The main website for the conference, featuring speaker and hotel information is here.


The world has entered a period of fragmentation. Daunting economic, ecological, social, and geopolitical challenges will influence Australian foreign policy for decades to come. Strategic rivalry between the United States and China looks set to sharpen over the next decade. War in Europe has ground on into its third year with no sign of abatement, and devastating conflict has exploded from familiar tensions in the Middle East. Both global temperatures and inequality between and within states continue to rise. Amid these challenges is the spectre of domestic political uncertainty among Australia's key friends and allies, particularly the United States. What partnerships and possibilities can Australia cultivate to deal with fragmentation? How can it best approach its relations with its closest neighbours? How can we better prepare for unexpected regional shocks that nature throws at us? Is there a role for the private sector in promoting Australian national interests? Can Australia play a constructive role in shoring up and even rebuilding the multilateral system? What will be the immediate consequences of the U.S. presidential election, and what will be the state of future relations between Australia and its "great and powerful friend"?

Agenda

Monday, November 11, 2024


08

00

-

09

00

09

00

-

10

30

10

30

-

11

00

Morning Tea

Food will be available in the ballroom lobby and downstairs in the Realm courtyard before breakouts.

11

00

-

12

30

Morning Breakout

See breakout descriptions for details.

12

30

-

13

30

Lunch

Food will be available in the ballroom lobby and downstairs in the Realm courtyard before afternoon breakouts.

13

30

-

15

00

Afternoon Breakout

See breakout descriptions for details.

15

00

-

15

30

15

30

-

17

00

Plenary: Great and Powerful? The future of U.S. Power in Australia's region

Does Australia’s major ally have what it takes to maintain its position in this region? Or do US domestic political imperatives point to retrenchment and isolationism? Is Uncle Sam still a safe bet, or do we need to think more deeply about what a post-American world looks like? What’s the immediate “post-match analysis” of the presidential election? Whether or not we have to actually deal with Trump in 2025, is “Trumpism” now fully entrenched on the American political landscape? If so, what does this mean for Australia and its alliance? How does an Australia deeply invested in the United States, best promote its interests among the American population and political class?

18

30

-

21

30

Reception and Gala Dinner

Entry with all access or gala dinner ticket.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024


08

00

-

09

30

AIIA National President's Breakfast

Breakfast with keynote speaker.
Entry with all access ticket.

Monday, November 11, 2024


11

00

-

12

30

Getting Down to Business

In a world where we need to be more agile and where all arms of statecraft are now considered as providing leverage in Australian foreign policy, what is the potential of private firms in advancing Australia's national interests on the global stage? From innovative approaches on cooperation in space, addressing environmental concerns, to forging strategic partnerships for economic growth, and broader socio-economic challenges, how can business contribute to shaping Australian foreign policy? Can government forge new strategic partnerships with the private sector, unlocking new avenues for economic growth and diplomatic influence on the global stage?

Monday, November 11, 2024


11

00

-

12

30

Australia in World Affairs: A Return to Great-Power Rivalry

Between 2016 and 2020 Australia's foreign and security policies were significantly impacted by profound changes in geopolitics and geoeconomics, particularly as great power competition re-emerged between the United States and China. The AIIA's new volume, Australia in World Affairs 2016–2020: A Return to Great-Power Rivalry examines Australia's engagement on the international stage in light of these events. You can meet editors and authors of the thirteenth volume in the Australia in World Affairs series, which builds on the history of Australia's foreign policy covered in other volumes to identify patterns of continuity and change. It catalogues the key developments in this period of world history from an Australian perspective. Organised thematically, chapters cover Australia's foreign policy response to climate change, Australia's strengthened ties to the Indo–Pacific region, and its security interests in Southeast Asia. Australia's increasing security dependence on the US in an age of great-power rivalry is evident throughout.

Monday, November 11, 2024


11

00

-

12

30

Pacific Possibilities

Media in Australia portray the South Pacific as a new area of strategic contestation between China and the United States. However, actors within Pacific Island nations tend to emphasise the importance of their nations’ sovereignty and claim they are managing the influence of their “aid partners” responsibly. Climate is the major issue in the Pacific Island nations. Geostrategic tensions are a second order problem when waves threaten to engulf your home. Domestic politics in these countries are also an intervening factor that is largely unaccounted for in outside narratives of foreign influence. What can Australia expect from the region, and how do actors in the Pacific Islands view Australian foreign policy?

Monday, November 11, 2024


13

30

-

15

00

Multilateralism Minimalised?

Economic and political friction between great powers has placed multilateral institutions under enormous strain. With accusations that China is attempting to occupy and dominate United Nations agencies, the United States stymying the World Trade Organization’s disputes resolution mechanisms, and Russia making a mockery of the UN Security Council over action on Ukraine, it is safe to say that the post war systems we have used to regulate our world have seen better days. What can Australia, an avowed proponent of the “rules-based international order,” do to shore up and even mend the institutions on which it has relied for its peace and prosperity since the end of the Second World War? Are these systems largely beyond repair? If so, what will take their place?

Monday, November 11, 2024


13

30

-

15

00

Australia in Asia

Australia has been described alternatively as seeking security both from and within Asia throughout its history. But how does Australia’s foreign policy look from Asia? What regional dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and cultural sensitivities influence how Australia is viewed in the region? What might Australia do to enhance its position among its neighbours to the north? Which partnerships and possibilities with particular players in the region are likely to bring Australia the most benefit. How are relatively new “Indo-Pacific” initiatives such as AUKUS, IPEF and the Quad, within which Australia is embedded, really seen in South East Asia? How can Australia best play a constructive role within longstanding regional institutions such as APEC and ASEAN. Do Asian leaders believe that Australia can provide “strategic equilibrium” to shape the region that they want?

Monday, November 11, 2024


13

30

-

15

00

Realising Resilience

In an era of increasing natural disasters and climate challenges, how do different countries across the Indo-Pacific build resilience against such threats? From Japan’s earthquake preparedness to the cyclone responses in Fiji and Tonga, what innovative strategies are proving most effective? How can these diverse approaches inform and inspire global efforts in disaster resilience? Featuring insights from the Indo-Pacific Cooperation Network (IPCN), co-organised by the AIIA and the Japan Foundation, a panel at the conference will explore how early career professionals are contributing to resilience initiatives. What lessons have they learned from study tours to Japan, Fiji, and Tonga, and how are they applying these experiences to their home countries? Can fostering such international cooperation and knowledge exchange unlock new possibilities for building a more resilient world?

Speakers

  • The Honourable Dr Jim Chalmers MP (Treasurer of Australia)

    The Honourable Dr Jim Chalmers MP

    Treasurer of Australia

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  • Dr Shashi Tharoor MP (Former United Nations Under-Secretary General, MP for Thiruvananthapuram at Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Indian Parliament))

    Dr Shashi Tharoor MP

    Former United Nations Under-Secretary General, MP for Thiruvananthapuram at Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Indian Parliament)

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  • Dr Heather Smith PSM FAIIA (National President at AIIA)

    Dr Heather Smith PSM FAIIA

    National President at AIIA

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  • Senator the Honourable Simon Birmingham (Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs)

    Senator the Honourable Simon Birmingham

    Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs

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  • Jon Apted (Partner at Munro Leys)

    Jon Apted

    Partner at Munro Leys

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  • Latika Bourke (Writer-at-large at The Nightly)

    Latika Bourke

    Writer-at-large at The Nightly

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  • Dr Danielle Chubb (Associate Professor at Deakin University)

    Dr Danielle Chubb

    Associate Professor at Deakin University

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  • Graeme Dobell FAIIA (Senior Fellow at Australian Strategic Policy Institute)

    Graeme Dobell FAIIA

    Senior Fellow at Australian Strategic Policy Institute

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  • Dr Connie Cai Ru Gan (Lecturer in Planetary Health at Griffith University)

    Dr Connie Cai Ru Gan

    Lecturer in Planetary Health at Griffith University

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  • Professor Baogang He (Professor at Deakin University)

    Professor Baogang He

    Professor at Deakin University

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  • Christopher Heard (Assistant Director, Security and Emergency Management of Department of Premier and Cabinet, Tasmania)

    Christopher Heard

    Assistant Director, Security and Emergency Management of Department of Premier and Cabinet, Tasmania

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  • Dr David Hundt (Associate Professor at Deakin University)

    Dr David Hundt

    Associate Professor at Deakin University

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  • Dr Kiriloi Ingram (Research Fellow at Charles Sturt Univeristy)

    Dr Kiriloi Ingram

    Research Fellow at Charles Sturt Univeristy

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  • Dr Henry Ivarature (Deputy Director of Pacific Security College, ANU)

    Dr Henry Ivarature

    Deputy Director of Pacific Security College, ANU

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  • Zara Kimpton OAM FAIIA (National Vice President at Australian Institute of International Affairs)

    Zara Kimpton OAM FAIIA

    National Vice President at Australian Institute of International Affairs

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  • Amy King (Associate Professor at Australian National University)

    Amy King

    Associate Professor at Australian National University

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  • Maualaivao Maima Koro (Pacific Research Fellow (Geopolitics, Pacific Security, Development) at University of Adelaide)

    Maualaivao Maima Koro

    Pacific Research Fellow (Geopolitics, Pacific Security, Development) at University of Adelaide

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  • Martine Letts FAIIA (Group CEO of Asialink)

    Martine Letts FAIIA

    Group CEO of Asialink

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  • Helen Mitchell (Sir Roland Wilson Scholar at Australian National University)

    Helen Mitchell

    Sir Roland Wilson Scholar at Australian National University

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  • Daweena Motwany (Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor at PowerHousing Australia)

    Daweena Motwany

    Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor at PowerHousing Australia

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  • Michael Pezzullo AO (Former Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs of Australia)

    Michael Pezzullo AO

    Former Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs of Australia

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  • Nanthini Sambanthan (Associate Research Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS))

    Nanthini Sambanthan

    Associate Research Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)

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  • Professor Shirley Scott (Professor of International Law and International Relations at UNSW)

    Professor Shirley Scott

    Professor of International Law and International Relations at UNSW

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  • Dr Emma Shortis (Senior Researcher at Australia Institute)

    Dr Emma Shortis

    Senior Researcher at Australia Institute

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  • Salote Tagivakatini (Lawyer and Former Fijian Career Diplomat; Recipient of the 2022 Gaddes Gavel Award, Australian War College)

    Salote Tagivakatini

    Lawyer and Former Fijian Career Diplomat; Recipient of the 2022 Gaddes Gavel Award, Australian War College

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  • Ryoya Tasai (Programme Policy Officer at United Nations World Food Programme)

    Ryoya Tasai

    Programme Policy Officer at United Nations World Food Programme

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  • Margaret Twomey (Former High Commissioner of Australia to Fiji; Former Australian Ambassador to Russia, Ukraine, Italy and East Timor;  Former Assistant Director-General, Office of National Intelligence, Former Head of Policy Planning, DFAT)

    Margaret Twomey

    Former High Commissioner of Australia to Fiji; Former Australian Ambassador to Russia, Ukraine, Italy and East Timor; Former Assistant Director-General, Office of National Intelligence, Former Head of Policy Planning, DFAT

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  • Cynthia Veliko (Regional Representative at The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for South-East Asia)

    Cynthia Veliko

    Regional Representative at The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for South-East Asia

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  • Dr Bryce Wakefield (Chief Executive Officer at Australian Institute of International Affairs)

    Dr Bryce Wakefield

    Chief Executive Officer at Australian Institute of International Affairs

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  • Hon Penelope Wensley AC FAIIA (Australia's Former Representative to the United Nations)

    Hon Penelope Wensley AC FAIIA

    Australia's Former Representative to the United Nations

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  • Professor Hugh White AO FAIIA (Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at The Australian National University)

    Professor Hugh White AO FAIIA

    Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at The Australian National University

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  • Tim Yeend (Former Associate Secretary at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

    Tim Yeend

    Former Associate Secretary at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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Sponsors and Partners

Organiser

Platinum Sponsor

Next Generation Sponsor

Masterclass Premium Sponsor

Masterclass Sponsor

Tickets

  • Early Bird All Access (AIIA Member)

    A$499.-

    Early Bird Price

    Conference + Gala Dinner (11 Nov) + AIIA President's Breakfast (12 Nov) for AIIA Members only. After October 31, this ticket will be $800.

    Buy Ticket
  • Early Bird All Access (Non-Member)

    A$699.-

    Early Bird Price

    Conference + Gala Dinner (11 Nov) + AIIA President's Breakfast (12 Nov) for any registrant. After October 31, this ticket will be $1,200.

    Buy Ticket
  • Early Bird Conference and Gala Dinner (AIIA Member)

    A$450.-

    Early Bird Price

    Conference + Gala Dinner for AIIA members. After October 31, this ticket will be $600.

    Buy Ticket
  • Early Bird Conference and Gala Dinner (Non-Member)

    A$599.-

    Early Bird Price

    Conference + Gala Dinner for any registrant. After October 31, this ticket will be $900.

    Buy Ticket
  • Early Bird Conference (AIIA Member)

    A$299.-

    Early Bird Price

    Access to plenary and breakout events (Nov 11) for AIIA Members. No access to gala dinner or breakfast. After October 31, this ticket will be $400.

    Buy Ticket
  • Early Bird Conference (Non-Member)

    A$420.-

    Early Bird Price

    Access to plenary and breakout events (Nov 11) for any registrant. No access to gala dinner or breakfast. After October 31, this ticket will be $700.

    Buy Ticket
  • Student Conference

    A$100.-

    Standard Price

    Access to plenary and breakout events (Nov 11) for students with current student ID. No access to gala dinner or breakfast. Tickets are limited.

    Buy Ticket
  • Guaranteed Masterclass Entry + Conference All Access

    A$1,700

    Standard Price

    Guaranteed entry into a masterclass of your choice + entry into the masterclass dinner reception (November 10) + Conference day events + gala dinner (November 11) + AIIA National President's Breakfast (November 12)

    If you buy any other conference ticket, you may still apply for the masterclasses if you are a student or young professional. However, this ticket will guarantee your place and position you in the masterclasses of your choice. Further, we waive the requirement that participants have to be students or early-career professionals for holders of this ticket.

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  • Embassy Pass

    A$299.-

    Early Bird Price

    Access for one member of embassy staff at a time into the daytime national conference plenary and breakouts on November 11 + access for a single embassy representative to the Gala Dinner on November 11 + access for a single embassy representative to the AIIA President's Breakfast on November 12. Only for embassies or high commissions that are corporate member of an AIIA branch.

    $700 after October 31.

    Buy Ticket
  • AIIA Fellows and other VIP invitees

    Complimentary

    Standard Price

    This ticket is for AIIA Fellows and VIP invitees only.

    Confirmation of your registration is required. This will be sent to you after registration if you are an AIIA Fellow or VIP who has been specifically offered this ticket by the CEO of the AIIA.

    Reserve Ticket
  • AIIA National Office Interns 2024

    Complimentary

    Standard Price

    Guaranteed entry into masterclasses + entry into the masterclass dinner reception (10 November) + Conference day events (10 November)

    Reserve Ticket