All Events
Evidence and Values Based Decision Making Course - Parliamentary Education Trust
Calling all Members of Parliament
Registration is now open for our May course, being run in collaboration with the Parliamentary Education Trust for Members of Parliament. Click for more details on Evidence and Values Based Decision Making (EVBDM), a dynamic, immersive course designed to enhance our decision-making skills using real world evidence and your own values. In short, the focus is on ’how’ to think not ‘what’ to think.
Evidence and Values Based Decision Making Course
EVBDM is an immersive course for enhancing decision making skills using real-world evidence and stakeholder values. It equips participants with a simple framework, which provides a systematic approach for complex situations, to improve decision outcomes and mitigate the risk of costly bad decisions.
Click to learn more.
Aspen Dialogue Dinner
In the spirit of Jeffersonian dinners held in the United States, Aspen Dialogue Dinners are held throughout the year in Queenstown.
AI and Future Generations
The conversation is lightly guided and focused on the challenging geo-political, technological, social and physical landscape facing all New Zealanders.
Click to register and for more information.
Socrates Seminar 2024-The Future of Business: How to Create Real Value in a Changing World
Announcing our first Aspen New Zealand Socrates Seminar, in collaboration with the Aspen Institute (U.S.), at Millbrook Resort, Queenstown.
5pm, Sunday 5th May to 2pm, Tuesday 7th May
Moderated by Judy Samuelson, Executive Director of the Institute’s Business and Society Programme, internationally renowned for having her finger on the pulse of creating long term value. Spaces are limited. Register today!
Aspen Sister City Business Lunch - Prosperity through Partnership
Join us for the Aspen Sister City Business Lunch, moderated by Christine Maiden Sharp, Aspen Institute NZ Founder and CEO, with Aspen City Mayor Torre and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Lewers, who will discuss the sister city relationship and explore similarities and differences through an economic lens.
International Dialogue: NZ - India Forum 2
We are excited to announce our second online forum with our partner in India, Ananta Aspen Centre, focussing on technology and digital cooperation, and the collaborative potential between India and New Zealand. Join us!
International Dialogue: NZ - India Forum 2 (date tbc)
We are excited to announce our second online forum with our partner in India, Ananta Aspen Centre, focused on the dynamic landscape of FinTech and collaboration between India and New Zealand. Join us!
Evidence and Values Based Decision Making Course
Our Evidence and Values Based Decision Making course offers a transformative approach to strategic decision making, equipping participants with tools to enhance personal and organisational decision making skills.
Aspen Dialogue Lunch: Indo Pacific - Navigating The Next Decade
Join us for our next Aspen Dialogue Lunch at the Northern Club in Auckland, with our honoured guest Professor Ramesh Thakur, Director of the Centre for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (CNND) at The Australian National University.
International Dialogue Series: NZ - India Forum
Join us for this free virtual event on 28 June 2023, to hear expert panellists discuss the geopolitical landscape of the Indo Pacific from India and New Zealand’s perspectives.
Ukrainian Dialogue Series: War and Human Nature
Hosted by our partner Aspen Institute Kyiv, we invite you to join us for this online dialogue to discuss the war's lessons and the new global architecture of peace, with the participation of leading intellectuals from Ukraine, other European countries, and the United States.
Aspen Dialogue Dinner
In the spirit of Jeffersonian dinners held in the United States, Aspen Dialogue Dinners are throughout the year in Queenstown.
The conversation is lightly guided and focused on the challenging geo-political, technological, social and physical landscape facing all New Zealanders.
Click to register and for more information.
AI, Social Media, and Democratic Challenges Seminar
This is the eighth seminar in the Future Challenges series of Critical Thinking and Values-based Leadership.
Democracy is not neat, easy, or guaranteed. It is under assault around the world from old foes such as ignorance and dictatorships, and new foes such as digital media misinformation and AI bots. This seminar will examine the explosion of large language models such as ChatGPT, the difficulty of being able to discern what is true, and the value of social cohesion and governance. With moderators:
Neil Jacobstein - Chair AI & Robotics Singularity University, Aspen NZ Director
Sinead Boucher - CEO and owner STUFF Ltd
Miriam Lips - Prof. Digital Government Victoria University of Wellington
Click to register and for more information.
Aspen Summer Series 2023: Geopolitical Challenges
Final forum
Great Power Rivalry | March 2nd | 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
The 2023 Aspen New Zealand Summer Series: Geopolitical Challenges will analyse the current geopolitical challenges surrounding our region and discuss what they mean for New Zealand. With expert panellists and moderators in international relations, security, and defence, the three forums will be held during February and March on Indo Pacific, North Asia and Great Power Rivalry.
Click to register and for more information.
Diplomatic Dialogue with Aspen Germany: Ambassador Hawke in conversation with Ambassador Menzenbach
Join us for this free virtual event on 20 February 2023, to hear NZ’s Ambassador Hawke in conversation with Germany’s Ambassador Mezenbach, as they discuss German-New Zealand ties, amid changing geopolitical realities.
Aspen Dialogue Dinner
In the spirit of Jeffersonian dinners held in the United States, Aspen Dialogue Dinners are throughout the year in Queenstown.
The conversation is lightly guided and focused on the challenging geo-political, technological, social and physical landscape facing all New Zealanders.
Click to register and for more information.
Aspen Dialogue Dinner
In the spirit of Jeffersonian dinners held in the United States, Aspen Dialogue Dinners are throughout the year in Queenstown.
One table. One discussion. One topic.
The conversation is lightly guided and focused on the challenging geo-political, technological, social and physical landscape facing all New Zealanders.
Wednesday 9th November | ‘Democracy & Trust’
Aspen Institute In Favour of Pure Science Global Report & Symposium
The global launch of the Aspen Institute In Favour of Pure Science Global Report & Symposium, compiled in conjunction with the research and findings of the Institute's international partners.
Wednesday 26th October | 7.00 am - 8.30 am
Professor Richard Blaikie, Deputy VC of the University of Otago (Research and Enterprise), will discuss the report's findings and initiatives.
Intergenerational Challenges Seminar
This Intergenerational Challenges seminar is the seventh in the Aspen Institute New Zealand series on Critical Thinking and Values Based Leadership. The seminar focuses on the critical importance of the temporal aspects of decision making and how our decisions affect the very young and future generations.
Tuesday 30 August | 9am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 4pm
Wednesday 31 August | 9am to 11:30am
With moderators:
Neil Jacobstein - Chair AI & Robotics Singularity University, Aspen NZ Director
Dr. Susan Houge MacKenzie - Associate Professor in the University of Otago School of Business
Sir Bill English - former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Aspen NZ Director
Aspen Dialogue Dinners
In the spirit of Jeffersonian dinners held in the United States, Aspen Dialogue Dinners are throughout the year in Queenstown.
One table. One discussion. One topic.
The conversation is lightly guided and focused on the challenging geo-political, technological, social and physical landscape facing all New Zealanders.
Demographic Challenges Seminar
Demographics as a field is fundamental, but is demographics destiny? Can we alter some demographic trends to alter our destiny? How does demographics affect identity - who are "we"? Is there ever a "them"? What is New Zealand's population plan, why does it matter, and what might be done to make it more foresighted and effective?
Wednesday 27 April | 9am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 4pm
Thursday 28 April | 9am to 11:30am
Online seminar with moderators: Neil Jacobstein - Chair AI & Robotics Singularity University, MediaX Distinguished Scholar Stanford University; Prof. Alan Gamlen - Professor in the School of Regulation and Global Governance at The Australian National University; Prof. Paul Spoonley - Honorary Research Associate, Te Kura Pukenga Tangata, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University and Chair, Metropolis International. Read more …
Ukraine's Defense of Freedom
Webinar
A conversation with our partner, The Aspen Institute Kyiv to share 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.
Moderated by our chair, the Rt. Hon. Sir Don McKinnon, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand with panel:
Pavlo Klimkin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (2014-2019)
Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia
Aliona Shkrum, Member of Parliament of Ukraine
Pure Science Research in New Zealand
A conversation to bring a New Zealand perspective on the state of pure research around the world. This discussion will contribute to the final report by Aspen Institute’s Science & Society Program.
Wednesday 29th September, 2021, 9.00am - 11.00am
More information here …
Misinformation Challenges Seminar
Misinformation Challenges is the fifth seminar in our Future Challenges: Systems Thinking and Values based Leadership series. What are misinformation and disinformation? What role does money play in influence operations that promote misinformation? Is New Zealand as vulnerable as other countries like the US? What are the future possibilities for improving our misinformation defenses?
Wednesday 22 Sep | 9am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 4pm, and
Thursday 23 Sep | 9am to 11:30am
With moderators from Singularity University, Massey University and Google New Zealand:
Neil Jacobstein, Chair AI & Robotics Singularity University, MediaX Distinguished Scholar Stanford University
Prof. Claire Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Creative Arts, Massey University
Ross Young, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google New Zealand
More information here …
Trade Challenges
Trade Challenges is the fourth seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems thinking and Values based Leadership series.
June 15, 16 & 17 | 9am to 11:30am | online daily
With moderators expert in systems thinking, trade logistics, negotiations and foreign policy:
Neil Jacobstein - Chair AI & Robotics Singularity University, MediaX Distinguished Scholar Stanford University, Aspen Crown Fellow.
Charles Finny - partner at the government relations consultancy Saunders Unsworth, Director New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, specialising in New Zealand’s bilateral, regional and multilateral trade negotiations and commentary.
Prof. Robert Patman - one of the University of Otago’s inaugural Sesquicentennial Distinguished Chairs and Professor of International Relations, well known author and contributor to the national and international media on global issues and events.
Conversations for the Curious - Can Science understand the Arts and should it?
In partnership with the Wakatipu Music Festival, the Aspen Institute New Zealand presents an in-depth conversation with international experts exploring the intersection of the arts and sciences,
Professor Cathy Stinear and Neil Jacobstein.
Register here. Attendance is complimentary.
Climate Challenges - What is New Zealand's Future?
The third seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems Thinking and Values based Leadership Series.
April 14, 15 & 16, 2021 | Online 9am to 11:30am over three mornings
Moderated by experts in systems sciences, values-based leadership, climate change, and policy formation:
Neil Jacobstein - Aspen Crown Fellow, Chair AI Robotics Singularity University, MediaX Distinguished Scholar Stanford University
Associate Professor Sara Walton - University of Otago Business School
Prof. Tim Naish - Earth Sciences, Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington
NeuroArts Workshop
A virtual, cross-disciplinary conversation that will consider how to advance the emerging field of neuroarts in partnership with the Aspen Institute’s Health, Medicine and Society Program.
Please note this workshop is FULL.
NextGen Network
The NextGen Network brings together future leaders from the Aspen Institute International Network of Partners from the fields of technology, business, policy, journalism and civil society to think critically about the impact technology will have on the economy, society and our daily lives.
Future of United States relations with New Zealand
Roundtable discussion on
The future of United States relations with New Zealand, Asia and its Indo-Pacific Strategy with Nicholas Snyder, Political and Economic Counsellor at the U.S. Embassy.
Thursday 10 December at 4pm, Queenstown
What is New Zealand's Food Future?
Food Challenges is the second seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems Thinking and Values based Leadership Series.
November 3-5 | Online 9am to 11:30am daily
Moderated by experts in systems sciences, values-based leadership, food sciences, and policy formation: Neil Jacobstein, Dr. Vivienne Hunt and Prof. Warren McNabb.
What is New Zealand’s Energy Future?
Energy Challenges is the first seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems Thinking and Values based Leadership Series.
September 16th, 17th and 18th | Online 1pm to 3:30pm daily
Moderated by experts in system sciences, sustainable energy and policy formation:
Neil Jacobstein, Ben Irons and Sir Maarten Wevers
(FULL - applications subject to wait list)
Online Seminar: Decision Making in Times of Crisis - Science, Technology and Ethics
COVID-19 has upended our daily lives on an unprecedented scale and time frame. This seminar will address scientific, technical and ethical aspects of decision making during times of crisis. We will use the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, considering the values-based trade-offs and consequences.
Moderated by Neil Jacobstein, Prof. James Maclaurin and Christine Maiden Sharp.
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. THIS EVENT IS FULL.