Your Excellency, Rt. Honourable Philip Hammond M.P., Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

I congratulate the Secretary of State and the Government of the United Kingdom on the opening of the new Foreign and Commonwealth Office Diplomatic Academy.

The opening of this Academy demonstrates the United Kingdom’s commitment to advancing 21st-century diplomacy.

The Academy will develop the skills and knowledge of those charged with shaping foreign policy at home, and delivering it overseas in a world that is growing ever more connected and interdependent.  It will also allow greater sharing of expertise and ideas between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other foreign services, to their mutual benefit.

At this time of global challenge and transition, I wish the Diplomatic Academy every success in helping to advance the universal values of the United Nations and to build a world of security, opportunity and dignity for all.

Thank you.