He told Leading Lights that, historically, the FCO has been perceived as being elitist and detached. “I remember the reaction of some members of my extended family when I told them I would be joining the Diplomatic Service. Some questioned my loyalties in going to work for our former ‘colonial masters’ and others wondered whether it was even allowed for someone of my background to represent the UK.”
But he doesn’t think it’s at all radical for Asians or members of any minority group to represent the FCO; after all, the British Ambassadors in the Philippines and Indonesia are both from Asian backgrounds. “I believe that people around the world admire the UK for our diversity. I think it helps to build cohesion within communities in the UK when people can see that there are ethnic minorities who are proud to be British and proud to represent Britain on the global stage.”
One of Nik’s postings had a personal resonance. “My posting to Uganda had huge significance for my family as my mother was expelled from the country by Idi Amin’s forces in 1972. Her return to Uganda to visit me completed an important chapter in my family’s history. My role there involved monitoring the peace negotiations between the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Ugandan government, and working with non‑governmental organisations to support those affected by the conflict - including former child soldiers.”
Nik enjoyed his three years in Malaysia “although from a work perspective, it’s had its ups and downs. My personal highlight was overseeing the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2012. I accompanied them throughout and was genuinely struck by their energy, charisma and kindness. The low points were undoubtedly the two Malaysia Airlines disasters. I was proud that the UK supported Malaysia in its time of need.”
He feels that the FCO has made great strides in promoting equal opportunities for individuals regardless of race, religion or gender “but the success rates for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) staff have remained low. Over the last year, I’ve been leading a campaign to tackle the recruitment and development of BME talent in order to make the FCO more reflective of modern Britain. This campaign, strongly backed by our Permanent Under-Secretary and Management Board, wasn’t simply about statistics but about a long term change in the culture of the organisation.”
I asked Nik to talk about his OBE and also a recent nomination the FCO received.
“One of the quirks of the honours process is that you never know who has nominated you so I’m not entirely sure how it came about! That said, I was deeply humbled to be appointed an OBE. This award was as much a recognition of the talented people that I've worked with as it was my own achievements. I was really pleased for my family who have made many sacrifices to support my ambitions. I know they’re looking forward to our visit to Buckingham Palace next February.
Last month, the FCO’s University Roadshow, an initiative of the BME campaign, was highly commended for recruiting diverse talent at the Race for Opportunity awards. These prestigious awards recognise organisations that have proactively created an inclusive workplace for BME staff. To me, this demonstrates our progress over the last year. Our 2014 University Roadshow is currently underway with 70 members of staff visiting 30 universities across the country to share their experiences of life in the Diplomatic Service”
Readers might be interested to hear of Nik’s plans.
“I will be attempting to qualify for our senior management grade in the coming months and this will determine whether it’s back to London or on to another posting next Summer.
My heart is still in Africa so I would love to be posted there again. There are incredible opportunities to make a difference whether that’s working to end poverty or tackling the threat of terrorism. And of course, I would love to be posted to India one day. There has never been a British High Commissioner to India of Indian heritage...”
..........................................................................................................................................
“There has never been a British High Commissioner to India of Indian heritage...”
..........................................................................................................................................
You can read more about Nikesh’s work on his Twitter feed (@nikmehta33) or on his official blog page (blogs.fco.gov.uk/nikeshmehta).
