As we usher in the new year, the Aspen UK team has taken the opportunity to reflect on their highlights from 2022. From the return of in-person events and seminars to the forming of new partnerships, and the launch of our new Rising Leaders Fellowship, there has been lots to celebrate over the last twelve months. Our Public Engagement team, our Seminar Team, and CEO share their favourites below:
Public Engagement Team:
Our events are informed the leading stories of today – and what they mean for the world tomorrow – so this year saw a focus on the Russian war in Ukraine. Over the course of the year, we heard from a wide range of impressive, admirable individuals, like in our collaboration with the EU Delegation to the UK on ‘Countering the Kremlin’s disinformation and information manipulation in the war in Ukraine’, a necessary discussion on the threat of disinformation to democracy at large. But our most memorable moments from this year were the Conversations with Young Russian and Young Ukrainian leaders. The group of Russian leaders had the courage and foresight to speak out against what was being done in their name. The young Ukrainian leaders were – and still are – affecting change in the upper levels of their government and civil society and shaping what their country will look like in the future. Both conversations with these young leaders were truly inspiring! – Katy-Blake & Liz
Seminar Team:
A highlight for our team has been the forming our partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter and taking an Executive Leadership Seminar to the campus for the first in-person seminar since before the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve formed a wonderful bond with the brilliant team at UWTSD and the success of the seminar was in part down to the magical setting – most especially the magic of the young musicians who performed for us on our first night. It was a real privilege for our team and participants to witness. We are also proud to reflect on working closely together to build the Rising Leaders Fellowship from scratch and growing into a successful and popular programme in just a few months! – Olly, Beth, & Becky
Penny Richards, CEO:
I still think about a conversation we had at the Good Business Festival, ‘Are we there yet? Electric cars and the future of transport’. We quickly jumped from talking about electric cars to the impact of car ownership, transport hubs, community sharing and so much more – a really thoughtful and wide-ranging hour, with fascinating experts.
Anything about travel is close to my heart, so our partnership event with the EU Delegation to the UK on ‘Travel after Covid-19’ is a highlight, too. Revealing and thoughtful, the speakers were all compellingly interesting about different facets of international travel, and helped me think about the people and the projects that serve me each time I leave the UK.
Aspen UK Team wishes you a happy holiday season and look forward with excitement for what 2023 holds!