28 | FOREVER Keele
Inspiring ALUMNI
CONTINUED
Dr Farah Faizal
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS , CLASS OF 1986
Dr Farah Faizal came to Keele from the Maldives in 1986 to study International Relations , and shares her experience as an international student at Keele as well as her inspiring journey bringing democratic change to her home country of the Maldives and her work now as a proud female diplomat on the international stage .
“ I was appointed as the Maldives Ambassador to the UK in February 2020 and was delighted to revert to being called a High Commissioner , as ambassadors of Commonwealth countries are called if posted to another member country .
“ My role includes building a close relationship with the UK , France , Spain and Ireland . It also includes promoting the Maldives as a holiday destination in the UK , France , Spain , and Ireland and also promoting the sustainability of Maldives tuna , fishing being our second biggest industry .
“ Of course , Maldives is a frontline state when it comes to climate change , so my work also focuses a lot on issues related to climate advocacy . The Maldives re-joined the Commonwealth last year after a few years ’ hiatus , so we do a lot of Commonwealth-related work . We also provide consular assistance for Maldivians living in the UK , France , Spain , and Ireland . My diplomatic mission is a small one , but 60 % of the diplomats are women , something which I am extremely proud of .
“ My biggest achievement in my career is to be part of the democracy movement that brought democratic change to the Maldives that led to the first-ever multi-party election . It was such a heady feel to actually be able to vote for the first time in the first ever democratic elections of the Maldives .
“ Initially , coming to Keele was a bit of a culture shock for me coming to the UK for the first time from the Maldives . Not many people had heard of Maldives those days . However , once I started studying , I realised that Keele is a wonderful place for an international student . It had the feeling of one big family and the campus is simply gorgeous . I enjoyed my time immensely and made many friends , who I am still in touch with .
“ My years at Keele were the some of the best years of my life . I have extremely fond memories and , in that sense , Keele is my happy place . Keele is such a melting pot of different cultures and nations . I am still in touch with many friends from Keele , some of them now diplomats from their respective countries . Professionally , it has helped me immensely to have that network not to mention the wonderful friendships . So , I would say , make friends and stay networked , whichever course you do .”
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