Today the International Development focus group met with some pretty influential and powerful people in London.

We began our day at a bright and early 6am bus ride into the city center of London to meet with the representative from the British Department for International Development (DFID). The DFID meeting was interesting and inspiring. Despite the very low statistics about US giving to international development, the United Kingdom is doing an excellent job in sharing their wealth. Now, of course the DFID is going to up-play their positive work, and downplay the United States, lack thereof, but still, they are working considerably more than we are. As part of the presentation, we discussed the United Nation’s Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), which are set to be completed by 2015. Unfortunately, things are not looking excellent for the completion of all 8 goals, but many are on the road to completion by the deadline. Despite the predicted completion date for 10 years later than desired, the other statistics were refreshing to hear.

After the Department for International Development, we proceeded to Parliament to meet with MP Tony Baldry from the Banbury region. While it was exciting to be meeting with a real, live Member of Parliament in a conference room in the Houses of Parliament building, his discussion of the topic was not quite as interesting. Just a traditional politician, talking in circles.

Commonwealth Secretariat – Communications & Public Relations Advisor

Buttery Quiz Night