Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Our Trustee and Secretary, Jennifer Broadley, represented the Scottish arm of the ESU
community at the annual English-Speaking Union (ESU) International Council
Meeting, held this week at the organisation’s headquarters in Dartmouth House,
London.
The meeting brought together representatives from across the global ESU network, with
38 delegates attending in person and a further six joining online, reflecting the
international reach and strong engagement of member branches from around the
world.
Speaking after the event, Jennifer said she was delighted to meet so many friends and
colleagues from across the ESU network, highlighting the valuable opportunity the
meeting provided to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and discuss future priorities
for the organisation.
This year’s Council Meeting coincided with the prestigious International Public
Speaking Competition (IPSC), one of the ESU’s flagship programmes. National
finalists from around the world gathered in London to compete, showcasing
outstanding communication skills, confidence, and cultural exchange. Delegates were
able to witness first-hand the talent and dedication of the young speakers participating
in the competition.
Jennifer was keen to express her appreciation to Consola and the Dartmouth House
team for delivering a highly organised and successful event.
“Many thanks to Consola and the Dartmouth House team for organising such a well planned event.”
She also congratulated International Council Chair, Qinn Peeper, for the smooth
running of the meeting.
“Congratulations to Chair Qinn Peeper for keeping to a strict time schedule and
guiding the meeting so effectively.”
Looking ahead, delegates received an exciting invitation for the next International
Council Meeting, which is scheduled to take place in New York in April 2027. The
announcement was warmly welcomed by attendees and will provide another
opportunity for ESU members from around the world to come together in support of the
organisation’s mission of fostering understanding through the sharing of the English
language.
The 2026 meeting once again visibly demonstrated the strength of the global ESU
network and the enduring value of international collaboration, friendship, and
educational exchange.
Jennifer Broadley, Trustee and Secretary at Young Speakers Scotland and Charles Byrne, Director-General of The English-Speaking Union, ESU International Council Meeting, Dartmouth House