Education Working Group: Soft Power

The British Foreign Policy Group team will be joining the BEI Education Working Group to facilitate a deep-dive workshop. BFPG will present the direct soft power benefits that the UK’s education sector generates, considering both what is working well and the challenges facing independent actors working in the soft power sphere. We will delve into how the sector can better position itself as a key soft power asset, encouraging brainstorming and lively discussion.

The British Foreign Policy Group co-convenes, with the British Council, the UK Soft Power Group, the premier group representing non-governmental UK-based soft power assets. The UK’s deep stock of soft power assets have remained resilient in the face of significant domestic, political, economic and social change, and as a result, the UK is in an enviable position in the soft power sphere as an attractive, trusted international actor. But the UK faces growing competition from allies and strategic rivals alike, and cannot rely on past achievements alone to maintain its position. The UK Soft Power Group advocates for a clear plan on how to maintain and promote the UK’s soft power strength, and aims to amplify the voice of the soft power sector and increase its centrality to Government strategic planning, emphasising the value of soft power as a foreign policy instrument.

Agenda:

16.00-16.30 Arrival with networking over tea and coffee

16.30-18.00 Workshop

18.00-18.30 Networking over drinks