From March 25th to the 27th, the Aspen Institute International Committee convened in Mexico City, hosted by Aspen Mexico.

“The Aspen Institute International Partners form a vibrant and thriving community. We share insights and forge plans to work together across borders.”

In our March edition, we put In Focus the upcoming visits from the Aspen Council and the Aspen Institute, highlighting the opportunities these offer our community here in New Zealand.

Leadership in Action reviews our recent forum on Navigating the Digital Frontier, with our partner Ananta Aspen in India, which showcased a wide range of prospects for tech businesses and entrepreneurs in both countries. 

Followed by two In Depth pieces; the first a report on why Investors Want to Know Your Sustainability Case, including what are the key elements of a successful Sustainability Business Case. The second article explores Sir Geoffrey Palmer's essay on The Novel Evolution of MMP under the Luxon Government, discussing the intricacies and implications of this unique arrangement.

The second forum in our International Dialogue Series, in collaboration with Ananta Aspen Centre in India, focused on 'Navigating the Digital Frontier.' With a mission to 'turbocharge' the relationship between India and New Zealand, the forum opened new communication channels through the Institute's international network to explore digital technology opportunities. 

In our first edition for 2024, we put In Focus a recent article from Executive Director of the Institute's Business and Society Programme, Judy Samuelson, on How Boards, Investors, and Workers Can Support CEOs to tackle critical issues. Leadership in Action introduces Aspen Digital's AI Elections Initiative which recommends strategies to mitigate the potential threats posed by generative AI and deep fakes in the upcoming US elections. Followed by an In Depth report on Building Bridges, Earning Trust: The WHY and the HOW of Public Trust in Science, which investigates why public trust in science has been wavering, and what can be done to improve it. And we announce our upcoming events, read more to find out how you can get involved…

“The Aspen Institute’s Global Changemakers event was an incredible experience. The opportunity to learn from so many different people each with their own fascinating stories and experiences was an absolute privilege. The combination of intellectual and social discussions was the perfect mix to make for a memorable experience that got the most out of everyone.” Peter Southey-Jensen, Aspen NZ Youth Alumni & Scholarship Recipient

In our November edition, we put In Focus our newest course Evidence and Values Based Decision Making (EVBDM) held at Waitangi. Leadership in Action reviews the Institute's latest report on the World's Leading Sports Systems and how effective governance impacts on a nation's sporting results. Followed by In Depth, where we consider What Impact AI Will Really Have, revealing some key insights and informative articles to help navigate this rapidly evolving technology.

The inaugural Evidence and Values Based Decision Making (EVBDM) course at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for Te Kahui Hononga / Northland Intersectoral Forum Regional Leadership Group provided a unique platform to explore and enrich decision-making skills in our community.

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.