Foreign Policy for a Top 20 Nation

Monday 27 October 2014, Hyatt Hotel, Canberra

Since 1924, the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) has played a unique role in the Asia Pacific as an independent, non-partisan forum for informed debate on international affairs and Australia’s engagement with other nations.

Prior to Australia’s hosting of the G20 later this year, the AIIA’s 2014 National Conference will bring together some of Australia’s leading international affairs experts to discuss Australia’s foreign policy objectives and priorities as a top 20 nation.

Keynote Speakers

Australian Foreign Policy       

Senator the Hon Brett Mason delivering a speech on behalf of the Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, also officially representing the Hon Tony Abbott MP, Prime Minister of Australia

The Hon Richard Marles MP, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection

John McCarthy FAIIA, National President, Australian Institute of International Affairs

Enhancing Australia’s Prosperity

Michael Stutchbury, Editor in Chief, The Australian Financial Review

Robert Milliner, B20 Sherpa and Senior Advisor, UBS

Mike Callaghan AM, Director, G20 Studies Centre, Lowy Institute for International Policy

Strengthening Australia’s Security

Rory Medcalf, Director, International Security Program, Lowy Institute

Peter Jennings PSM, Executive Director, Australian Strategic Policy Institute

Dr Tanya Ogilvie-White, Research Director, Centre for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, Australian National University

Professor Alan Dupont, School of Social Sciences, UNSW

Contributing to Global Issues

Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs FAIIA, President, Australian Human Rights Commission

Professor Megan Davis, Director, Indigenous Law Centre, UNSW and Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Paul Wilson, Acting Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and former Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations and to the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva

Last year’s national conference Outcomes Report will give a glimpse at feedback and previous attendees. Highlights from the 2013 AIIA National Conference can be viewed here.

Don’t miss this unrivalled opportunity to engage directly with some of Australia’s foremost foreign policy thinkers. International relations practitioners, commentators, students, the business community and interested members of the public should register now.

AIIA Masterclasses

As part of the 2014 National Conference the Australian Institute of International Affairs will be conducting Masterclasses for future leaders in international affairs. The Masterclasses will be held on Sunday 26 October at the AIIA’s National Office in Canberra.

Masterclasses are an opportunity for students and young professionals to engage in an intimate discussion with a leading figure in international affairs.

These prominent experts include:

Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs FAIIA, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission

Richard Smith AO PSM FAIIA, Former Secretary of the Department of Defence

Graeme Dobell FAIIA, Former ABC and Radio Australia Correspondent

Geoffrey Miller AO FAIIA, Former Australian Ambassador to Japan and former Director-General of the Office of National Assessments

Dr Janet Hunt FAIIA, Former Executive Director of the Australian Council for Overseas Aid

Professor Samina Yasmeen AM FAIIA, Professor of Political Science and International Relations, University of Western Australia

Masterclasses are planned on the following topics:

• Academia
• Aid and Development
• Defence and Security
• Media
• Diplomacy
• International Law & Human Rights.

Successful applicants will not only engage in a dynamic discussion led by one of the AIIA’s Fellows, they will be invited to attend a reception held at Government House generously hosted by the AIIA’s patron His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia.

If you want to learn from some of the most respected in the field please follow the steps below to apply or send any further enquires to masterclass@20.185.176.227.

Application Process

To be eligible for this opportunity you must be 40 and under, and have registered for the AIIA National Conference.

To apply, please send the following to masterclass@20.185.176.227 no later than 9 October 12pm:

• A personal statement, no longer than two pages, outlining your interest in international affairs with a heading listing your Masterclass topic preference (up to three preferences), name, location, age, gender and AIIA membership (if applicable); and
• A current CV or resume including contact details.

Ensure that you have registered for the National Conference no later than 9 October to be considered for the Masterclasses. No applications will be considered after this date. The AIIA National office will then contact successful applicants within the week.

National Conference Prices

AIIA Student Members: $90

Student Non-Members: $120

AIIA Members: $175

Non-Members: $250

Please log in with your member details to access member ticket pricing.

Lunch, morning and afternoon tea are included in the one-day conference package.

The AIIA has negotiated a discounted guest rate for those who wish to stay at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. To access this guest rate please fill in this form and return it to the Hyatt Hotel as per the instructions.

To register go to: http://20.185.176.227/events/