Friends of CUTS Launch Event at the Belgravia Function Rooms
Creating global friendships for global development
A warm summer’s evening with a light breeze provided a pleasant backdrop for CUTS LRC’s launch of its rejuvenated ‘Friends of CUTS’ scheme on May 31, 2006. More than 50 guests attended the reception, where lively conversation and informal networking created a buzzing but relaxed atmosphere in the beautiful airy reception rooms at Belgrave Square in West London. Guests were able to make the most of the warm weather by spilling out onto the spacious roof terrace, while being served wine and canapés throughout the evening.
The event saw Tamara Lordkipanidze who has been heading C
UTS LRC since its establishment, speaking about the role of LRC as well as the unique networking scheme, Friends of CUTS, that brings together individuals and organisations interested in promoting a global economy that works for the development of poor nations and their people. Olivia Blanc-Brude, founder and Trustee of LRC, shared her experience in setting up LRC with the aim of bringing CUTS Jaipur’s rich mix of grass-roots linkages and high-level advocacy to Europe. Josaphat Kweka from Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) in Tanzania talked about the significance of CUTS’ work on linkages between trade development and poverty through the TDP project (see page 2). The last speaker, Anna Fielder from the National Consumers Council, spoke on the importance of 
forging closer partnerships between consumer organisations and development agencies. She also drew attention to how CUTS, as a Southern consumers’ organisation, is ideally placed to build these new partnerships.
After these short presentations, guests continued to network with each other, and learn more about Friends of CUTS through talking to LRC staff and accessing the interactive LRC website. Through Friends of CUTS, people will share knowledge and information, exchange ideas and debate issues relating to international development and economics. A dynamic website keeps members up to date with interesting in-depth features on international development and trade, and hosts a public forum enabling conversations to flourish across the globe. CUTS International, as the hub of this lively community, will organise regular networking events for our friends.
To find out more about the scheme and to sign up now, please go to our Friends of CUTS section!
