June 2025 Update

As many of you know there is a close connection between the NGO ACTED and GAU. ACTED is the agency that my brother was working for when he was kidnapped by ISIS. Like us here in the UK, ACTED made every attempt to free my brother from the hands of ISIS and, like us, were not successful. We, together, endured the worst possible outcome. I will forever be grateful for their friendship and support for what my family and I went through, as well as their continued support for GAU.

In June, every year ACTED holds its General Assembly in Paris. As members, Vanessa (my wife) and I try to attend so that we can stand united with those like David, who are trying to make the world a better place.

In June, Paris is hot but this year particularly. I have in the past worn my kilt to this event, however sense has overcome national pride for these visits. To add to the heat, it was also incredibly busy. With the Summer Olympics starting soon, the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings and a visit from the American President Joe Biden, the roads and traffic were complete chaos – a 15-minute car journey took over 90 minutes!

At this year’s General Assembly to mark ACTED’s 30th anniversary, Vanessa and I had the privilege of hearing about the work ACTED is doing across the world including in Palestine territories, Ukraine, Haiti and many more.

Listening to how ACTED is helping innocent people caught up in war was truly moving. I’ve been lucky enough to see this in action previously, but listening to it once again, not only was I so proud of the fact my brother was a part of this, it also struck me how much ACTED and similar NGOs are needed in today’s world full of conflict.

ACTED really helped to influence GAU in its early days. I was so inspired by the bravery of what ACTED’s team does and being in Paris was a real reminder of that. It has given me further inspiration to deliver more workshops and tours for the next academic year.