International relations annual report 2024 to 2025 - 4. International engagement

International engagement at home, to improve outcomes for Wales, was a continued focus this year. Our in-Wales activity included impactful visits and events to support the delivery of the International Strategy’s ambitions: to raise our profile, grow the economy and establish Wales as a globally responsible nation.

We hosted bespoke visits to Wales for international delegations, leading to significant outcomes. For example, a visit by the Chief Minister of Nagaland resulted in Wales becoming a partner country at the Hornbill Festival, showcasing the best of Welsh culture to an international audience.

Wales Tech Week welcomed international delegations, raising the profile of the world-class tech sector in Wales and fostering discussions regarding international collaboration.

We welcomed a breadth of international diplomatic and commercial visitors, highlighting our growing presence and strategic importance. Notable guests included Ambassadors, High Commissioners, senior government delegations, and international organisations. A particular highlight was the visit of King Letsie III of Lesotho, who wanted to explore our renewable energy initiatives and reaffirm links spanning 40 years.

These engagements have not only deepened diplomatic ties but also opened new avenues for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Following an inspiring and successful fact-finding visit by representatives from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, a private members bill - the Maharashtra Future Generations Welfare Bill - was introduced to ensure government departments follow sustainable goals.

In 2024, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Panasonic’s investment in Wales, with a programme of events attended by the First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning and Japan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom. This strengthened diplomatic relationships ahead of Wales and Japan 2025.

We worked to strengthen longer-term relationships, such as the International Friendship Pact with Birmingham, Alabama, which stretches back 60 years. The First Minister welcomed a civic delegation that visited Wales to strengthen economic ties across the arts, culture, life sciences, healthcare, and education sectors. The First Minister led celebrations marking the 20-year anniversary of collaboration with Brittany, including a visit from Loïg Chesnais-Girard, President of the Regional Council of Brittany.

Welsh culture continues to build relationships. In October 2024, Other Voices Cardigan - supported by both the Welsh and Irish Governments - returned for its fifth year, delivering a weekend of world-class music and cultural programming. In addition to performances, the Clebran Sessions offered a platform for discussion on contemporary issues facing Wales and Ireland and featured prominent voices from Welsh public life, including Professor Laura McAllister, Football Association of Wales CEO Noel Mooney, and the First Minister.

Supporting the Festival demonstrates our commitment to the Wales-Ireland relationship. The festival garnered extensive media coverage, with more than 40 articles published across national and international outlets and attracted 15,000+ attendees, with increased numbers coming from outside Wales. The festival also led to a rise in net additional local spending, amounting to over half a million pounds.

We continue to see more international delegations visiting Wales to learn from our policy approaches - from language planning to industrial decarbonisation. Last year, we hosted the 2024 European Circular Economy Hotspot, a prestigious event recognising nations who lead the way in circular economy innovation. Over 3 days, we welcomed more than 400 international delegates, who heard about our transformational journey in areas such as recycling.

We emphasise collaboration to achieve the aims of the International Strategy, working with our funded strategic partners and a wider range of stakeholders in Wales.

Examples include:

• On the Move – Cultural Mobility Forum

  Explored how international professional development in the arts can go beyond commercial objectives to promote understanding, collaboration and stronger community ties. Bringing together delegates from across Europe and beyond, it examined the role of culture and language in addressing global challenges such as the preservation of indigenous languages, climate change and equitable access to international opportunities.

• Wales-Québec Joint Call for Proposals

  Through our Declaration of Intent, the joint call for proposals has funded projects that encourage long-term partnerships between Welsh and Québecois organisations. One such collaboration between CULTVR Lab and the Society for Arts and Technology in Montréal has led to professional development opportunities and co-productions. Seed funding, provided by both governments, led to the partnership being formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding. A standout result of this collaboration is the production Arka Kinari: Artivism at Sea, which won Best Live Performance at the Best of Earth Awards 2025.

• Urdd Gobaith Cymru

  The Urdd has used Welsh Government funding to deliver a significant programme of international activity. For example, Urdd Youth Ambassadors promoted their Message of Peace and Goodwill in Washington DC and New York, marking the centenary of the Welsh Women’s peace petitions. Their work led to 6 new partnerships with US organisations, including JP Morgan, the Global Network of Women Peace builders, and UN representatives. In India, the Urdd partnered with Her Future Coalition to deliver workshops promoting Welsh values in Kolkata. This project engaged 12 young women from Wales and reached over 1,000 people.

Our London office acts as window on Wales to the world, deepening Wales’ diplomatic relations and strengthening government-to-government relations.  It offers an opportunity for regular engagement with the diplomatic network and provides a platform on which to develop trade and investment links, providing economic benefits for Wales. It also acts as a point for regular engagement with internationally focused UK government departments including the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s Devolution Unit, Strategy and Protocol divisions.

The focus for the office has been on developing diplomatic relations to pursue outcomes at home. Activity included:

• Diplomatic Corps reception at Somerset House, London

  More than 120 Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomatic guests, representing over 80 different countries, attended an event with the First Minister. Bilateral meetings were also held with the Canadian High Commissioner, Australian High Commissioner and Japanese Ambassador, laying the foundations for Wales and Japan 2025.

• UK-German Cultural Commission hosted by the FCDO in London

  Welsh participation focused on strengthening educational, research and cultural activities between the UK and Germany.

• Wales Week in London/ St David’s day activities

  An extensive programme of events showcasing Wales to London and international audiences. Events included a sport-themed St David’s Day event hosted by the Swiss Embassy, ahead of the UEFA Women’s Championships 2025, at which the Cabinet Secretary for Economy spoke alongside the Swiss Ambassador.