Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Thirty years ago, the Dayton Peace Agreement brought an end to Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. But what does its legacy mean for diplomacy today? We sat down with Dame Karen Pierce, the UK's Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, to explore the lessons learned – and why they still matter ⤵︎

The UK is committed to supporting Jamaica as it recovers from Hurricane Melissa: https://lnkd.in/drTcizbH

This week colleagues at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gathered to lay a wreath in our building, honouring those who served and gave their lives in service to their country. We remember their courage and sacrifice, and we reaffirm our commitment to the values they defended. #LestWeForget

As Putin terrorises Ukrainian civilians, his own losses are piling up. Russia has suffered over a million military casualties for the sake of just 1.1% territory gained since November 2022. Putin must end the fighting, come to the negotiating table and engage in meaningful talks.

This year, the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine has increased by 30% compared to 2024. A UN Independent Commission has concluded that Russian drone attacks on civilians constitute a crime against humanity. Putin must stop terrorising civilians and end his illegal war.

Russia has been firing an average of 5000+ drones a month at Ukraine since July – almost 10x the 2023 average.     Russia fired 270 missiles in October, up 46% on the previous month.    Despite ongoing attacks, Ukrainians remain defiant. With the right support, Ukraine will prevail. 

Russia terrorises civilians in Ukraine, regularly launching 500+ drones per attack, hitting residential and civilian infrastructure.    Ukraine’s determination to defend itself from these attacks remains undimmed.    We continue to support Ukraine and ramp up the pressure on Russia. 

Drawn in silence. Remembered forever.  Lest we forget.    #RemembranceSunday 

For over 100 years, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has stood at the heart of the National Service of Remembrance. This Sunday at 11am, we join the nation in pausing to honour those who gave everything. To remember. To respect. To never forget. #LestWeForget #RemembranceSunday

We’re thrilled to share that UN Women and the UK Government are joining forces to transform care systems across the Western Balkans! Care work—both paid and unpaid—lies at the heart of our societies, yet it remains deeply undervalued. The gendered division of care work continues to drive poverty and inequality, limiting women’s access to education, decent jobs, and political participation. This partnership comes with strong commitment from the six governments of the Western Balkans to make this change a reality—recognizing that addressing care work is essential to gender equality, economic empowerment, and social transformation across the region. Together, we are working toward a future where care is valued, shared, and supported—unlocking opportunities for all women and girls. #TransformCare, #CareWork Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office