Overall, there was recognition of and need for personal ‘agency’ to get involved in creating policy, no matter how difficult, mitigating downside risks, whilst encouraging immense innovation, as the rate of AI development is increasing exponentially. As one participant poignantly said,

“I'm concerned we have a false sense of security”.

Had a great time connecting with the fine folks @NZAspen on this complex topic. Even better to talk with a few of our #USNZYouthCouncil members who also participated! Thanks for the stimulating discussion! U.S. Ambassador for NZ, Tom Udall.

Watch Recording: A conversation with our partner, The Aspen Institute Kyiv as they share their first-hand experience of what is at stake in Ukraine and explore the implications of the war on Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and the World.

Participants from diverse backgrounds, young and old, joined international experts from Singularity University, Google NZ and Massey University for MISINFORMATION CHALLENGES, Aspen’s fifth seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems thinking and Values based Leadership series, a two-day online event exploring misinformation issues in a year that has been dominated by pandemic induced fake news.

Graeme Acton, Asia Media Centre Manager said:

The level of debate was an extremely good combination of real world dynamics, academic thought leadership and insightful points of view from a varied group of people.

This was one of the most successful online engagements I’ve been a part of.

Assoc. Professor Tourism, Susan Houge Mackenzie, University of Otago

It was fantastic to attend @NZAspen Trade Challenges Seminar last week. Wonderful to be in a virtual room with so many different schools of thought discussing NZ’s trade future.

Siobhan Raisbeck, Graduate of Victoria Master of International Trade Program

“I though it went exceptionally well … The diversity of participants really adds value through hearing alternate perspectives from outside of one’s usual echo chamber”. Mark Taylor, Founding Supporter

The Aspen conversations were unlike any experience I have had before. A diverse range of backgrounds, disciplines, experiences and perspectives were facilitated superbly to create genuine, open dialogue, James Tipping, Chief Strategy Officer, Electricity Authority – Te Mana Hiko

This format lends itself magnificently to allowing us to learn from the unfettered opinions of others … which have challenged my perspectives, Student.

A nice balance of listening and speaking … touching on a wide range of thought-provoking aspects without getting bogged down. The calibre of participants was also key … from student to CEO, Managing Director.