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Leadership and Public Policy Seminar 09

Weidenfeld Scholarships and Leadership Programme

12 - 20 December 2009
Hartwell House

The Weidenfeld Scholars once again took part in the annual Leadership and Public Policy Seminar at Hartwell House which, in 2010, ran from the 12^th-20^th December.

In the mornings, the Scholars participated in political philosophy discussions examining a range of classical texts, helping them to explore the question ‘What constitutes a good society?’. These sessions were particularly popular with the group, one Scholar commented, ‘the discussions were fantastic. I especially liked the fact that the Scholars in each group were from very different academic and cultural backgrounds, which enabled fruitful discussions’.

The philosophical emphasis of these intensive morning seminars was complemented by afternoon sessions, which had a practical emphasis on how ideas and principles are applied. Speakers were drawn from a variety of areas of public life. We were delighted to welcome, amongst others, Professor Michael Hulme from University of East Anglia who spoke on Climate Change, Baroness O’Neill who addressed the issue of Human Rights, General Sir Mike Jackson who shared his experience as Chief of the General Staff and Jonathan Powell who explored the topic of ‘Leadership and Morality.’

Second year Weidenfeld Scholars took part in a more focused practical training programme which included a one day course in negotiations skills and another one day course led by RAND Europe in Public Policy Analysis.

Other highlights included a visit to the beautiful Waddesdon Manor and the Scholars’ Debate on the topic of ‘This House believes that international humanitarian interventions are neither international nor humanitarian’.

Regrettably, due to snowy weather conditions, we had to cancel our Formal Dinner which was to be hosted by Lord Weidenfeld and at which Ambassadors from the Scholarships’ target regions were to be present. Despite this, the week ended with a flourish thanks to the backstage tour of the Royal Opera House and a performance of La Boheme.