A far reaching conversation with a group of experts discussed the state of pure (basic) research in New Zealand co-chaired by Aaron Mertz, Director of Aspen Institute’s Science & Society Program and Christine Maiden Sharp, CEO of Aspen Institute New Zealand.

“Overall, New Zealand underspends and undervalues science & research. Pure science is vital to remain economically competitive and needs to be more inclusive and relevant, to increase trust and impact”.

Participants from diverse backgrounds, young and old, joined international experts from Singularity University, Google NZ and Massey University for MISINFORMATION CHALLENGES, Aspen’s fifth seminar in the Future Challenges: Systems thinking and Values based Leadership series, a two-day online event exploring misinformation issues in a year that has been dominated by pandemic induced fake news.

Graeme Acton, Asia Media Centre Manager said:

The level of debate was an extremely good combination of real world dynamics, academic thought leadership and insightful points of view from a varied group of people.

In the face of bad news, bad information compounds the damage. As we are overcome by uncertainty and very real unknowns regarding the pandemic, politics, war and natural disasters we encourage you to fully understand the scope of the disinformation challenge, but here are some steps you can take to prevent transmission.

Photo: On a footpath in Queenstown Aug 2021

Our Co-Patron and Chair, Sir Don McKinnon with Madeleine Albright and 21 other Foreign Ministers of the Aspen Foreign Ministers Forum call for the International Community to stand up and do more for vulnerable Afghans starting with the evacuation of our Afghan allies, increased humanitarian support & the creation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.

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This was one of the most successful online engagements I’ve been a part of.

Assoc. Professor Tourism, Susan Houge Mackenzie, University of Otago

It was fantastic to attend @NZAspen Trade Challenges Seminar last week. Wonderful to be in a virtual room with so many different schools of thought discussing NZ’s trade future.

Siobhan Raisbeck, Graduate of Victoria Master of International Trade Program

Sir Eion Edgar, Director and Founding Supporter of the Aspen Institute New Zealand, passed away Tuesday 14th June.

Sir Eion will be deeply missed , none so more than by his colleagues and friends. We pay tribute to his remarkable enthusiasm, leadership, and generosity to leave the world a better place, especially Queenstown. Read more …

Watch Rt. Hon Helen Clark discuss the findings and recommendations of the Independent Panel for Preparedness with Aspen partners, from six of the G7 countries responsible for funding the WHO, 'We have not even reached the zenith of this pandemic, not by a long way.'

“I though it went exceptionally well … The diversity of participants really adds value through hearing alternate perspectives from outside of one’s usual echo chamber”. Mark Taylor, Founding Supporter

On Thursday 10th December, we hosted a roundtable discussion with Nicholas Snyder, Political and Economic Counsellor, from the U.S. Embassy in Wellington on:

The future of United States relations with New Zealand, Asia and its Indo-Pacific Strategy.

On 4th December Their Excellencies, The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir David Gascoigne hosted a morning tea for us at Government House.

Covid-19: Anthony Fauci praises NZ but warns about the virus in chat with Helen Clark

Dr Anthony Fauci​ has warned former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark​ that Covid-19 is unlike any virus he has ever seen on a video call with Clark on Tuesday with the Aspen Institute New Zealand.

Covid 19, A Global Perspective

International experts Helen Clark and Dr Anthony Fauci bring us their global perspective on the challenge and management of Covid 19. This in-depth conversation brought to you by the Aspen Institute New Zealand and the Aspen Institute’s Health, Medicine and Society Program.

Interviewer: Linda Clark, Dentons Public Law Partner

The Aspen conversations were unlike any experience I have had before. A diverse range of backgrounds, disciplines, experiences and perspectives were facilitated superbly to create genuine, open dialogue, James Tipping, Chief Strategy Officer, Electricity Authority – Te Mana Hiko

The US Ambassador to New Zealand, Scott Brown and his wife Gail-Huff Brown visited Queenstown on Friday 26th June and spent time with supporters of Aspen NZ.

This format lends itself magnificently to allowing us to learn from the unfettered opinions of others … which have challenged my perspectives, Student.

A nice balance of listening and speaking … touching on a wide range of thought-provoking aspects without getting bogged down. The calibre of participants was also key … from student to CEO, Managing Director.

Welcome to ‘A Moment of Clarity’ - our curation of views on the challenges posed by COVID-19 from global subject matter experts and the Aspen Institute’s International Network.

See the latest posts:

• Aspen Fellows: Changing geo-politics of energy post COVID world.

• Wired: Open source can play a pivotal role in fighting Covid-19.