Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter. In the first edition for 2023, we put In Focus geopolitical challenges, the theme of the Aspen Summer Series. On Thursday, 2nd February, we got off to a fast start with a dynamic forum on the Indo Pacific, ably moderated by Alan Bollard.

The Aspen Summer Series on Geopolitical Challenges started with a bang with a scintillating forum on the Indo Pacific.  With NZ's top experts on the topic, Suzannah Jessep, Nicholas Khoo and Natasha Hamilton-Hart, the forum was skilfully moderated by Alan Bollard. 

The Aspen Institute is pleased to announce its upcoming 2023 Summer Series in Queenstown, focused on the geopolitical challenges facing the Indo Pacific and North Asia regions. The series features discussions with experts in the field, who will provide a current and unique perspective on these issues in what is a rapidly changing, complex environment. The Institute was thrilled to have the Series showcased in the latest edition of the Mountain Scene.

Welcome to the Summer Review - Arotake-Raumati. In this edition, we will be reflecting on our accomplishments and activities from the past six months. We are grateful to all of our supporters who have participated in our online seminars and workshops, and stayed connected with us through The Lookout. Here are just a few highlights from the past few months:

• Eru Lyndon joining the board, Sir Maarten Wever becoming our new Chair

• In Favour of Pure Science report published, a collaboration between the 13 Aspen International Partners

• Participation of multi-sectoral stakeholders in our seminar on Intergenerational Challenges

Trust is fundamental to a healthy society. Recent public opinion surveys show that our trust in each other, in many important institutions, and information has fractured.

There is a sense that those with differing perspectives can’t find common ground. We have lost trust in basic institutions—from media to government to education—that are meant to serve us, leaving many unsure of who to turn to for essential information.

The Aspen Institute is helping repair the structures that allow trust to flourish and looking for ways to build new ones.

Aspen Institute Energy & Environment Executive Director Greg Gershuny shares an overview on the break down in trust over climate change and what it will take to repair it.

Trust in science and medical experts has been on the decline since the COVID-19 pandemic began, so are we truly following the advice of scientific experts? What can policymakers, business leaders, and citizens themselves do to better understand scientific and rational thinking in order to make better decisions themselves?

Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter. In this edition, we put In Focus In Favour of Pure Science, the Aspen Institute's initiative on investigating and analysing the state of pure science globally. We think you will find the report and the ensuing symposium both engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting the importance of pure science in advancing civilisation.

At the Resnick Action Forum, Ana Maria Vallerino spoke about how leaders can build trust in their communities. Vallerino is executive director of Todo Panama and a Central America Leadership Initiative Fellow.