alison Symons (USA), Renée James (Canada) and Zina Doberberger (Austria), and the outgoing President, Maria Asuncion Cancela Silva (Mexico) who has just handed over the reins to Anđela Đinđić (Croatia).

For the past ten years, even in the tough times of covid, the DSCL has served as a home away from home, helping to foster a sense of belonging and support for diplomatic spouses of all ranks – both female and male. It has enriched the postings of diplomatic spouses through its diverse and ever-expanding programme, from visits to iconic sites and Wellness Walks in London’s varied boroughs, to privileged access to exclusive events, talks with eminent British spouses in public life, and life coaching to help spouses with their personal growth and professional development.

In addition to discovering Britain together, the DSCL has arranged events to deepen their understanding of each other’s culture, from conversation and book clubs, to exploring different cuisines, fashion and music. There have been events for diplomatic youngsters too, from the Great Easter Egg hunt to Halloween parties.

DSCL members also collaborated to write a book Spouses of the World – Bullet Dodging Behind Diplomatic Glamour, demystifying the life of a diplomatic spouse.

Parallel diplomats
Providing the continuity between the DSCL past and present was Elizabeth Stewart, the Director of Programmes and Content at the Embassy Network, who has remained a committed supporter of the club and acted as master of ceremony on the evening. In her opening remarks, she praised the talent, resilience and open-heartedness of all the diplomatic spouses she had met over the past decade. Describing spouses as parallel diplomats, she said:

The vital role diplomatic spouses and partners play in diplomacy should never be undervalued. They are an asset to their countries and can enhance and amplify the diplomatic efforts of their missions.

Having witnessed how the DSCL has supported diplomatic spouses to reach their potential, I am confident that the club will continue to thrive in the decades to come.”

Partnerships

Elizabeth thanked the English Speaking Union, which in 2008 was also the host of the inaugural Embassy Induction Seminar, out of which the DSCL evolved. “The ESU, which so readily supports diplomatic initiatives in London, is an essential part of our diplomatic ecosystem in the UK.”

On behalf of the DSCL, she also thanked the sponsors for the evening: Mander Portman Woodward Limited (MPW), Cognita Schools, Roomservice by CORT, Premia GTR Limited, International Diplomatic Supplies and STK International Group.

The evening concluded with a prize draw after which diplomatic spouses and their partners danced until the small hours to the infectious beat of a Mexican mariachi band.

About the co-author

Thank you to Fisnik Musa, Vice President of the Diplomatic Spouse Club London (DSCL) March 2024 – February 2025, for his contribution to this article.

Fisnik is an experienced communication and media professional with extensive expertise in journalism, government, and diplomatic settings. He began his career as a journalist, covering political affairs and key governmental institutions in Kosovo, which provided him with deep insights into media relations and public communication.

He was one of the first officers in the Media Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Kosovo, joining after the country’s declaration of independence and playing a key role in establishing its media communications. After four years at the MFA, he transitioned to the Office of the President, where he has since held senior roles in media and public relations. He also served as an Administrative Assistant at the Embassy of Kosovo in Panama, supporting media communications and financial reporting.

Fisnik holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Diplomacy. He has completed specialised training in digital diplomacy and international communication, including programs by the U.S. Department of State and the German Foreign Ministry. Proficient in multiple languages, he brings a strong understanding of media, diplomacy, and public affairs.

Outgoing DSCL Vice President Fisnik Musa (Kosovo) with his wife Valmira and members of the DSCL Board for 2024-25

PHOTO CREDIT: Yifan Wu Photography (www.yifan-wu.com)

DSCL Founder Agnes Fenyvesy with DSCL President Maria Asuncion Cancela Silva and Elizabeth Stewart of the Embassy Network at the DSCL’s 10^th Anniversary dinner