In our October edition, we put In Focus the transparent and robust NZ Election Process as a testament to the enduring power of democracy. Leadership in Action spotlights our Co-Patron and Director, Sir Don McKinnon's role in the opening of Te Arawhata - New Zealand Liberation Museum in Le Quesnoy.  Followed by a sobering In Depth section, where we share a heartfelt message to the Aspen Community from Dan Porterfield, the Institute's CEO, on Hamas's terrorist attack against the people of Israel and the unfolding crisis. 

A message to the Aspen Institute community from CEO Dan Porterfield, in light of the recent Hamas attack in Israel.

In our September edition, we put In Focus Sponge Cities a recent report from the Helen Clark Foundation: can they save New Zealand from future floods due to climate change? Leadership in Action introduces McNulty Prize-winner Dr. Dixon Chibanda, whose remarkable initiative, the Friendship Bench, is transforming global mental health. We take an In Depth look at why Asian carbon registries are vital to meet the world's climate targets by 2030.

In our August edition, we put In Focus the recent Aspen Security Forum, one of the world's premier forums focussed on current international affairs. Followed by Leadership In Action with a look at the remarkable perseverance of our partner Aspen Ukraine, plus, an In Depth look at the Institute's report on Roadmap for Wildfire Resilience: Solutions for a Paradigm Shift which explores the bold policy action required to change the trajectory of how we manage and prepare for wildfire impacts.

We are excited to announce the scholarship recipients or the first Aspen International Partner's young leaders workshop, in Berlin later this year.

We are excited to announce the first Aspen International Partner's young leaders workshop, and are delighted to offer up to three scholarships for Aspen NZ Alumni to attend, as well as an additional two scholarships to cover return airfares from NZ to Berlin for "Democracy Forward: Inspiring Change in Today's World" from 30 November - 3 December 2023 in Berlin, Germany. This workshop presents a unique opportunity for young leaders who have a keen interest in democracy and are aged approximately 25-30 years.

In our July edition, we put In Focus the recent Aspen Ideas Festival, and take a look at five key takeaways from this year's event. Followed by Leadership In Action with a review of our recent NZ-India Forum, which explored the numerous opportunities to develop our bilateral relationship further. Plus, an In Depth look at the Institute's latest report on Re-Engineering American Security: Cultivating Talent for Competitiveness

Highlights of our first NZ-India forum exploring the potential of NZ-India relations: From redefining trade models to embracing the blue economy and harnessing Indian technology prowess, our expert panellists discussed numerous paths for a mutually beneficial partnership.

Welcome to Arotake-Makariri, the Winter Review, where we take a moment to reflect on our activities and engagements of the past six months. We are grateful for your participation in our online seminars, in-person forums, and for staying connected through The Lookout. A few highlights are…

Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter. In our May edition, we put In Focus Why You Need to Think for Yourself, a thought-provoking essay on the role critical thinking plays in shaping our society. Followed by Leadership In Action with a timely and informative read on Blockchain, Crypto, and Household Financial Security, a new report from the Aspen Financial Security Programme. Plus, an In Depth look at the Hinrich Foundation's latest report on Geopolitics in Space, which investigates how Starlink and satellite internet are reshaping the future.

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.