celebrate
celebrating and experiencing a diverse range of cultures
Fiwal organises several events of its own to provide a forum for its members. As well as the prestigious Biennial Conference covering current issues, we offer Seasonal Gala fund-raising events, often held jointly with Diplomatic missions.
The Biennial Spring lunch with distinguished speakers is held on alternate years to the Conference.
President’s monthly update
November 2026
Dear FIWAL Friends,
As we enter November, the celebrations of FIWAL’s 40th anniversary year continue, reminding us of the wonderful friendships, cultural connections and shared experiences that make our organisation so special.
I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Japanese Women’s Association (JWA) on their wonderful 70th anniversary celebration. It was an absolute pleasure to join them for such an enjoyable occasion. We were treated to a fascinating and informative talk by the former British Ambassador to Japan, reflecting on the longstanding relationship between our two nations. The beautiful ikebana floral arrangements, thoughtfully incorporating elements of Japanese and English culture, were a delight to behold. Another highlight was the unveiling of JWA’s new logo, marking an exciting new chapter in the Association’s history. Of course, I cannot forget to mention the exquisite matcha celebration cake, which provided a particularly delicious finishing touch!
I was sorry not to be able to join PAWA for their Tea, but I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful afternoon, reconnecting with friends and looking ahead to another successful year.
Our FIWAL Board Meeting on the 5th October provided another valuable opportunity to connect, share updates and discuss our collective vision for the year ahead. My sincere thanks go to all our member representatives who attended and contributed to the discussions. It was also a pleasure to continue the conversations in a more relaxed setting over lunch at Harvey Nichols with those who were able to join us.
Now, our attention turns to a particularly exciting occasion in FIWAL’s calendar, our 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Thursday, 12 November, at the Lansdowne Club in Mayfair.
We have a lovely evening planned, beginning with a welcoming reception, followed by a delicious two-course meal specially curated by the club’s Executive Chef, Henry Brosi. There will be musical entertainment to add to the celebratory atmosphere, along with the opportunity to bid for a fabulous prize of two business-class tickets to Turkey.
If you have not yet booked your place, I warmly encourage you to do so. It promises to be a memorable evening, bringing together friends from across our member organisations to celebrate four decades of friendship, collaboration and cultural exchange.
Bookings close on Monday (2 November) , so please do not miss the opportunity to join us for this special celebration.
As we continue through our Ruby Anniversary year, I am reminded of the importance of the connections we have built and the friendships that continue to flourish through FIWAL. It is these relationships that give real meaning to our guiding words: Connect, Share, Celebrate.
Warmest wishes,
Roxanne,
President of FIWAL
