UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) was previously the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).

Responsibilities

We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners. FCDO is a ministerial department, supported by 12 agencies and public bodies.

We unite development and diplomacy in one new department. FCDO brings together the best of Britain’s international effort and demonstrates the UK acting as a force for good in the world.

Who we are

We employ around 17,300 staff in our diplomatic and development offices worldwide, including in 280 overseas embassies and high commissions. 

FCDO Contributed To...

Woman walking in a dry landscape with a donkey carrying jerrycans of water. Credits: Ayene, UNICEF Ethiopia

Water Security for Climate Resilience Report

This report explores the relationship between water security, climate and climate adaptation decisions, drawing on research from the REACH Programme (2015-2025), conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

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A man smiles and points at a poster showing research results about climate change

Building Climate Resilience in Africa Through Research and Development

This article provides an evaluation of the Future Climate for Africa programme (2015-2021), which has brought together more than 200 researchers from over 20 countries to improve understanding of climate variability and change across Africa. 

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Mountains in Nepal

Climate action in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

This event provided a platform for stakeholders from the Hindu Kush Himalaya to discuss how regional collaboration can deliver ambitious climate action in the region.

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“The aggregation of national interest does not amount to the global interest of the planet” – Youssef Nassef, Director of Adaptation at the UNFCCC

The Transboundary Risks of Climate Change

Why the UK Foreign Office’s international science and innovation division will be working closely with ODI, SEI and IDDRI to bring transboundary climate risk to the forefront ahead of COP26 and beyond.

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