From May 15 to May 19 2023, the France Alumni UK network was in the spotlight. This network which was launched in October 2022 is already thriving, and the #FranceAlumniDay new initiative, launched by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, has further strengthened it.

For this first edition of France Alumni Day United Kingdom, the Higher Education Research and Innovation Department of the French Embassy in the UK (HERI department) decided to focus the celebrations on the values of 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) for the launch event, which was held on May 15, 2023 at the Residence of France in London. 

Participants had the opportunity to attend two round tables with brilliant Alumni panelists and EDI professionals who discussed the link between student mobility and EDI values, as well as the implementation of EDI policies in French and British institutions. 

After these round tables, Mr Van Rossum, chargé d'affaires at the French Embassy, reminded the audience of the crucial importance of the France Alumni UK network for the bilateral Franco-British relationship, and how this network was a very effective way of maintaining a link with France after their mobility. Afterwards, the alumni were invited to a cocktail reception, where they were able to meet and discuss.

Alongside this major event, others took place in the UK to highlight the France Alumni network: 

• May 16, 2023 at the Maison Française d'Oxford: "tour d'horizon" with PhD students and French higher education alumni had the opportunity to talk about their mobility in France and the importance of networks;
• May 16, 2023 at the Institut Français d'Écosse: "nuit des Alumni", which enabled discussions on "EDI" values between alumni, lecturers and institutions’ representatives;
• May 17, 2023 at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle: opening of a photographic exhibition highlighting the Alumni of the Lycée Français;
• 19 May 2023 at the Lycée International Winston Churchill: opening of the photographic exhibition highlighting the Alumni of the Lycée International. 

In total, more than 200 Alumni were brought together at these events across the UK, which not only helped to consolidate and expand the France Alumni UK network, but also provided a great opportunity to meet other Alumni from across the UK. A warm thank to all the participants, who are already expected at the #FranceAlumniDayUK 2024!