National roundtable on diplomacy (17 october 2022)

Have the dates been set for the National Roundtable on Diplomacy? The minister mentioned that it would take place in October. If so, could you share with us the form that it will take as well as the agenda?

Last week, in a statement to the entire staff of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the minister launched the National Roundtable on Diplomacy. The roundtable will provide the opportunity to have an open and inclusive conversation, involving all staff members as well as all diplomacy stakeholders, on the ways in which our diplomatic and consular missions and careers are changing against the backdrop of a changing world. The roundtable will be structured around thematic working groups.

Beginning in October, the roundtable will kick off with a broad consultation phase, which will allow all ministry staff members, no matter their rank or status, to share their thoughts, questions and suggestions and to speak with outside partners. After this consultation phase, there will be a phase scheduled for the end of this year or the first few weeks of 2023 dedicated to reporting back on, debating and summarizing what has been said thus far.

The minister has asked Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in Geneva, to lead these efforts as rapporteur-general. He will be able to count on the support of a diverse team of experienced diplomats and will be backed by a steering committee composed of qualified, independent representatives from the parliament, civil society and various business sectors.