Indian-origin student Gopal Rao wins UK Twitter prize

Rao, an Indian-origin MBA student at the University of Cambridge, on Wednesday met foreign secretary William Hague, who posed a challenge on Twitter in the form of a question: ‘What do you think is the biggest contribution UK foreign policy can make to the world?’

Gopal Rao, an Indian-origin MBA student at the University of Cambridge, on Wednesday met foreign secretary William Hague, who posed a challenge on Twitter in the form of a question: ‘What do you think is the biggest contribution UK foreign policy can make to the world?’

Gopal-Rao-an-Indian-origin-MBA-student-at-the-University-of-Cambridge-Source-Twitter

The winning entry was from Gopal Rao (@gopalisation), who answered: ‘UK foreign policy should focus on emancipation of #girlsandwomen through enterprise, supported by vibrant #socent culture within UK. #meetFS’.

The prize was to meet Hague and live tweet an event. Rao met Hague today and discussed the Foreign Office’s preventing sexual violence in conflict initiative.

Speaking after the meeting, Hague said: “Thank you to Gopal for coming in to the Foreign Office today, and for the good discussion we had about preventing sexual violence in conflict. Through social media politicians have opportunities to engage a wider group of people than ever before, and this was a perfect example of the value of this”.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said that after the meeting, Rao sat in on the first part of the preventing sexual violence in conflict board meeting.

Rao said: “Seeing the passion and dedication both of the Foreign Secretary and his team was incredible. The building is imposing but the people I met in the FCO are friendly and welcoming. I hope digital diplomacy reaps rewards”.