Simon McNorton 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Last week I took a week out and drove my car around Lebanon. Never more than 2 hours away from home in #Beirut, but with the airport closed, this was my breather break - getting the most out of #Lebanon while I still can. 🚗📷🏞️🌄🏝️🇱🇧 #photothread [1/8]

Sovereign AI. Launching Tonight. 🇬🇧

Με θλίψη ενημερώθηκα για την απώλεια του Κώστα Γαβριηλίδη, συνιδρυτή της Accept Κύπρου, ο οποίος με τη δημόσια παρουσία και δράση του συνέβαλε ουσιαστικά στον διάλογο για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα, τον σεβασμό στη διαφορετικότητα και την κοινωνική συμπερίληψη στην Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία. Η πορεία και η προσφορά του χαρακτηρίζονταν από συνέπεια, θάρρος και προσήλωση σε αρχές που ενίσχυσαν τη δημοκρατική ποιότητα της κοινωνίας μας και συνέβαλαν στην ενίσχυση κουλτούρας αποδοχής και αλληλοσεβασμού. Μέσα από τη δράση του, άνοιξε δρόμους συζήτησης και κατανόησης σε ζητήματα που αφορούν στον άνθρωπο και την αξιοπρέπειά του. Εκφράζω ειλικρινή συλλυπητήρια προς την οικογένεια, τους οικείους και τους συνεργάτες του εκλιπόντος.

Good to hear a donor perspective from @simonmcnorton @FCDOEducation as well as from @Faiza_A_Hassan @INEEtweets on the context of education in emergency settings #AcademicFutures #RefugeeWeek

R&D is powering the breakthroughs that will shape a healthier, easier future for us all. Brilliant research is happening in every part of the UK, and we’re backing regions to turn that local expertise into real-world impact as part of our Plan for Change

🔬 Every £1 invested in R&D generates up to £7 in economic benefits. That's why we're increasing R&D funding across the UK, with local leaders getting a real say in how money is spent in order to tackle regional challenges. Find out more: gov.uk/government/new…

And a few more pics from the drone :)

A wonderful weekend at Cyprus Pride in Nicosia 🇨🇾 - beautiful and diverse as always, and a reminder that Pride events and Pride month are still very much needed to support people to be themselves 🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

@AndrewJAWilson got me a 40th anniversary edition of my fave book - The Dragonlance Chronicles - for my birthday! 🎂 In a worrying reflection of my age - here are my three copies of the book, each purchased 20~ years apart....!

#AMR is a global challenge. Our colleague Himangi, Senior Health and Life Sciences Policy Advisor, explains the growing threat of AMR and spotlights how the 🇬🇧🤝🇮🇳 are working together to develop solutions to tackle this silent pandemic. #WorldHealthDay

The UK: ➡️ is one of the most connected economies in the G20 ➡️ has the 3rd most valuable tech start-up ecosystem 🌍 ➡️ is home to top-tier universities Read @CNNBusiness' piece to learn why 🇬🇧 is the go-to place for innovators and investors:   edition.cnn.com/sponsor/editio…

UK-India Agri-Tech Accelerator programme launched with UK #agri-tech #startups connecting the dots with Indian experts @ICRISAT to support farming productivity, resilience, and prosperity.

We visited Punakha in central Bhutan 🇧🇹 earlier this week - about three hours drive from Thimphu. Punakha Dzong, built in the 17th century CE, was the administrative capital of the county until the 1950s. The complex holds multiple Buddhist temples and courtyards.

📢 Calling innovative 🇮🇳 #healthtech companies to apply for ‘UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme’ 🚀 Learn how to collaborate with NHS 🚀 Develop market access strategy 🚀 Get mentorship to set up in the UK Apply by 15 March 👇 great.gov.uk/campaign-site/…

Bhutan 🇧🇹 is somewhere I’ve wanted to explore since I was v young - but it has always felt out of reach. Monday that dream came true when we flew into Paro from Delhi. Spent our first day exploring the capital Thimphu, including the Buddha Dordenma & National Memorial Chorten.

Delighted to host the first ever UK #Semiconductor delegation on their visit to #NammaBengaluru organised by @SciTechgovuk & @UKinIndia. Productive discussions for the members with relevant stakeholders and organisations including @karnatakadem, @IndiaESA, @ITBTGoK & @ELCITA_IN.

Very pleased to inaugurate our 4th Consulate in the UK, in Manchester. Thanks Deputy PM @AngelaRayner, Minister @CatherineWest1, Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett and MP @NavPMishra for joining us. This step delivers on the longstanding desire of our community and friends of India in Manchester. Confident that this latest addition to our presence in the UK will strengthen people to people, cultural, trade and, of course, cricket ties. 🇮🇳 🇬🇧

We can’t achieve our international missions without gender equality.   In this special #IWD2025 episode of Out of Office with Christina, our Deputy High Commissioner highlights the incredible work done by the inspiring women of #UKinIndia.   #AccelerateAction #TogetherWeThrive

Celebrating women who are driving change 🙌 Everyone gains from a gender equal world. To mark #IWD2025, we brought together a group of inspiring women from different fields to connect, collaborate, and push for an inclusive future. #TogetherWeThrive

Under the 🇬🇧-🇮🇳 Technology Security Initiative, we're launching a new collaboration on FEMTECH - to support cutting edge solutions by women for women's health. We are committed to empowering the next generation of women innovators, driving progress for a healthier future.

Securing our future. Today Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer welcomed international leaders to London for a summit on driving forward a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.