On 26 October 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Ronnie C. Chan, former Chairman of Hang Lung Group in Hong Kong, together with Hubert Védrine, former French Minister of Foreign Affairs. The event began with a breakfast for experts and journalists, moderated discussion focusing on Asia’s emergence as a global economic force and the implications for Europe. Among the distinguished participants was Christine Lagarde, then serving as France’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Finance and Employment. The day continued with a lunch attended by politicians, diplomats, and policymakers, which provided a more strategic platform to explore the political dimensions of economic power shifts. Chan drew on his business expertise to assess China’s rise and its global economic footprint, while Védrine examined the geopolitical challenges for Europe in adapting to these transformations. Lagarde added a crucial European economic perspective, emphasising financial stability and global cooperation. By combining economic, diplomatic, and political viewpoints across two formats, the event gave participants a comprehensive lens on the changes reshaping the world order. It demonstrated CPFA’s capacity to create meaningful dialogue across sectors, linking business leadership with political decision-making in an era of profound international change.
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On 22 November 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Irman Gusman, then President of the Indonesian Senate, accompanied by a delegation of Indonesian ministers. He was joined by Élisabeth Guigou, former French Minister of Social Affairs. The event, moderated by Renaud Girard with the assistance of philosopher Pascal Bruckner, provided a unique platform to connect Southeast Asian and European perspectives on governance and international affairs. The programme began with a breakfast attended by politicians and journalists. Gusman spoke about Indonesia’s democratic transformation, its efforts to manage decentralisation and economic development, and the country’s increasing role within ASEAN. Guigou contributed insights from her European political experience, focusing on social policy, cohesion, and Europe’s engagement with emerging democracies. A private lunch followed with politicians, diplomats, and policymakers, allowing for more in-depth exchanges. Discussions expanded beyond Indonesia’s domestic challenges to questions of regional security, global cooperation, and the importance of bridging diverse political traditions. The event reflected CPFA’s capacity to foster cross-regional dialogue on pressing international issues.
On 6 December 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris welcomed Tun Musa Hitam, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, for a day of discussions on Southeast Asia’s political and economic landscape. The programme, moderated by Renaud Girard, began with a breakfast session that offered participants the opportunity to hear his reflections on Malaysia’s evolving role in the region and its engagement with broader global challenges. At lunch, also under Girard’s moderation, the conversation broadened to include questions of governance, development, and regional stability. Tun Musa drew on his experience as a senior statesman to discuss Malaysia’s balancing act between tradition and modernity, as well as its position within ASEAN and its relations with the wider international community. The event provided a platform for nuanced exchanges on Asia’s growing influence at a time of shifting global dynamics. Tun Musa’s perspective, combining deep regional insight with international experience, gave participants a clearer understanding of Southeast Asia’s challenges and opportunities in the early twenty-first century.
On 7 December 2010, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted a major event bringing together Mohammed Reza Heydari, former Consul General of Iran to Norway, Nazanin Afshin-Jam, Iranian human rights activist, and Jack Lang, former French Minister of Culture. The sessions were moderated by Renaud Girard, with the assistance of French philosopher Pascal Bruckner, offering a rare convergence of diplomatic, activist, and cultural perspectives on Iran and the broader Middle East. The day opened with a breakfast gathering of strategists, policymakers, intellectuals, and journalists. Discussions centred on the state of human rights in Iran, the experience of political dissent, and the challenges of confronting authoritarian regimes while preserving cultural and diplomatic engagement. Each of the speakers contributed their unique vantage point: Heydari as a defector from the Iranian regime, Afshin-Jam as a leading activist, and Lang as a prominent French statesman with a long record of cultural diplomacy. The programme continued with a private lunch for a limited number of politicians, diplomats, and intellectuals, allowing for more candid exchanges. The intimate format encouraged debate not only on Iran’s domestic situation but also on the implications for regional security and international relations. By combining public discussion with a discreet political dialogue, the event highlighted CPFA’s ability to convene diverse voices for nuanced reflection on some of the most pressing issues of the time.
On 18 January 2011, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Efraim Halevy, the 9th Director of Mossad, for a day of high-level discussions. The sessions were moderated by Renaud Girard with the assistance of French philosopher Pascal Bruckner, bringing together voices from intelligence, politics, and philosophy to examine some of the most sensitive issues in global security. The programme began with a breakfast for journalists, during which Halevy outlined Israel’s security concerns and the regional challenges posed by instability in the Middle East. He offered reflections on the limits of intelligence work, the importance of diplomacy, and the interplay between secrecy and political decision-making. His insights drew on decades of experience at the heart of Israeli intelligence and policy. At lunch, in a more private setting with politicians, diplomats, and senior figures, the discussion deepened into questions of regional strategy, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the prospects for peace amid continued volatility. The combination of journalistic outreach and closed-door political dialogue gave the event a unique balance between public analysis and discreet conversation, marking it as one of CPFA’s most compelling engagements of the period.
On 24 January 2011, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Lord Alistair Darling, former Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, for a discussion moderated by Renaud Girard. The event focused on economic governance, the aftermath of the global financial crisis, and the challenges facing Europe and the international system. Darling, who served as Chancellor from 2007 to 2010, shared his insights on managing the crisis at its height, reflecting on the pressures of stabilising the financial sector and safeguarding economic resilience. He discussed the lessons learned from that period, the importance of regulatory reform, and the continuing risks to global financial stability. The exchange provided a rare opportunity to hear directly from the figure who steered Britain’s economy during one of its most critical junctures. His reflections not only illuminated the dilemmas of crisis management but also offered guidance for policymakers grappling with financial uncertainty today.
On 9 February 2011, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Yashwant Sinha, former Minister of Finance of India, for a day of exchanges on India’s role in the global economy and international affairs. The programme opened with a breakfast for journalists, moderated by Renaud Girard, offering an overview of India’s economic trajectory and reform agenda. A more formal lunch followed, also moderated by Renaud Girard, bringing together politicians, diplomats, and senior figures from international affairs for deeper discussion. Sinha reflected on India’s economic transformation, the policy challenges of sustaining growth, and the implications of India’s rise for global governance. He also addressed the geopolitical dimension, including India’s relations with neighbouring countries and its expanding role on the international stage. The event highlighted the growing significance of India as both an economic and political actor. By convening Yashwant Sinha in Paris, CPFA provided a platform to connect Indian perspectives with European and international debates, underscoring its commitment to fostering dialogue across regions and disciplines.
On 25 February 2011, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Prince Michael of Kent for a discussion on international affairs and the role of diplomacy in addressing global challenges. The event formed part of CPFA’s ongoing commitment to bringing together figures from diverse backgrounds to reflect on questions of security, stability, and international cooperation. Prince Michael, a member of the British Royal Family with long-standing involvement in charitable, cultural, and international initiatives, shared his perspectives on the importance of dialogue and understanding between nations. His remarks touched on the enduring relevance of diplomacy, the value of cultural exchange, and the ways in which informal channels can complement traditional statecraft. The gathering provided a unique opportunity to hear from a royal figure whose experiences span both public service and international engagement. By welcoming Prince Michael of Kent to Paris, CPFA highlighted its mission to convene voices that enrich the conversation on global affairs through diverse forms of leadership.
On 3 March 2011, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted David Miliband, former Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, for a discussion moderated by Steven Erlanger, Paris bureau chief of The New York Times. The event brought together political figures alongside international observers for an in-depth exchange on diplomacy and global security. Miliband reflected on his tenure as Foreign Secretary, addressing the challenges of Britain’s role in the world, the future of European cooperation, and the impact of conflicts in the Middle East on international stability. He also offered perspectives on transatlantic relations and the need for renewed multilateralism in addressing global crises. The conversation, enriched by the presence of French and international politicians, offered a dynamic forum for debate. By hosting Miliband in Paris under the moderation of a leading international journalist, CPFA reinforced its mission of fostering dialogue that bridges national experiences and global challenges.
On 11 March 2011, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris welcomed Fatima Bhutto, Pakistani writer and columnist, for a discussion on Pakistan’s political and social trajectory. The session was moderated by Pierre Rousselin, senior editor at Le Figaro, and reflected CPFA’s tradition of inviting voices from literature and civil society to broaden the scope of international dialogue. Bhutto spoke about the tensions within Pakistan’s democratic life, the weight of dynastic politics, and the challenges of governance in a country marked by deep social divisions and regional instability. Drawing on her personal background and published work, she also reflected on the role of youth, identity, and cultural expression as forces of change. The exchange highlighted how perspectives from outside formal political structures can enrich debates on global affairs. By hosting Bhutto under the moderation of a leading French journalist, CPFA underscored its commitment to combining intellectual, cultural, and political perspectives in shaping conversations about the future of nations and the dynamics of international relations.
On 15 June 2011, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Leonid Kuchma, the 2nd President of Ukraine, for a high-level discussion moderated by Renaud Girard. The event gathered a limited number of diplomats, policymakers, and experts for an intimate exchange on Ukraine’s political trajectory and its place in the shifting balance of European and regional affairs. President Kuchma, who served from 1994 to 2005, addressed the dilemmas of Ukraine’s post-Soviet transformation, including the consolidation of democratic institutions, economic reform, and the strategic balancing act between Russia and the European Union. His intervention offered insights into the structural challenges Ukraine faced as it sought to define its sovereignty and security in a contested geopolitical environment. Among the select participants was Victor Pinchuk, Ukrainian businessman and philanthropist, whose presence underscored the links between politics, economics, and civil society in shaping Ukraine’s future. By convening this limited lunch in Paris, CPFA reaffirmed its mission of fostering candid and high-level dialogue on issues of international consequence.
On 6 May 2012, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted a special soirée on the occasion of the French Presidential Elections, which concluded with the victory of François Hollande over incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy. The event captured the intensity of election night, creating a forum where participants could follow developments in real time while reflecting on their broader significance for France and Europe. The soirée brought together strategists, diplomats, and policymakers in an atmosphere of anticipation and rigorous analysis. Conversations ranged from the domestic implications of Hollande’s victory—particularly in terms of economic policy and social cohesion—to the international dimension, including France’s future role within the European Union and its broader foreign policy direction. The immediacy of the results lent an urgency to the exchanges, ensuring a lively and candid debate. By convening such a diverse and influential group at this pivotal political moment, CPFA reaffirmed its mission as a platform for timely and relevant dialogue. The gathering combined the excitement of electoral drama with serious geopolitical reflection, bridging the local and the global in a way that underscored the wider consequences of France’s choice.
On 26 June 2012, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted a lunch with Julio María Sanguinetti Coirolo, the 35th and 37th President of Uruguay. The discussion was moderated by Renaud Girard and formed part of CPFA’s series of exchanges with former heads of state on democracy, governance, and international affairs. President Sanguinetti shared reflections drawn from his two terms in office, emphasising Uruguay’s democratic consolidation, its approach to reconciliation after dictatorship, and the country’s efforts to promote social inclusion while navigating global economic change. He highlighted lessons from Latin America’s experience in democratic transitions and institution building, offering perspectives relevant beyond the region. The lunch brought together diplomats, policymakers, and experts for an open and substantive dialogue. By convening Sanguinetti in Paris, CPFA underscored the importance of engaging Latin American voices in a broader conversation on democracy and stability, linking regional experiences to universal challenges in governance and international relations.
On 26 June 2012, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted a breakfast with Rodrigo Borja Cevallos, the 36th President of Ecuador. The event, moderated by Renaud Girard, formed part of CPFA’s engagement with former heads of state to reflect on governance, democracy, and the challenges of globalisation. Borja drew on his presidential experience and long political career to share his insights into Latin America’s democratic evolution, the pursuit of social justice, and the delicate balance between sovereignty and international cooperation. He highlighted the structural reforms needed to strengthen institutions and addressed how Latin American countries could navigate global economic pressures while safeguarding democratic principles. The breakfast brought together policymakers and experts for a candid exchange with the former Ecuadorian president. The discussion underscored the importance of linking regional experiences in Latin America with broader reflections on governance and global stability, reaffirming CPFA’s role as a platform for dialogue among international leaders.
On 11 September 2012, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Tzipi Livni, former Foreign Minister of Israel, for a day of discussions on the Middle East. The event opened with a breakfast session for journalists, moderated by Georges Malbrunot, where the initial exchanges focused on Israel’s perspective on regional security, the shifting dynamics of the Arab Spring, and the challenges posed by the ongoing Syrian conflict. A formal lunch followed, also moderated by Georges Malbrunot, and reserved for diplomats and policymakers. Livni elaborated on Israel’s assessment of the strategic balance in the region, including the implications of instability in Syria and its potential impact on neighbouring states. The setting allowed for a candid discussion of sensitive political issues, bringing together diverse perspectives on the evolving Middle Eastern landscape. During the exchanges, Randa Kassis emphasised that Syria’s opposition was not limited to Islamist groups and insisted on the existence of a secular opposition as a credible alternative. She underscored the importance of recognising a “third way” between Assad’s regime and extremist movements, framing it as the only viable foundation for a democratic and inclusive political future in Syria.
On 15 March 2013, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Yasar Yakis, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, for a day of discussions on Turkey’s policy in Syria and the wider Middle East. The programme opened with a breakfast session for journalists and experts, moderated by Renaud Girard, providing an overview of Ankara’s evolving stance during a time of deep regional upheaval. The discussions continued at a formal lunch, also moderated by Renaud Girard, reserved for diplomats and experts. Yakis elaborated on Turkey’s strategic challenges and priorities, examining the complexities of Turkish-Syrian relations, the impact of the conflict on regional stability, and Turkey’s balancing act between Western partners and its immediate neighbours. His intervention shed light on both Ankara’s foreign policy ambitions and the constraints it faced amid shifting alliances and escalating violence in Syria. By combining outreach to the press with a more in-depth diplomatic exchange, the event allowed for a wide-ranging conversation on Turkey’s role in the Middle East. Yakis’s reflections underscored the importance of Turkey as a pivotal actor in the region, while also revealing the dilemmas that complicated its ability to influence the trajectory of the Syrian conflict.
On 30 June 2014, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Jack Straw, former Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, former Minister of Defence of Germany, for a high-level event moderated by Renaud Girard. The day opened with a morning session for journalists, where the two former ministers outlined their perspectives on current international crises and the implications for European foreign policy. The formal lunch session brought together diplomats and experts for a more detailed and candid discussion. Straw reflected on the pressing challenges of the Middle East, including the war in Syria, instability in Iraq, and the dilemmas these conflicts posed for European governments. Zu Guttenberg contributed insights from Germany’s standpoint, stressing the importance of transatlantic cooperation, NATO’s evolving role, and the strategic need to balance European unity with national interests. By combining media outreach with in-depth policy dialogue, the event highlighted the value of engaging different audiences in discussions of global importance. The exchanges underscored both the convergences and divergences in British and German approaches to international security, reaffirming CPFA’s mission as a forum for rigorous and inclusive debate on global affairs.
On 25 September 2014, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, former Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, for a discussion moderated by Renaud Girard. The event reflected CPFA’s focus on the Middle East and the strategic challenges facing the international community in the wake of ongoing regional upheavals. Drawing on his diplomatic experience, Terzi analysed the situation in the Middle East, with particular attention to the conflict in Syria and its wider repercussions for European security and stability. He highlighted the failures of the international community in responding effectively to the humanitarian crisis and the rise of extremist groups, while emphasising the urgent need for a coordinated diplomatic approach. The meeting brought together policymakers and experts for an in-depth exchange on how Europe and its partners might contribute to a sustainable solution. Terzi’s intervention underscored the critical importance of diplomacy, accountability, and engagement with regional actors in addressing both the Syrian conflict and the broader instability of the Middle East.
On 19 November 2014, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted General Lord Richard Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, for a discussion moderated by Renaud Girard. The event formed part of CPFA’s efforts to engage senior military leaders in dialogue on global security and strategic affairs. Lord Dannatt, who served as head of the British Army from 2006 to 2009, shared his perspectives on international security challenges, the lessons of military intervention, and the evolving role of armed forces in contemporary conflicts. His remarks drew on decades of military experience, with particular reference to Britain’s involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan and the wider implications for Western strategy in unstable regions. The session gathered policymakers and experts, providing a platform for examining the intersection of military strategy and political decision-making. Dannatt’s intervention highlighted the limits of military power in achieving long-term stability, while also emphasising the continuing necessity of credible defence capabilities in a world of persistent and complex threats.
On 5 December 2014, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy, for a high-level discussion moderated by Renaud Girard. The event formed part of CPFA’s continuing engagement with European leaders to reflect on political and economic challenges affecting the continent. Letta, who served as Italy’s Prime Minister from 2013 to 2014, reflected on the turbulence facing Europe in the aftermath of the financial crisis, the rise of populist movements, and the strains on European integration. He spoke about Italy’s experience of balancing reform, governance, and social cohesion, while also addressing the broader challenges of sustaining European unity in an increasingly unstable international context. The meeting brought together policymakers and experts for an in-depth exchange on the political and economic future of Europe. Letta’s intervention highlighted both the opportunities and the vulnerabilities facing the European project, underlining the importance of pragmatic leadership and renewed commitment to cooperation.
On 19 December 2014, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted a discussion featuring Kenneth Clarke, former Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, and Paolo Scaroni, former Chief Executive Officer of the Italian energy company ENI. The event was moderated by Renaud Girard and formed part of CPFA’s continuing series of dialogues with international political and economic leaders. The discussion addressed the intersection of politics, economics, and energy policy at a time of significant global uncertainty. Clarke reflected on Britain’s economic and political choices in the wake of the financial crisis and the pressures shaping Europe’s future. Scaroni, drawing on his long experience in the energy sector, examined the shifting geopolitics of energy, including Europe’s dependence on external suppliers, the challenges of diversification, and the implications for regional and global stability. The event gathered policymakers and experts, offering an opportunity to consider how political decision-making and energy strategy interact in shaping international affairs. By convening such figures, CPFA reaffirmed its commitment to linking economic governance with broader strategic issues central to global stability.
On 24 February 2015, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted Lucas Papademos, former Prime Minister of Greece, for a high-level discussion moderated by Renaud Girard. The event formed part of CPFA’s programme of dialogues with global leaders on pressing international and economic challenges. Papademos, who had served as Greek Prime Minister from 2011 to 2012 and earlier as Vice-President of the European Central Bank, reflected on the eurozone crisis and the structural challenges facing European integration. He discussed Greece’s economic difficulties, the policy measures taken during his tenure, and the broader question of how Europe might balance fiscal discipline with growth and political legitimacy. The meeting attracted experts, diplomats, and journalists, providing an opportunity to engage directly with one of Europe’s key economic policymakers. Papademos’s intervention offered participants a rare insider’s perspective on the eurozone’s turbulent years and the ongoing dilemmas of European governance, furthering CPFA’s mission of fostering dialogue on global political and economic stability.
On 6 March 2015, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris hosted a talk with General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, former 8th Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan. The event was part of CPFA’s commitment to providing a platform for senior international figures to share perspectives on security, strategy, and the challenges of regional stability. General Kayani, who had served as Pakistan’s army chief from 2007 to 2013, reflected on his experiences leading one of the world’s largest armed forces during a period marked by the fight against militancy, regional instability, and evolving relations with neighbouring states. His intervention provided insight into Pakistan’s strategic outlook, its role in the fight against terrorism, and the complex balance between military, political, and international dimensions in South Asia. The event gathered diplomats, experts, and journalists for a candid exchange on the intersection of regional conflicts, global counter-terrorism efforts, and Pakistan’s place in international security. By hosting General Kayani, CPFA underlined its role as a forum for engaging directly with key decision-makers and understanding the dynamics shaping global and regional security.
On 17 September 2015, a lunch was held in Astana under the auspices of Imangali Tasmagambetov, then Minister of Defence of Kazakhstan. Organised as part of CPFA’s broader programme on peace and reconciliation, the lunch brought together senior statesmen, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and international figures for an informal but substantive exchange. Participants included Mohamed ElBaradei, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency; Rigoberta Menchú, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights advocate; Rajendra Pachauri, who accepted the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the IPCC; César Gaviria, former President of Colombia; and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former Prime Minister of Spain. Their interventions highlighted different regional perspectives on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and the prevention of conflict. The lunch provided a platform for candid dialogue outside the formal conference setting, fostering exchanges that linked European, Latin American, and international voices with Kazakh leadership. By convening such a diverse group of figures under the auspices of Imangali Tasmagambetov, the gathering reinforced Kazakhstan’s role in promoting dialogue on global peace and stability.
On 17 September 2015, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) convened a high-level event in Astana with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, then 4th Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan. The gathering formed part of CPFA’s mission to promote dialogue on peace, reconciliation, and global governance. Tokayev underlined Kazakhstan’s role as a platform for international dialogue and the importance of fostering multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges. The event was dedicated to the theme of peace in the world, which explains the broad participation of distinguished figures, including former presidents and Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Among those present were Shimon Peres, former President of Israel; José Luis Rodríguez Zapater, former Prime Minister of Spain; César Gaviria, President of Colombia; Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland; Rigoberta Menchú, Nobel Peace Prize laureate; and Mohamed ElBaradei, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The debate highlighted lessons from different peace processes and approaches to conflict resolution around the world. Alongside these distinguished participants, Randa Kassis, President of the Astana Platform, reiterated the urgent need for inclusive negotiations in conflicts such as Syria, stressing that lasting solutions require the involvement of all relevant actors.