Seminar with Catherine O’Neill (FCDO)
Chair: Paul Merchant (University of Bristol)
Hosted by the Engaged Languages and Cultures centre, School of Modern Languages, University of Bristol
2025 brings to a close the cycle of bicentenary celebrations marking independence anniversaries for many countries in Latin America. As the United Kingdom was often among the first states to recognise the new nations emerging from the former Spanish Empire, this period has also seen many anniversaries of UK – Latin America diplomatic relations. As these relations now enter their third century, what are the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead? How is the British government engaging with this diverse and dynamic region? How can the Latin American studies community in the UK engage with the FCDO’s work in this area?
We are delighted to welcome Catherine O’Neill, Head of the Latin America Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, for a discussion of these important questions.
Biography
Catherine O’Neill is the Head of the Latin America Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, an appointment she took up in November 2023.
Catherine joined the FCDO in 2006 and previously served as Joint Head of the Royal and Coronation Unit in the Protocol Directorate. Before this she was acting Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Riyadh (2019-2022), and also worked at the British Embassy in Baghdad (2009-10). She has had various roles at the Foreign Office in London covering Brazil and the Southern Cone, UN multilateral affairs and Human Rights.
Catherine has a Masters (dist.) in International Law and Human Rights from the University of Edinburgh.