Aspen Ideas Debate with Sir Alex Ellis
Aspen Institute España will host an Aspen Ideas Program debate on April 24 with Sir Alex Ellis, British Embassador in Spain an Andorra about the current geopolitical challenges, diplomacy, and the future of the UK-Spain relationship, as well as transatlantic relations. The debate with be moderated by José M. de Areilza, Secretary General of Aspen Institute España. The debate will be hosted under the Chatham House rule and will take place in English.
Sir Alex Ellis
Sir Alex Ellis has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain and Andorra since September, 2024. Previously, he was the British High Commissioner to India (2021 a 2024) and before that, he worked as Deputy National Security Adviser in the Cabinet Office (2020) centering in on foreign and security policy. Alex joined FCDO (then FCO) in 1990 and has extensive experience across a range of diplomatic, EU, security and strategy roles, including in some other Government Departments. He was Director General in the Department for Exiting the European Union, responsible for the UK-EU security partnership, international agreements with the UK’s closest partners and domestic and EU engagement on Brexit (2017 a 2019). Further, he was British Ambassador to Brazil (2013 to 2017) and Portugal (2007 to 2010) and Director of Strategy responsible for developing new tools for improving FCO and government policy (2011 to 2013). He has also worked as Advisor to the President of the European Commission, with responsibility for energy, climate change, competition, development, trade and strategy (2005 to 2007) and Madrid Counsellor EU and Global Issues (2003 to 2005). Prior to this, Alex was a teacher in the UK and overseas. He sings in a choir and loves music, theatre and most sports. He is married to Teresa, and they have one son, Tomás, who is on the autistic spectrum.
Programa Aspen Ideas
The Aspen Ideas Program aims to provide a forum for debate on current issues for emerging leaders from different sectors of society, many of whom have already participated in Aspen Spain programs. On the occasion of the publication of books or in the light of current affairs, we bring together groups of 30 people in debates with experts on geopolitics, new technologies, leadership, energy or international economics. This Program includes several session formats: Aspen Espresso, breakfast debates held between 9am and 11am, Aspen Ideas@Lunch, lunch debates held between 2pm and 4pm, Aspen Ideas Online, debates held in digital format.
