Franco-British Student Alliance
Encyclopedia
The Franco-British Student Alliance (FBSA), or Alliance Etudiante Franco-Britannique (AEFB) in French, is a forum and think-tank dedicated to students from France and Britain. It addresses both the future of Franco-British relations
and promotes the global competitiveness of the academic sectors of both countries.
The Alliance was founded in 2004 during the centenary of the Entente Cordiale
, and unites the students and young alumni of seven leading universities from both countries: the London School of Economics
(LSE), the Universities of Oxford
and Cambridge
, The Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris
(Sciences Po) (the French counterpart of the London School of Economics
), HEC Paris (the top European business school according to the Financial Times
, as of 2005,2006,2007,2008), the Ecole Polytechnique
(France's top engineering school), and the École supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales (ESSEC, another top French business school) .
It functions under the joint patronage of HM The Queen and the President of the French Republic, and under the joint Honorary Presidency of Lord Salisbury and le Marquis de Breteuil.
It encourages student engagement on challenging global issues and wishes to become a think-tank by organising annual events with leading executives and academics. Recent topics included : "Can Paris challenge the supremacy of London as major financial centre in Europe and in the world?" as well as “French Protectionism versus British Liberalism”.
It promotes networking among alumni and students from our seven partner schools.
It ultimately wants to bring universities, students, and leaders closer, by fostering reciprocal awareness and encouraging cooperation for a common future.
. All seven Presidents and Co-Presidents of the committees are therefore members of the Board of Trustees
of the charity. The FBSA is accountable to all of its members and alumni, as well as its supporters in academia, corporations and governments.
Every year one of the six universities organises the annual summit, a three-day event
, bringing over 300 students together. The first day is an institutional day, traditionally crowned by a reception at the Hôtel des Invalides
in France or Lancaster House
in Great Britain.
The FBSA aims to tackle broad issues such as those raised at the World economic Forum. These are discussed on the second day during panel discussions and workshops. The 2005 and 2006 summits at the Ecole Polytechnique and the University of Oxford
were based respectively on Corporate Social Responsibility
and Globalisation In Higher Education
, and the 2007 summit was based in Paris, and addressed the issue of sustainable development.
The 2008 Summit will be held at Cambridge University
. Over 50 experts from various fields, for instance Business, Government, Research and Media are invited every year.
The Annual Conference.
Held in spring, the venue of this one-day conference rotates between The Château de Breteuil
and Hatfield House
, the properties of Honorary Presidents The Marquis de Breteuil and The Marquess of Salisbury
, whose ancestors were the two main architects of the Entente Cordiale. Topics always deal with a stronger European and Franco-British background.
The Annual Alumni Meeting.
The Alliance organises every year with the FBSA advisory board, an event for the all former members and students. The first Alumni meeting was held in London, in early July 2008, under the leadership of the LSE Alumni office and in coordination with the other Alumni offices.
The Annual Alumni Promotional Campaign.
In September and October, the Alliance promotes its activities in the participating universities, during an intense campaign, at the occasion of the Fresher's fair. The Alliance welcomes students from around the world. It insists on the fact that a Franco-British background is not a prerequisite.
In the past : Michele Alliot Marie (French Minister of Interior Affairs), Jacques Barrot
(VP European Commission
), Thomas Fletcher (Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Downing St), Lord Grenfell
(Deputy Speaker
at the House of Lords
), Christophe Lanne (Credit Suisse COO France), Regis Monfront (Credit Agricole SA CEO UK), John Howe (Vice Chairman Thales UK), Arnoud de Meyer (Head of Judge Business School
at Cambridge), Lord Desai
(Professor Emeritus LSE), Denis Ranque
(CEO of Thales), Lindsay Owen-Jones
(Chairman of l'Oreal Worldwide), Baron David de Rothschild
, Baroness Amos
(Leader House of Lords), Wafic Said
(Business, Philanthropist, Founding Benefactor of Oxford Business School).
of government, corporate sponsors, alumni and university representatives).
These reports can be found on the FBSA website.
Anglo-French relations
United Kingdom – French relations are the relations between the governments of France and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . In recent years the two countries have experienced a very close relationship....
and promotes the global competitiveness of the academic sectors of both countries.
The Alliance was founded in 2004 during the centenary of the Entente Cordiale
Entente Cordiale
The Entente Cordiale was a series of agreements signed on 8 April 1904 between the United Kingdom and the French Republic. Beyond the immediate concerns of colonial expansion addressed by the agreement, the signing of the Entente Cordiale marked the end of almost a millennium of intermittent...
, and unites the students and young alumni of seven leading universities from both countries: the London School of Economics
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research university specialised in the social sciences located in London, United Kingdom, and a constituent college of the federal University of London...
(LSE), the Universities of Oxford
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
and Cambridge
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally...
, The Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris
Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris
The Institut d'études politiques de Paris , simply referred to as Sciences Po , is a public research and higher education institution in Paris, France, specialised in the social sciences. It has the status of grand établissement, which allows its admissions process to be highly selective...
(Sciences Po) (the French counterpart of the London School of Economics
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research university specialised in the social sciences located in London, United Kingdom, and a constituent college of the federal University of London...
), HEC Paris (the top European business school according to the Financial Times
Financial Times
The Financial Times is an international business newspaper. It is a morning daily newspaper published in London and printed in 24 cities around the world. Its primary rival is the Wall Street Journal, published in New York City....
, as of 2005,2006,2007,2008), the Ecole Polytechnique
École Polytechnique
The École Polytechnique is a state-run institution of higher education and research in Palaiseau, Essonne, France, near Paris. Polytechnique is renowned for its four year undergraduate/graduate Master's program...
(France's top engineering school), and the École supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales (ESSEC, another top French business school) .
It functions under the joint patronage of HM The Queen and the President of the French Republic, and under the joint Honorary Presidency of Lord Salisbury and le Marquis de Breteuil.
Goals and ambitions
The Alliance aims to strengthen and deepen the Entente Cordiale among the leaders of tomorrow.It encourages student engagement on challenging global issues and wishes to become a think-tank by organising annual events with leading executives and academics. Recent topics included : "Can Paris challenge the supremacy of London as major financial centre in Europe and in the world?" as well as “French Protectionism versus British Liberalism”.
It promotes networking among alumni and students from our seven partner schools.
It ultimately wants to bring universities, students, and leaders closer, by fostering reciprocal awareness and encouraging cooperation for a common future.
Structure
The FBSA is both a charity and a society. Its central structure corresponds to the charity and the committee in each school is a student societyStudent society
A student society or student organization is an organization, operated by students at a university, whose membership normally consists only of students. They are often affiliated with a university's students' union...
. All seven Presidents and Co-Presidents of the committees are therefore members of the Board of Trustees
Trustee
Trustee is a legal term which, in its broadest sense, can refer to any person who holds property, authority, or a position of trust or responsibility for the benefit of another...
of the charity. The FBSA is accountable to all of its members and alumni, as well as its supporters in academia, corporations and governments.
Annual Global Events
The Annual Summit.Every year one of the six universities organises the annual summit, a three-day event
Eventing
Eventing is an equestrian event comprising dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This event has its roots in a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding...
, bringing over 300 students together. The first day is an institutional day, traditionally crowned by a reception at the Hôtel des Invalides
Les Invalides
Les Invalides , officially known as L'Hôtel national des Invalides , is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France, containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the building's...
in France or Lancaster House
Lancaster House
Lancaster House is a mansion in the St. James's district in the West End of London. It is close to St. James's Palace and much of the site was once part of the palace complex...
in Great Britain.
The FBSA aims to tackle broad issues such as those raised at the World economic Forum. These are discussed on the second day during panel discussions and workshops. The 2005 and 2006 summits at the Ecole Polytechnique and the University of Oxford
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
were based respectively on Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model...
and Globalisation In Higher Education
Higher education
Higher, post-secondary, tertiary, or third level education refers to the stage of learning that occurs at universities, academies, colleges, seminaries, and institutes of technology...
, and the 2007 summit was based in Paris, and addressed the issue of sustainable development.
The 2008 Summit will be held at Cambridge University
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally...
. Over 50 experts from various fields, for instance Business, Government, Research and Media are invited every year.
The Annual Conference.
Held in spring, the venue of this one-day conference rotates between The Château de Breteuil
Château de Breteuil
The Château de Breteuil was built in the early 17th century and decorated principally in the 18th century...
and Hatfield House
Hatfield House
Hatfield House is a country house set in a large park, the Great Park, on the eastern side of the town of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England. The present Jacobean house was built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury and Chief Minister to King James I and has been the home of the Cecil...
, the properties of Honorary Presidents The Marquis de Breteuil and The Marquess of Salisbury
Marquess of Salisbury
Marquess of Salisbury is a title in the Peerage of Great Britain. It was created in 1789 for the 7th Earl of Salisbury. Most of the holders of the title have been prominent in British political life over the last two centuries, particularly the 3rd Marquess, who served three times as Prime Minister...
, whose ancestors were the two main architects of the Entente Cordiale. Topics always deal with a stronger European and Franco-British background.
The Annual Alumni Meeting.
The Alliance organises every year with the FBSA advisory board, an event for the all former members and students. The first Alumni meeting was held in London, in early July 2008, under the leadership of the LSE Alumni office and in coordination with the other Alumni offices.
The Annual Alumni Promotional Campaign.
In September and October, the Alliance promotes its activities in the participating universities, during an intense campaign, at the occasion of the Fresher's fair. The Alliance welcomes students from around the world. It insists on the fact that a Franco-British background is not a prerequisite.
Speakers
Speakers from academia, government and business discuss the topic with students.In the past : Michele Alliot Marie (French Minister of Interior Affairs), Jacques Barrot
Jacques Barrot
Jacques Barrot is a French politician, who has served as European Commissioner for Justice , after four years as Commissioner for Transport and Commissioner for Regional Policy for eight months . He is also one of five vice-presidents of the 27-member Barroso Commission...
(VP European Commission
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
), Thomas Fletcher (Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Downing St), Lord Grenfell
Julian Grenfell, 3rd Baron Grenfell
Julian Pascoe Francis St Leger Grenfell, 3rd Baron Grenfell is a Labour peer in the House of Lords known for his strong Europhile views...
(Deputy Speaker
Speaker (politics)
The term speaker is a title often given to the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body. The speaker's official role is to moderate debate, make rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, and the like. The speaker decides who may speak and has the...
at the House of Lords
House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
), Christophe Lanne (Credit Suisse COO France), Regis Monfront (Credit Agricole SA CEO UK), John Howe (Vice Chairman Thales UK), Arnoud de Meyer (Head of Judge Business School
Judge Business School
Cambridge Judge Business School, formerly known as the Judge Institute of Management Studies, is the business school of the University of Cambridge. Established in 1990, the School is a provider of management education and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading business schools. It is...
at Cambridge), Lord Desai
Meghnad Desai, Baron Desai
Meghnad Jagdishchandra Desai, Baron Desai is an Indian-born British economist and Labour politician. He unsuccessfully stood for the Speaker in the British House of Lords , the first ever non-UK born candidate to do so.-Early life:...
(Professor Emeritus LSE), Denis Ranque
Denis Ranque
Denis Ranque is the former CEO and chairman of Thales Group. In July 2004, he was awarded an honorary CBE.-External links:*] webpage]...
(CEO of Thales), Lindsay Owen-Jones
Lindsay Owen-Jones
Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, KBE, , born in Wallasey, Cheshire to a Welsh family, was the Chairman and CEO of the cosmetics and beauty company L'Oréal.- Education :...
(Chairman of l'Oreal Worldwide), Baron David de Rothschild
David de Rothschild
David de Rothschild is the name of several members of the renowned family of bankers founded by Mayer Amschel Rothschild family* David René de Rothschild , French banker, head of Group Rothschild...
, Baroness Amos
Valerie Amos, Baroness Amos
Valerie Ann Amos, Baroness Amos, PC is the eighth and current UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Before her appointment to the UN, she had been British High Commissioner to Australia. She was made a Labour life peer in 1997 and served as Leader...
(Leader House of Lords), Wafic Said
Wafic Saïd
Wafic Rida Saïd is a Syrian-Saudi Arabian businessman living in Monaco and Paris.-Personal life:Saïd married British born Ann Rosemary Thompson in 1969...
(Business, Philanthropist, Founding Benefactor of Oxford Business School).
Annual report
Each event has a specific topic to debate and workshop conclusions are presented in a report of policy recommendations. The annual report is presented in person to all FBSA supporters (French and British executive and legislative bodiesLegislature
A legislature is a kind of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and...
of government, corporate sponsors, alumni and university representatives).
These reports can be found on the FBSA website.
Upcoming Events
- Annual Summit : University of Cambridge, on December 12–14 of 2008.
- Annual Conference : Chateau de Breteuil, on March13–14 of 2009.
- Annual Alumni Meeting : Palais du LuxembourgLuxembourg PalaceThe Luxembourg Palace in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, north of the Luxembourg Garden , is the seat of the French Senate.The formal Luxembourg Garden presents a 25-hectare green parterre of gravel and lawn populated with statues and provided with large basins of water where children sail model...
, le Senat (tbc) on June 25 of 2009.