Challenges facing New Zealand in our Asia-Pacific ‘backyard’ will be addressed by 12 foreign policy experts over three upcoming public forums in Queenstown.
The Aspen Summer Series, on February 2 and 16 and March 2, is being organised by Queenstown-based Aspen Institute NZ, which was founded in 2018 by local Christine Maiden Sharp, who’s CEO.
It’s the first southern hemisphere offshoot of a famous institute launched in Queenstown’s American sister city of Aspen in 1949.
Sharp says the topic for her organisation’s first public forums is ‘‘just red-hot’’.
‘‘It’s only getting more complex, and people really are talking about it.’’
She’s delighted with the depth of experience boasted by the various speakers.
The first forum, on issues surrounding NZ’s role in the Indo Pacific and the influence of India and Southeast Asia, will be moderated by former Reserve Bank governor and former APEC secretariat executive director, Dr Alan Bollard.
His three panellists include experts on military security, India and Southeast Asia.
The second forum on North Asia, moderated by Associate Professor SungYong Lee from the University of Otago’s peacebuilding and conflict resolution national centre, examines the future of Taiwan and the region’s security risks, including trade implications.
The final forum, on Asia-Pacific great power rivalry, is being moderated by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Sir Don McKinnon, who
played a major role in setting up Aspen Institute NZ.
His panel includes a mystery guest who’ll only be revealed on the day.
Sharp notes each panel includes an academic from founding supporter, University of Otago.
She says the institute’s aim is to present different perspectives to let people form their own views.
Each forum runs from 5.30 till 6.45pm at Te Atamira — entry’s $75 per session or $150 for three, via eventbrite.
Complimentary tickets are available for students; numbers are limited to 100.
