MerleneEmerson
banner
merlenee.bsky.social
MerleneEmerson
@merlenee.bsky.social
Ex-solicitor, mediator, Director of Paddy Ashdown Forum 'think-and-action' tank, England China Business Forum Limited, World Trader....bridging East and West.
Pinned
My book review of "Ending Wars" co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley on @libdemvoice www.libdemvoice.org/review-of-en...
Review of “Ending Wars” co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley
Ending Wars is the bold title of a new book co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley and published earlier this year by the New England Journal of Public Policy.  Its companion publicatio...
www.libdemvoice.org
Just learnt a new word "screenagers" www.nytimes.com/2025/12/25/b...
The Class Where ‘Screenagers’ Train to Navigate Social Media and A.I.
www.nytimes.com
December 25, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
Today we remember Paddy Ashdown on the anniversary of his death, a leader of rare courage, conviction and humanity. Paddy believed politics should be rooted in liberal values, internationalism & a deep sense of public service.
At the Paddy Ashdown Forum we continue to honour his legacy.
December 22, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
⏳ Today is the last day to register your interest in joining our board of directors

Are you ready? then please apply to: [email protected]
with your cv & covering letter highlighting why this unique opportunity feels like the right next step for you.
December 4, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
Today as we remember one of our co-founders, Robert Woodthorpe-Browne, we focus on his values which are essential for todays world: cooperation across borders, democratic engagement, & constructive dialogue in the service of the common good.
We will keep building on what he helped to begin.
#peace
November 29, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
Lord John Alderdice delivered a Remembrance Lecture today full of the wisdom that comes from experience. “There is no formula for ending wars ” he said, drawing parallels with modern scientific systems theory and complexity thinking. New thinking is needed, and the ‘peace ecosystem’ must adapt.
November 9, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
🎯 Davey is spot on. "We can have criticism of the BBC, but within that, we need to recognise how valuable an institution it is [and how] precious to our country. And that's one of the reasons why people like President Trump and Nigel Farage, want to undermine the BBC." 👏🏽~AA
November 10, 2025 at 2:35 PM
What is happening in the US atm is unprecedended and unbelievable. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
See Where Flights Have Been Canceled Across the U.S.
Hundreds of flights were cut at airports across the United States have been canceled, with deeper cuts looming in the coming days.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:49 AM
My book review of "Ending Wars" co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley on @libdemvoice www.libdemvoice.org/review-of-en...
Review of “Ending Wars” co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley
Ending Wars is the bold title of a new book co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley and published earlier this year by the New England Journal of Public Policy.  Its companion publicatio...
www.libdemvoice.org
November 7, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
If you're just waking, it's been a good night for Democrats across the US, with voters rejecting Trump nationwide. 🎉

Mamdani's comfortable win in New York, on the highest turnout since 1969, provides further proof that you don't have to pander to the right to win.
news.sky.com/story/zohran...
Zohran Mamdani: 'Trump's worst nightmare' celebrates New York election result - as US president responds
The Democrat candidate ran on a significantly left-wing platform which included promising city-owned grocery shops and eliminating bus fares. Donald Trump is no fan and warned he could withhold federa...
news.sky.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
A huge thank you to Stuart BroadleyHon FEI, CEO of Energy Industries Council, for sharing his expertise and insights at our event, Fuelling the Future. A vital conversation on energy.

⚡️ If you missed the live event, don’t worry!
🎥 You can watch the full recording here: youtu.be/4dLJLn-yCSM
Fuelling the Future 2025
YouTube video by The Paddy Ashdown Forum
youtu.be
November 1, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
🌟We’re growing — come join us!
The Paddy Ashdown Forum is looking for a Director to join the board. Work with passionate people, tackle exciting challenges, and make an impact.
📍 Flexible
⏰ Approx. 5–8 hrs a month
🗓️ Deadline: 5/12/2025
Sound like you?
🔗https://thepaddyashdownforum.org/fundamentals/
November 1, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
East Timor has been admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the group's first expansion since the 1990s.
East Timor formally admitted to ASEAN in the group’s first expansion since the 1990s
East Timor has been formally admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the group’s first expansion since the 1990s.
bit.ly
October 26, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Please read the article by @nhannahjones.bsky.social in @nytimes.com . The conflation of civil rights and DEI under Trump2.0 is both sinister and dangerous.
I've covered race for two decades. I knew the 2nd Trump Admin would be dangerous for civil rights. Yet the collapse of the federal civil rights architecture and national will to address racial inequality and work on integration is stunning. Here's my latest. www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/m...
How Trump Upended 60 Years of Civil Rights in Two Months
www.nytimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:52 AM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
Quick, get your tickets for "Fuelling the Future" our next Global Conversations & gain new insights from this power filled discussion!

📅 21st Oct 2025
🕑 13:00-14:00
📌 ONLINE

🔗 Tickets Free but Limited. BOOK NOW! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fuelling-t...

#EnergyEfficiency #energymarkets #NetZero #power
October 10, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
Ming Campbell was a dedicated public servant and a true Liberal giant.

His principled leadership opposing the Iraq War was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom.

But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague.

We will miss him terribly.
September 26, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
How do we fight the far right’s malevolent influence on our country? @robblackie.bsky.social has some ideas… www.libdemvoice.org/how-to-fight...
How to fight the far right
The last few weeks have been a worrying time. Friends of mine have told me that, because they aren’t white, they are worried about visiting parts of our country. Robert Jenrick and other politicians h...
www.libdemvoice.org
September 15, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Brilliant book launch by #NickClegg at Union Chapel last night in the style of fireside chat with @kamalahmednews.bsky.social. Nick's time at Facebook/Meta now chronicled for posterity as he advocates against a fractured internet. #ai #geopolitics #liberalism
September 3, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Delighted to celebrate 58th #ASEAN Day with colleagues from ASEAN UK Business Forum, VictoriaCollins MP and Chair @paddyforum.bsky.social on 8.8.25 at the #Malaysian High Commission in London
August 9, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Guess what -- I made it to the summit of Mt Fuji! It was a wet and misty start and I was really worried that the climb would be cancelled. But thankfully day 2 was dry and sunny.
Thanks for putting your faith in me to deliver on this expedition in aid of @paddyforum.bsky.social gofund.me/bed0bd8e
July 19, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Checked into Toyoko Inn favoured by Mt Fuji climbers. But weather forecast has not been great.
July 15, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Reposted by MerleneEmerson
@merlenee.bsky.social our Merlene the day before her journey begins, carbo-loading at Tsukiji Fishmarket. A food paradise for food professionals & mountain climbers!

Please donate to this wonderful cause gofund.me/d80fde95

#Fundraiser #MountFuji #EveryStepCounts #FoodParadise
July 14, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Landed in Tokyo....in readiness for my epic #MtFuji climb in aid of @paddyforum.bsky.social gofund.me/bed0bd8e
July 14, 2025 at 8:25 AM
I have started a @gofundme.com page to support @paddyforum.bsky.social . Please follow and support my climb of #MtFuji ! Why This Climb? Because climbing a mountain is nothing compared to bridging global divides.
www.gofundme.com/f/bridging-e...
Donate to Bridging East and West to Build a Better World, organized by Merlene Emerson
Hi I am Merlene. In late July, I’ll be taking on the incredible challen… Merlene Emerson needs your support for Bridging East and West to Build a Better World
www.gofundme.com
June 28, 2025 at 12:47 PM