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			It seems like only yesterday that I was meeting the first group of Chevening scholars and alumni after my arrival in Mexico in 2005. These same Chevenings are now already forging ahead with promising careers. I am extremely proud that the British Chevening programme has been able to benefit so many exceptional individuals across the whole area of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean during my time in Mexico. I am sure the contacts, links and experience gained will be forever beneficial for you and the UK.
			Earlier this year UK-Mexico relations were strengthened through the historic state visit, by invitation of the Queen, of President Calderón. We were able to sign several important agreements, including one governing the future work of the British Council in Mexico, and the positive impact on bilateral relations will reverberate for many years to come. I was especially pleased that some lucky Chevening scholars and alumni had the opportunity to hear President Calderón’s climate change lecture live at the Royal Society in London. You can read my own blog filed as I travelled from one event to another in this edition.
			The genuine warmth and closeness evident throughout President Calderón’s visit is, I hope, something that resonates with all of you from your time in the UK. This shows the hospitality the UK affords to its friends, old and new, none more so than all the new Chevenings about to embark on their own life changing, enriching experience in the UK. The British are sometimes seen as a reserved, even cold, race. I hope that your time in the UK will have shown you that we are in fact very open to outsiders and that we know how to form and value long-term friendship. With that in mind I should like to extend my warmest welcome to the 2009-2010 scholars. This newsletter should help you make best use of your time in the UK, and keep in touch with the network! To all Chevenings, please keep in touch and encourage others to do so. I have seen first hand how much we have to offer each other. The thriving network would not be the same without each and every one of you, and I wish you all the best success. I will shortly be leaving Mexico, but I shall leave with fond memories and confidence that through the Chevening programme we have sown the seeds of a more prosperous, sustainable and brighter future.


			Welcome to the fifth edition of Chevening Connects – the regional newsletter that aims to bring together the Chevening alumni network across Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. There have been many changes since the last edition of the newsletter. One of those changes is the appointment of a new Chevening Alumni Manager – Mónica Jiménez, here in the Mexico Embassy. Here’s what she has to say about her role: " I am very excited to be taking on this role, one that plays a role across all the areas of interest in the Embassy. One of my objectives will be working towards strengthening the Chevening Alumni network and your relationship with the Embassy through themed events related to your work interests and personal development. Please feel free to contact me with your ideas and suggestions for events. We are also interested in receiving personal testimonials of your Chevening experience, please send these to chevening.mexico@fco.gov.uk. I look forward to working with you and hearing about what you are doing now and how Chevening has played a part in your success.” This edition also contains a special section on the state visit President Calderón made to the UK on invitation by Queen Elizabeth II. This is a rare occurrence, with the last official UK state visit by Mexico in 1985! We are also about to begin accepting applications for the 2010 British Chevening Scholarships programme. Applications will be accepted between 1 August and 30 September 2009. So if you know a talented individual who you think would make an excellent Chevening, please direct them to the websites below: www.ukinmexico.fco.gov.uk/es; www.britishcouncil.org.mx We hope you enjoy this special edition. Please do send us any articles or information that might be interesting for future editions. Our feedback questionnaire is attached to this newsletter – so we look forward to hearing from you!


			Embassy State Visit Webpage has full details and some images of the state visit and further links to outside website photo galleries. Live again the Mexican State Visit to the UK. Read more HM Ambassador to Mexico, Giles Paxman’s blog of each day of the state visit. Read more UK-Mexico Joint Declaration. Read more UK-Mexico Sustainable Development MOU. Read more British Council Royal Society Event. Read more

			Jorge Patricio Peralta, ex-Chevening from LSE (2008-09) “To study in the UK is a challenge but also a pleasure. Their first class education system has improved my analysis skills, and taught me how to come up with better solutions to problems. Whilst interacting with people from all over the world, I have realised that, although language, cultural background and religion vary greatly, we all have ideals in common and strive to achieve. A year in the UK has thus been a priceless experience that I would recommend to every Mexican who wants to build a better country. “ Read more Seeing the State Visit of President Calderón to the UK firsthand: “When you are abroad, you feel stronger about news from Mexico. We felt proud of our place in the world against the background of a Mexican flag hanging from Buckingham Palace’s pole after Calderón’s visit. As Chevening scholars, we were given the opportunity to hear from the President himself an explanation on the international vision of this government. Also, we were able to exchange opinions and experiences with national and international leaders in the various events organised during the state visit. Read more

			You may all attest to the outstanding opportunities that Chevening offers to the brightest young Mexicans who strive to further develop their career. As Chevening alumni you belong, indeed, to an unrivalled network of talent in Mexico, and the rest of the world. For that reason, we would like to invite you to help us to expand this unique programme by becoming a Chevening sponsor in Mexico! Read more

			Chris Bryant, new appointed FCO Minister for Mexico, spoke at the Overseas Development Institute about Latin America’s role in the world. Read more UK Environment Minister, Ed Miliband, visited Mexico for Major Economics Forum. Read more Dr Tobias Feakin and Shiloh Fetzek, Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI), visited Mexico for a round table on Security and Climate Change. Read more

			On 2nd July, the British Embassy held the annual Queen’s Birthday Party celebrations in Mexico. This year, the theme was “the World in 2050” and importance of having a low carbon, sustainable future. Read more about it on our website and look to see if you are in photos. Read more Jonathan Porritt, Chairman of the Sustainable Development Commission, visited Mexico, as part of a UK delegation hoping to place more attention on the importance on working jointly on Sustainable Development in Mexico. Read more UK-Mexico Sustainable Development Dialogue Newsletter – Summer Edition. Read more

			Read UK Foreign Secretary, David Miliband’s blogs. Read more

			UK Climate Projections Act on Copenhagen The UK, Mexico and Costa Rica are all active on the UN Security Council at the moment. Read about the latest developments in New York Read about UK Foreign Secretary, David Miliband’s recent visit to Pakistan, and the UK-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue Find out what has been happening in Iran, and what the UK has been saying UN Secretary General’s recent visit to Burma, Human Rights in Burma International Day in Support of Victims of Torture The UK government has just published the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, a route map to a low carbon country. The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan plots out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the budget of 34% on 1990 levels by 2020. A 21% reduction has already been delivered – equivalent to cutting emissions entirely from four cities the size of London. Transforming the country into a cleaner, greener and more prosperous place to live is at the heart of our economic plans for Building Britain’s Future and ensuring the UK is ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. The Transition Plan is the most systematic response to climate change of any major developed economy, and sets standards for others in the run up to crucial talks in Copenhagen in December. Read more In July this year, the British PM launched a new UK strategy for addressing global nuclear challenges, including nuclear energy, nuclear weapons, disarmament and non-proliferation. Read more