Welcome to the April edition of The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter. In this edition, we put In Focus AI, Social Media and Democratic Challenges, the topic of our most recent seminar, the eighth in the series Critical Thinking and Values Based Leadership. Followed by Leadership In Action with Beyond Borders, our new podcast and YouTube series, a curated selection of discussions on critical global issues. Plus, an In Depth look at the Institute's Science and Society's new report on Clinical Trial Diversity which investigates how clinical trials can be improved by including a broader spectrum of the population to provide greater outcomes.

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”.

Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter. In this edition, we put In Focus Great Power Rivalry, the topic of the final forum in the Aspen Summer Series. Followed by Leadership In Action with Aspen Ideas - Climate 2023, the annual multi-day conference that focuses on addressing solutions. Plus, an In Depth look at the Institute's new report on Equitable AI which delves into how we can build and distribute artificial intelligence for equitable outcomes.

The final forum of the Aspen Summer Series on Geopolitical Challenges tackled one of the most critical issues of our era: the shifting landscape of Great Power Rivalry. Moderated by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Don McKinnon, who referred to the panel as “AAA rated” with Robert Patman from the University of Otago, Rosemary Banks, former NZ Ambassador to the US, and Tom Udall, current US Ambassador to NZ.

Craig Hawke, NZ Ambassador to Germany, and Nicole Menzenback, German Ambassador to New Zealand, discuss German-NZ relations and geopolitical developments in the Indo Pacific region and reflect on the commonality in views shared by both countries. Full replay available to view.

In the second forum in the Aspen Summer Series on Geopolitical Challenges, focus turned to security risks in North Asia and the trade implications for NZ, featuring NZ's top experts in the region, panellists Simon Draper (Director, Asia NZ Foundation) and John McKinnon (Chair, NZ China Council) and moderator SungYong Lee (Assoc Prof, National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago).

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.