In July’s edition, we put In Focus Summer in Aspen, where the Institute's flagship events showcase the best of what the Institute offers. In Depth delves into the Hinrich Foundation's recent report on Developing Global AI Governance for Foundational AI, which highlights the necessity and potential strategies for establishing comprehensive and robust global AI governance. Leadership in Action celebrates Women Leading the Way to a Brighter Climate Future, demonstrating their innovative approaches, commitment and leadership to a more sustainable future.

Todd Breyfogle, Executive Director of Seminars and Executive Leadership marks the 75th anniversary of the first Aspen convening, of what would become the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies in 1949.

We are excited to announce we are taking nominations to attend CityLab, the premier global summit that gathers the world's leading urban experts, being held in Mexico City this October. This event is a unique opportunity to exchange bold ideas and evidence-based solutions to the most pressing challenges cities face today.

Welcome to Arotake-Makariri, our Winter Review, where we pause to reflect on the past six months and celebrate our Aspen NZ community. Many of you have participated in our seminars, online forums and courses, and have stayed engaged through The Lookout. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey - your support as donors and active participants is crucial in enabling the Aspen NZ programme to thrive.

A few highlights from the past six months:

Our inaugural Aspen Sister City Youth Seminar brought together visiting exchange students from Aspen High School and their hosts from Wakatipu High School to delve into the concept of regenerative tourism. Moderated by Dr. Susan Houge Mackenzie, Associate Professor from the University of Otago's Department of Tourism, the seminar provided a platform for cultural exchange and critical dialogue.

The recent Aspen Institute New Zealand course on Evidence and Values Based Decision Making, sponsored by the Parliamentary Education Trust, marked a significant milestone in parliamentary professional development. The groundbreaking course brought together MPs to reflect and learn together, regardless of party politics, to improve decision outcomes.

“The course has given me insights into the why and how of decision making. An empowering and deeply engaging course. A deep dive into critical concepts.”

In this edition, we put In Focus the recent Socrates Seminar on The Future of Business, which served as an invaluable platform for engaging discussions and emphasised the imperative for strategic foresight and collaborative action in business. Leadership in Action celebrates Aspen moderator and University of Otago politics professor, Robert Patman, who received the prestigious 2024 Critic and Conscience of Society Award. Followed by In Depth, which examines the latest OECD Economic Survey of NZ.

The Aspen Institute NZ hosted its inaugural Socrates seminar titled

"The Future of Business- How to create real value in a changing world"

over two days in Queenstown. The event brought together 21 influential participants from various sectors including agriculture, tourism, pharmaceuticals, energy, and finance. Judy Samuelson, the New York-based Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Business & Society, moderated the sessions.

In this edition, we put In Focus the recent Aspen International Committee Meeting in Mexico City. Leadership in Action celebrates local Aspen Alumni and distinguished international climate scientist, Jim Salinger, who was recently awarded the prestigious title of 2024 New Zealander of the Year. Followed by In Depth, which examines a fascinating report on Transatlantic Public Opinion and Ukraine, and the relevance of this in a year when over 64 countries hit the polls.