International relations annual report 2024 to 2025 - 5. Case studies

Martha Hughes Cannon was a Welsh-American politician, physician, and women's rights advocate. Born in Llandudno, she emigrated to the United States with her family and became the first female state senator in the US, representing Utah. Her achievements include the introduction of Utah sanitation laws and founding Utah's first State Board of Health.

In 2018, the Utah Legislature voted to send her statue to represent the State at the US Capitol in Washington DC. Following delays caused by COVID-19, the statue eventually arrived in DC at the end of 2024.

The Welsh Government, through our US team, has used this occasion to celebrate her legacy throughout the year and build links with Utah. This included the team visiting Utah for St David’s Day 2024 to form links with the Lt Governor, and the hosting of a large reception in Washington DC to commemorate the unveiling of the statue that highlighted Martha Hughes Cannon’s Welsh heritage, as well as announcing new scholarships and partnerships between Wales and Utah. The DC office worked with Congressional offices on videos made by its members about Martha Hughes Cannon as well as uncovering Welsh connections to Utah. Additionally, the Welsh Government supported events in Llandudno to honour her contributions.

Achievements

The Martha Hughes Cannon project is a good example of using soft power to achieve several aims within the International Strategy for Wales.

The Welsh Government’s involvement in the project, along with the cumulative impact of the visit to Utah, St David’s Day celebrations and the Washington Reception, has already led to a number of achievements, including:

• Stena Center and FintechWales entering into a partnership to create soft landing facilities on both sides of the Atlantic, with the Welsh Government already receiving an enquiry from a Utah company about this.
• Creation of a new scholarship to enable students from Wales to travel to Utah to study in the fields of life sciences, fintech or aerospace. It is anticipated to launch for the next academic year, administered by a diaspora organisation and dedicated to Martha Hughes Cannon.
• Welsh Government Los Angeles office securing inward investment with ATL Technologies expanding its operation in Wales.
• Expansion of the Friends of Wales Caucus and the possibility of Wales having a Senatorial Co-Chair – this would be the first senatorial chair of a UK Caucus.
• A trade mission from Utah to Wales.

What is not measurable is the goodwill that has been created in Utah to the Welsh Government and Wales. The team looks forward to extending and deepening its relationship with one of the fastest growing states in the USA.

The Welsh Government is exploring ways to strengthen Wales’ engagement with multilateral organisations - specifically UNESCO - by identifying effective, long-term mechanisms for cooperation and partnership.

Engaging with these organisations allows Wales to learn from international best practice to improve domestic outcomes while contributing to shared global challenges, supporting the goals of a globally responsible, prosperous, and resilient Wales.

UNESCO - the UN’s specialised agency for education, science, and culture - convenes global communities, sets international standards and produces tools and knowledge that shape domestic policymaking and delivery.

Although UNESCO is not a funding body for developed nations, its brand power is significant. UNESCO designations, such as World Heritage Sites, biospheres, geoparks and Creative Cities, contributed at least £151 million in financial benefits to the UK in a single year (National Value of UNESCO to the UK, published by UNESCO UK National Commission, 2019). Currently, 14% of Wales’ landmass is part of a UNESCO designation, offering global-to-local links for communities, international visibility, economic benefits, policy and research development.

Swansea University was awarded a prestigious UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Energy Technologies in 2022, securing significant research funding and enhancing the university’s international reputation; it is now competing with Oxbridge and Ivy League institutions for post-doctoral talent. This bolsters Wales as a hub for research excellence and international education, with international students contributing £1.43 billion[2] to the Welsh economy (The costs and benefits of international higher education students to the UK, published by Universities UK International, the Higher Education Policy Institute and Kaplan International in collaboration with London Economics, 2023)

Given UNESCO’s vast scope and limited capacity, engagement is only effective through its mechanisms. Our work has taken a highly strategic approach centred on 2 mutually reinforcing policy areas: minority languages and sustainable development, presenting a strong Welsh narrative that complements the existing UK offer, aligns with UNESCO interests and provides clear entry points for formal, long-term and self-sustaining engagement. The approach seeks to amplify existing activity, maximising the economic, social and diplomatic benefits by widening networks and programme participation across Welsh civil society and UNESCO.

The approach is iterative, with the Welsh Government adapting its strategy in real-time to build a framework for future engagement that can be applied across other policy areas.

In 2025, reciprocal visits established cross-government support and engagement. The UK Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Anna Nsubuga, the National Commission and the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport visited Wales for policy briefings. The programme included a tour of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site, led by the site’s Youth Ambassadors and concluded with a public ‘lunch and learn’ session at the Welsh Government, where the Ambassador and Swansea University’s UNESCO Chair presented to nearly 100 civil society stakeholders.

Building on this, the First Minister led a delegation to UNESCO HQ in Paris for outcome-driven meetings with senior policy directors. This targeted engagement was complemented by a wider Wales event at UNESCO, attracting more than 100 attendees from 50+ countries. These reciprocal visits catalysed tangible outputs, including co-productions, network membership and participation at UNESCO fora.

A key area of engagement is the support of Cymraeg2050 and its pioneering work on digital inclusion and AI through the Welsh Language Technology Action Plan. Cymraeg2050 partners with commercial giants like Microsoft and OpenAI to secure access of minority languages to digital tools. This intersects strongly with UNESCO’s current priorities; AI and digital inclusion are core themes at MONDIACULT 2025. Our work with the unit has facilitated further technical collaboration and widened engagement across networks like the Decade of Indigenous Languages, UNITWIN and within UNESCO’s affiliated networks. The Welsh Government is also deepening engagement across Wales through links with culture, youth and sustainable development.

The integration of technical policy work with culture has proved powerful in engaging UNESCO’s senior policymakers, reflecting the organisation’s natural intersectionality across science and culture. It will be showcased at a Celtic multilateral event on languages and culture as part of the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. This event, delivered in partnership with Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Irish Cultural Centre, will also test a multilateral model of engagement more aligned with UNESCO’s ethos than traditional bilateral partnerships.

This model, which uses UNESCO patronage and badging as accessible entry points, is also being trialled by other Welsh organisations to signpost activity, build credibility, and lay the foundation for deeper engagement.

Future Generations legislation underpins the listed policy areas, offering case studies and learnings from ten years of domestic implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Links have been made with the strategic planning team at UNESCO, exploring policy workshops and staff exchanges.

Further work is underway to support and elevate existing UNESCO affiliations within Wales, the UK and UNESCO systems.

Swansea University’s work to develop locally adaptable, circular green energy solutions for Africa not only advances global sustainability goals but also positions Wales as a leader in green energy, circular economy and next-generation technology.

The Welsh Government is working to support the Chair’s integration into wider UNESCO frameworks - such as the Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development - and foster strategic partnerships across Welsh institutions and programmes. This Team Wales approach extends the reach and impact of the prestigious designation.

As Wales looks toward a significant autumn featuring MONDIACULT 2025 and the outcome of Aberystwyth and Ceredigion’s City of Literature bid, strategic coordination is already delivering impact and laying the foundation for future engagement across other UNESCO policy areas.

A final reflective paper will capture key learnings, share best practice, and present a clear set of recommendations for how Wales can deepen and sustain its engagement with UNESCO and other international bodies in the years ahead.

In November 2023, during the annual Welsh Government Diwali event, it was announced that 2024 would be the year of Wales in India, focussing on 4 priority regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Haryana and celebrating the deep-rooted economic, health, educational, and artistic ties that exist. The year featured a variety of events across both countries, including trade and investment events, research partnerships, cultural celebrations, and health collaborations.

The year had 3 main objectives:

1. Secure trade, investment, and employment opportunities for Wales.
2. Support and strengthen healthcare links.
3. Strengthen cultural, educational, and artistic ties, and to promote Wales as a globally responsible nation.

Key partners were asked to develop activities to deliver throughout the year, whilst the Welsh Government worked with PR Agency, Cowshed Communication, to create a calendar of events.

In February 2024, the formal launch of took place during St David’s Day events in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru. The Minister for Health and Social Services hosted a reception in Mumbai, coinciding with a reception at the Indian High Commissioner’s Residence in London, hosted by the First Minister. These events saw participation from partners including the Future Generations Commissioner, the Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Wales Arts International, British Council Wales, and key businesses.

Trade and investment

India is a significant market for trade. In 2023-2024, India ranked 18th in Wales' top export markets, with exports worth over £187 million. Wales in India provided an opportunity to organise, attend, and sponsor several trade and investment events. Wales has a robust network of Indian businesses, offering potential opportunities for reinvestment and untapped trade prospects. The initiative aimed to showcase Wales' economy as a hub of creativity, technology, and sustainability.

Throughout the year, 40+ events were delivered, including more than a dozen business roundtables. Wales was promoted as a prime destination for trade and investment at several Wales Medtech Conclaves in Jaipur and Kerala. The first trade mission from Wales to India in many years took place in May 2024, focusing on Mumbai and Bengaluru with Welsh businesses in manufacturing, life sciences, technology, and education visiting India to explore potential export opportunities.

Wales also participated in international exhibitions such as SEMICON India, Arab Health, Farnborough Airshow, ADIPEC, and Gulfood. Conferences focusing on sustainability, future generations, and cyber security were sponsored. New and lasting relationships were built with business chambers, incubators, and universities.

Wales’ Chief Scientific Advisor visited India and met with India’s Principal Scientific Advisor. Discussions focussed on Wales’ circular economy and semiconductors and provided an opportunity to showcase Wales at the upper levels of government in India.

Measuring the impact of economic development activities is challenging due to the time taken for relationships to develop into outcomes. Much of the activity focused on planting the seeds for new relationships and initiatives.

Health

The bond between NHS Wales, the Government of Kerala, and recruitment partners was crucial for meeting Welsh NHS staffing targets. A key moment for Wales in India 2024 was the Ministerial visit in March 2024, which included a visit to Kerala. The Welsh Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chief Minister of Kerala for nursing and medical practitioner recruitment, announcing plans to recruit up to 250 healthcare professionals during 2024-2025. A reception for new nurses, doctors, and their families who had accepted jobs in the Welsh NHS took place in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The MOU agreement further strengthened relations between Wales, India, and the Government of Kerala to support ongoing ethical recruitment. More than 300 health professionals have been recruited - predominantly nurses - with one-third already working in Welsh hospitals. Cowshed Communication pursued case studies from this cohort to promote further recruitment activity. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care extended the MOU in March 2025.

Soft power

The cultural connections between Wales and India are rich and deserve continued celebration. Wales in India presented an opportunity to solidify relationships and showcase Wales’ strengths and commitment to being a globally responsible nation. The programme utilised cultural showcases to elevate Wales’ profile on the international stage, particularly at launch events and the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland.

In February 2024, the Minister for Health and Social Services joined St David’s Day celebrations in Mumbai, welcoming 300+ leaders from diplomacy, culture, and education. She met with India’s LGBTQI+ leaders, announced an Urdd partnership with Her Future Coalition to support victims of sexual abuse and violence in Kolkata, and discussed Maharashtra’s plans for its version of Wales’ Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. These projects have since come to fruition, culminating in Wales’ participation at Hornbill 2024 in Kohima, Nagaland.

The Welsh Language Children’s Poet Laureate was a guest of honour at the Kolkata literature festival, leading discussions on Wales' language and identity. The Future Generations Commissioner met with political leaders in Mumbai to discuss the Maharashtra Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, which has since been introduced as a Private Members Bill.

The Wales in India Cultural Fund was launched in collaboration with the British Council and Wales Arts International, supporting 5 artists to strengthen relationships in arts in health, music, literature, and early years theatre.

Welsh Ministers celebrated Holi and India Independence Day at Cardiff Castle alongside Wales’ Honorary Consul for India and the Indian community. The First Minister hosted a Diwali reception with the Indian High Commissioner at Swansea University to mark the close of the year.

Global Wales, Welsh universities, and colleges established research partnerships, student exchanges, and fostered alumni. Cardiff University launched its Indian Alumni Chapters in New Delhi and Mumbai. During the latter part of the year, Wales was invited as Chief Guest to Shillong, where Welsh harpists performed alongside their students, and Welsh art was displayed. The region has a national holiday for Thomas Jones, the father of the Khasi alphabet.

The Chief Minister of Nagaland visited Cardiff, announcing Wales as the partner country for the prestigious Hornbill Festival. At Hornbill, Wales showcased the best of Welsh music, culture, and industry, marking a remarkable close to the year of Wales in India.

Reflections

The Wales in India 2024 platform allowed the Welsh Government to establish numerous connections with businesses, cultural organisations, governments, and diplomatic missions. The relationships forged with the British Council, Wales Arts International, the Urdd Gobaith Cymru, and the Future Generations Office were vital to the year’s success.

We continue to focus on key cities and sectors for trade and investment, explore emerging markets in India, and leveraging support from the Department for Business and Trade.

The MOU with the Government of Kerala has been a clear success, and we aim to nurture and maintain this relationship. We will continue to cherish the connections established in diplomacy, culture, the arts, sport, and education. The significant cultural connections with the Khasi people of Shillong offer opportunities for growth in trade, investment, and education.

Following the visit of the Chief Minister of Nagaland to Wales, and our attendance at Hornbill 2024, we have established strong ties with Nagaland, positioning us for further collaboration. Activities promoting Wales’ Wellbeing of Future Generations Act have been a formative success, offering insights into future opportunities.

In a groundbreaking effort to restore dignity and rebuild lives, the VVF (Vesicovaginal Fistula) Project is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in reconstructive surgery for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. This visionary initiative is led by Professor Iain Whitaker - Professor of Reconstructive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine and Consultant Plastic Surgeon - and represents a powerful collaboration between ReconRegen, Swansea University, and the renowned Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with support from the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The Panzi Hospital, founded in 1999 by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Denis Mukwege, has treated more than 85,000 women and girls who have survived the unspeakable horrors of wartime sexual violence. Whilst the dedicated team achieves extraordinary outcomes, approximately 5% of cases present injuries so severe that standard surgical approaches simply are not enough. These types of injury typically require advanced reconstructive surgery techniques and, as plastic surgery does not exist as a specialty in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congolese surgeons are not trained in these techniques.

That’s where the VVF Project steps in.

The Welsh Government’s Wales and Africa Grant Scheme funded a pivotal exploratory mission to Panzi Hospital in July 2024. The application for funding was submitted after Professor Whitaker and his team had conducted a series of online meetings with Panzi Hospital’s clinicians. These discussions identified a critical need: advanced reconstructive surgery training paired with hands-on teaching materials that allows trainee surgeons to refine their skills before entering the operating theatre.

To answer that call, Professor Whitaker joined forces with Dr Hari Arora from Swansea University’s BEST Lab (Biomedical Engineering Simulation & Testing Lab). Together, they led a team of talented postgraduate biomedical engineers to design and build anatomically accurate, low-cost surgical training models for fistula repair.

The innovation is as ingenious as it is impactful. Each model consists of a 3D-printed ‘bone’ pelvis layered with hand-moulded silicone that mimics the feel of human tissue—including muscle, fat, fascia, and skin. These models were developed to ensure that cutting and suturing them would closely simulate real-life surgery - crucial for effective training. An interim round of feedback from Professor Whitaker’s surgical team helped to refine the final design.

Thanks to Wales and Africa grant funding, and match-funding from a £15,000 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council grant, in July 2024, the team travelled to Panzi Hospital with five pelvis models and 20 reusable silicone tissue overlays, along with detailed assembly instructions. To support a full evaluation of the models, the Swansea team also shipped 30 single-use surgical instrument kits, donated free of charge by Corza Medical.

Panzi Hospital’s surgical team took part in hands-on trials of the prototypes and then completed detailed online feedback forms - an essential step in perfecting the next generation of these game-changing models.

To our knowledge, these are the only anatomically correct fistula repair training models in existence. Because they can be produced at a relatively low cost, they hold immense potential - not just for Panzi Hospital, but for hospitals across low-resource countries worldwide.

With this bold step forward, Wales is helping to lead the global charge to improve surgical outcomes for survivors of conflict-related violence - bringing healing, hope, and humanity to some of the world’s most vulnerable.