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. 

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.

Welcome to the Summer Review - Arotake-Raumati. In this edition, we will be reflecting on our accomplishments and activities from the past six months. We are grateful to all of our supporters who have participated in our online seminars and workshops, and stayed connected with us through The Lookout. Here are just a few highlights from the past few months:

• Eru Lyndon joining the board, Sir Maarten Wever becoming our new Chair

• In Favour of Pure Science report published, a collaboration between the 13 Aspen International Partners

• Participation of multi-sectoral stakeholders in our seminar on Intergenerational Challenges

Trust is fundamental to a healthy society. Recent public opinion surveys show that our trust in each other, in many important institutions, and information has fractured.

There is a sense that those with differing perspectives can’t find common ground. We have lost trust in basic institutions—from media to government to education—that are meant to serve us, leaving many unsure of who to turn to for essential information.

The Aspen Institute is helping repair the structures that allow trust to flourish and looking for ways to build new ones.

Aspen Institute Energy & Environment Executive Director Greg Gershuny shares an overview on the break down in trust over climate change and what it will take to repair it.

Trust in science and medical experts has been on the decline since the COVID-19 pandemic began, so are we truly following the advice of scientific experts? What can policymakers, business leaders, and citizens themselves do to better understand scientific and rational thinking in order to make better decisions themselves?

Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter. In this edition, we put In Focus In Favour of Pure Science, the Aspen Institute's initiative on investigating and analysing the state of pure science globally. We think you will find the report and the ensuing symposium both engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting the importance of pure science in advancing civilisation.

At the Resnick Action Forum, Ana Maria Vallerino spoke about how leaders can build trust in their communities. Vallerino is executive director of Todo Panama and a Central America Leadership Initiative Fellow.

In Favour of Pure Science, a collaboration between the 14 international Aspen Partners, is the final report detailing pure science's global challenges and opportunities. The accompanying symposium was an engaging and thought-provoking discussion among the Partner representatives, including New Zealand's Professor Richard Blaikie.

Welcome to the October edition of The Lookout, leading with the updated 'Principles of the Aspen Institute' , followed by the premiere of the Ukrainian Art Exhibition, Bird of War, Beast of Hope, a visual representation of the war and its devastating impact on Ukraine. Don’t miss the compelling report on how data has overtaken oil as one of the world's most valuable resources and why it is becoming an essential resource for governments in the geopolitical arena.