Technology, Economic Security & Strategic Capability
The geopolitical environment is shifting in ways that have no recent precedent. Strategic competition, economic fragmentation, artificial intelligence, defence capability, infrastructure vulnerability and the race for technological advantage are reshaping how countries protect prosperity, resilience and influence.
For New Zealand and Australia, the challenge has moved beyond defence and diplomacy, it is now how smaller advanced economies can stay economically credible, technologically capable and strategically connected in a more contested and less predictable world.
The Aspen NZ Security Forum brings together leaders across business, technology, investment, defence, infrastructure, government and strategic advisory to examine these shifts in a trusted and highly interactive environment. Progress on these issues requires cross-sector analysis and discussion, identifying where there is common ground and where there is not, and building the shared understanding from which practical solutions can emerge.
The Forum draws senior leaders who shape policy, deploy capital and make operational decisions across their sectors and operates under Chatham House Rule, creating the conditions for candid and open discussion.
FORUM THEMES
The Forum moves through three phases across the day — assessment, examination and action — opening with a geopolitical overview of the shifts reshaping the Pacific region and beyond, and the implications for New Zealand's security, prosperity and long-term positioning.
Pacific Stability, Maritime Security & Strategic Access
With Principal Partner PwC New Zealand
The changing balance of power across the Pacific, maritime security, infrastructure competition, critical logistics and the strategic importance of regional access, alliances and resilience.
AI, Cyber & the New Strategic Advantage
With Strategic Theme Partner Microsoft
Artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, trusted systems and digital infrastructure, and why technological capability now sits at the centre of national power, economic resilience and defence advantage.
Defence Capability, Deterrence & Dual-Use Innovation
With Strategic Theme Partner North Ridge Partners
The future of defence capability and preparedness, including aerospace, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing and the role of dual-use technology and private-sector innovation.
Economic Security, Energy & Trusted Supply Chains
How trade exposure, energy resilience, food systems and trusted supply chains are reshaping economic security, strategic investment and national resilience.
The Aspen NZ Security Forum is modelled on the US Aspen Security Forum, widely regarded as the United States' foremost national security and foreign policy gathering, bringing that same model of candid, high-level dialogue to the New Zealand, Australia and Pacific context.
The Forum runs across multiple discussion formats including strategic provocations, moderated dialogue tables, fireside conversations and breakout discussions, moving through the day from a frank assessment of the strategic environment to a forward-looking conversation about what New Zealand and Australia need to get right over the coming decade.
The programme also includes a leadership dinner on Thursday evening and a closing reception on Friday, included to build the networks and relationships that carry forward beyond the Forum.
If you would like to register your interest in attending, please complete the form below.