GBCC hosted a reception to welcome Isabel Hilton’s appointment as GBCC’s Chair and to thank Sir Martin Davidson for his 10 year tenure as the previous Chair of GBCC.
Following speeches from Honorary President of GBCC Sir David Lidington and FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Oliver Robbins, Sir Martin Davidson reflected on his tenure as GBCC Chair.
Sir Martin was instrumental in creating GBCC’s flagship Future Leaders Programme and has led countless dialogues with Senior Chinese Party-State interlocuters, steering GBBC through the challenging COVID period which saw a halt to in-person exchanges. His energy and experience ensured GBCC’s relations with key UK and Chinese partners remained strong throughout his tenure, leaving a solid foundation from which Isabel will build upon.
In her remarks Isabel highlighted the importance of continuing dialogue and engagement with China, even when discussing the very real and profound areas of disagreement. GBCC’s unique and established channels of communication are ever more important given the shared global challenges facing both the UK and China ranging from climate change and sustainable development to economic growth and trade.
Isabel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, previously founding the China Dialogue, a bilingual non-profit organisation that focused on climate change and environmental issues in China and abroad. With a distinguished career in broadcast journalism and writing, Isabel has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of China that will be valuable when fostering strong bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and China.
