Chatham House Prize 2013 - Hillary Clinton

During her tenure at the State Department, Hillary Clinton decisively drove a new era in US diplomatic engagement. She was instrumental in re-orientating the strategic focus of the United States towards the Asia-Pacific region. She was successful both in multilateral diplomacy − helping to develop new international frameworks, such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition – and in bilateral negotiations, brokering an agreement between Turkey and Armenia to reopen their border and negotiating a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

Her creation and implementation of the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) made a bold comment on the importance of comprehensive diplomacy and 'civilian power'. Her understanding and use of public diplomacy demonstrated that values and ideas must be promoted through two-way dialogue, especially in the age of social media.

Secretary Clinton was equally able to tackle acute challenges in international affairs and to call on the necessary skills and tools when needed. Working in partnership with key allies in both the UN and NATO to protect civilians in Libya in 2011 was a prime example.

Secretary Clinton used her personal standing and visibility as a campaigner on the global stage to support educational and economic opportunities for women and girls. She incorporated more women into peace-building initiatives at the UN, and at the State Department she created the position of ambassador-at-large for global women's issues.

She led a global campaign for efficient, modern cooking stoves, helping to reduce the 1.9 million premature deaths per year from smoke inhalation on open cooking fires, predominantly among women in developing countries. Her work to integrate women’s rights with broader development goals backed up her long-held belief that 'it is no longer acceptable to discuss women's rights as separate from human rights'.

Message from Her Majesty The Queen, Patron of The Royal Institute of International 
Affairs

'I warmly congratulate Hillary Clinton on being awarded this year’s Chatham House Prize for her accomplishments as Secretary of State, which build on a long and impressive commitment to working in the service of the public. Members of The Royal Institute of International Affairs have again chosen a worthy winner of this award.'

Message from Dr Robin Niblett, Director

'As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton brought renewed energy to US diplomacy at a critical moment in international affairs, deepening key bilateral relations and strengthening US regional alliances. Her determination to reinforce the linkages between the goals of US diplomacy and development delivered significant achievements, especially in fostering new opportunities for girls and women across the world. I am delighted that our members have chosen her as the winner of this year's Chatham House Prize.'

Hillary Clinton at Chatham House

In Conversation with Hillary Rodham Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Chatham House on the afternoon of  Friday 11 October for a discussion moderated by Director Dr Robin Niblett. Speaking on a range of topics and answering questions from the audience, Secretary Clinton notably said that China did not fully understand America's 'jazz-like' diplomacy and, on intelligence, she said that there needs to be a sensible adult conversation that is as transparent as it can be. Regarding the situation in Syria, she said that the Russians have yet to really push the Assad regime, and when asked about the US relationship with Iran, she said that although the new leadership in Tehran is taking a more collegiate approach, it is still too soon to tell. Secretary Clinton also spoke about the fate of 30 Greenpeace activists, currently in jail in Russia, and said there should be 'a real outcry' over their case.

Award Ceremony

Secretary Clinton, accompanied by President Bill Clinton, attended a ceremony at Banqueting House on the evening of Friday 11 October, where she received a crystal award and scroll signed by HM The Queen and presented by HRH The Duke of York. The ceremony included speeches from Secretary Clinton and the Rt Hon William Hague, UK Foreign Secretary, who hailed Secretary Clinton as an outstanding colleague and friend and said that she had enhanced the standing of US diplomacy in the world which is 'an achievement for America, but... also of great benefit to us all'. The evening also featured remarks by Baroness Scotland (President, Chatham House), Dr Robin Niblett (Director, Chatham House), Stuart Popham (Chairman, Chatham House) and Peter Voser (CEO, Royal Dutch Shell).