Vision
Wilton Park will be the world’s foremost convenor of international dialogue; a modern multilateral facilitator for UK and global benefit. Decision-makers from government, civil society, and business will come together to address the most pressing global challenges through trusted, innovative, and inclusive conversations that shape policy and strategy, drive positive change and advance the UK’s interests.
Mission and purpose
Between now and 2030 Wilton Park will build upon its existing role – bringing together diverse voices to address the world’s most pressing challenges – and will be an important part of the UK’s approach to multilateralism and fostering understanding between nations.
We will be regarded as an essential, trusted provider of challenge, expertise, networks and openness for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). We will be at the forefront of global policy debate on key international issues, influential in shaping emerging norms and providing strategic foresight. We will connect the leaders of today and tomorrow, helping to nurture a new generation of policy-makers and strategists.
Our policy design, facilitation expertise, and assured discretion will make us the natural partner for those seeking the space to engage in genuine dialogue to develop new ideas and partnerships.
Programmatic focus
The strategy responds to an increasingly volatile global landscape characterised by weakening multilateral structures, rapid technological change and shrinking spaces for honest policy dialogue. In this environment, Wilton Park’s capacity for discreet, person-to-person engagement and its reputation for integrity, inclusion and respect become increasingly valuable assets for building relationships and facilitating frank exchanges.
We will partner with UK government departments, as well as foreign governments, inter-governmental bodies, and non-governmental partners in the public and private sector where there are alignments with or benefits for UK policy. In pursuit of this our work will fall under one or more of the following themes:
- Growth, Global Economy and Trade
- Peace and Security
- Climate, Nature and Environment
- International Development and Global Public Goods
- Global Governance, the Multilateral System, and Human Rights
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Geopolitics, State and Non-State Actors
Supporting UK leadership
As an executive agency, Wilton Park supports FCDO priorities, whilst being operationally independent, and supporting wider UK and international interests consistent with these.
Over the next five years we will support the FCDO’s strategy in the following ways:
- Strategy and prioritisation: Wilton Park will offer the space for testing and challenging FCDO thinking on strategy and prioritisation – ensuring policy is robust and considered.
- Delivery and impact: Wilton Park will work to drive cross-Whitehall understanding, engagement and cooperation on international issues, supporting the FCDO’s role coordinating the UK’s international engagements, strategies and dependencies.
- Professional capability: Wilton Park will support professional capacity by providing opportunities to staff at all stages in their careers to participate in and engage with our conferences, international networks and key stakeholders, including through support for the College of British Diplomacy.
- Culture and openness: Wilton Park will act as a vector and force-multiplier for efforts to bring more diverse and expert perspectives into the work of the FCDO, by seeking out and engaging expertise from across the UK and around the world, focussing both on emerging issues to ensure the most timely and insightful perspectives, and also alternative viewpoints on perennial challenges – including from academics and experts at centres of learning not routinely engaged by HMG.
- Efficiency and innovation: Wilton Park will ensure that it pursues the most efficient and effective model possible. We will use innovation where it can support improved outcomes and, given our size and agility, we are well positioned to act as a testbed for HMG best practices and new ideas. We will continue to share our expertise in facilitation and convening with FCDO and HMG colleagues to support UK policy objectives.
Organisational priorities and objectives
To deliver our mission and vision, we will undertake the following organisational priorities:
- Craft and facilitate dialogue which makes a significant contribution to UK and global priorities, including by acting as a modern multilateral body
- Use technology to enhance and protect our work, whilst continuing to privilege the in-person residential model which drives and differentiates our offer
- Ensure our reputation, networks and facilitation skills are recognised as unparalleled assets by our key partners in the UK and international community
- Attract the funding and skills required to deliver our ambition
- Deepen and diversify the links, credibility and partnerships across UK and foreign governments required to ensure policy impact
Summary
This strategy summary sets out how Wilton Park will create even greater impact whilst navigating an increasingly unstable world, rapid technological change and a crumbling multilateral system. Through our unique combination of policy connectivity, hospitality, event management experience, and facilitation expertise, we will continue to create dialogue which accelerates policy solutions and network building. We will increasingly act and be recognised as an informal multilateral actor and part of the UK contribution to supporting and shaping a peaceful, secure and prosperous international order.