Wakefield said it was an honour to be able to present an Indo-Pacific and Australian perspective at a conference that traditionally focused on the North Atlantic. “My sense is that there is a lot of interest in our region in Europe, but that Europeans, obviously preoccupied with their own security issues, are not sensitive to the unique and complex security dynamics of our region,” he said. “Better understanding will help them better develop their Indo-Pacific strategies, and I hope that Australian contributions to their discussion can help them do that.”

Wakefield noted in particular the importance of distinguishing the different forms of security architecture in different regions. “I don’t think a lot of Europeans quite understand that our region is not one that can provide collective security as easily as theirs, current tensions in NATO notwithstanding,” he said.

The conference also provided an opportunity to exchange views with leading thinkers working at the forefront of pressing global security issues. Present were several experts from the United States, with unique insights and interpretations of the Trump administration’s unfolding security strategy and approach to trans-Atlantic and global security. Wakefield noted the value of renewing connections and building new ties. “It was a pleasure to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. I am grateful to the KAS team for their excellent organisation of the event.”

KYIV – The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) is committed to connecting Australia to key global conversations on security and international relations. In this spirit, AIIA CEO Dr Bryce Wakefield attended the Yalta European Strategy (YES) summit in Kyiv, joining global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and the future of European and international security.

The summit, held annually, has become one of the most prominent platforms for dialogue on Ukraine’s place in Europe and the global order. This year’s conference was marked by strong expressions of solidarity with Ukraine and an emphasis on the importance of securing lasting peace through Ukrainian strength and resilience.

For Wakefield, the summit was also an opportunity to engage with those most directly involved in the conflict. “It was invaluable to hear from Ukrainian commanders and veterans about the changing nature of the battlefield,” he said. “Equally important were the discussions with Ukrainian and international leaders about the practical steps required to provide peace and ensure that Ukraine can defend itself in the future.”

Wakefield described the war in Ukraine as “a defining issue of our moment.” He echoed the reflections of many on the panel that there could be no justification for the abrogation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and stressed that a lasting peace would only be possible with a strong and secure Ukraine. “There will be no lasting peace without a Ukraine capable of maintaining its own security once the fighting is over,” he said.

The conference was attended by a number of prominent Australians, reflecting Australia’s ongoing interest in the war in Ukraine. In addition to Wakefield, Former Leader of the Opposition and Vice Chancellor of the University of Canberra Bill Shorten, Former Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds, and The Nightly Journalist-at-Large Latika Bourke were among the several Australians who travelled to the summit independently.

This special event, held under the Chatham House Rule, offers a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most prominent figures in the global fight for democracy and human rights. Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has vowed to continue her late husband’s legacy, denouncing the lies and cruelty of Vladimir Putin’s regime while advocating for a free, democratic Russia.

Navalnaya has addressed audiences at the European Parliament, the Oslo Freedom Forum, the Munich Security Conference, and other leading global forums. She currently serves as Chair of the International Anti-Corruption Foundation Advisory Board and the Human Rights Foundation, and was recently shortlisted for TIME’s Person of the Year. Her courage and commitment have been recognised with the Sergei Magnitsky “Courage Under Fire” Award.

In Melbourne, she will appear in conversation with Peter Hartcher, political and international editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, and a distinguished journalist whose award-winning career has spanned four decades of reporting on power, politics, and global affairs.

The programme will begin with refreshments from 12:15pm, followed by the conversation and Q&A session, closing remarks, and networking. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase copies of Patriot by Alexei Navalny, which Navalnaya will sign.

“Putin’s regime will not last for ever. Yulia’s visit comes at a critical time and reminds us that a different Russia – one that is democratic and not a danger to its neighbours – is indeed possible,” according to AIIA Victoria President Richard Iron CMG OBE. “Her voice, and her determination to carry forward the struggle for freedom, will resonate deeply with all who attend.”

Seats for this landmark event are limited, and registration is essential.

“It is clear that Poland is a deeply polarised country,” says Wakefield, “but there is a broad consensus around issues such as the need to strengthen the international multilateral system and on the need to cooperate in areas around mis- and disinformation and cyber security. Strategically, Poland will of course need to focus on its own neighbourhood in the current international environment, but there is plenty of space for fruitful discussions with countries like Australia that on many issues share similar views.”

“This should happen at all levels of society, not just among officials, but between scholars and experts of our respective countries.”

Scholarship Background & Intended Outcomes

The Australian Institute of International Affairs was proud to have been invited by the late Euan Crone to administer the scholarship program which he created in 2013 following his involvement in study tours to China (2012) and Myanmar (2013) organised by AIIA Victoria. At the time Mr Crone believed that there was a demand in the community for young Australians to undertake projects in Asia.  He subsequently created a charitable endowment fund providing grants of up to $5,000 for each project involving in-country research into hitherto unknown or widely understood aspects of a country or the Asian region as a whole.  Mr Crone died in 2017 but the charitable endowment fund lives on so that AIIA receives funds each year to continue the program.

Euan John Dalrymple Crone was educated at the University of Melbourne (BA) and the University of Hong Kong (Diploma of Chinese). His career included working with the Australian Trade Commission in Hong Kong before becoming Executive Producer, Chinese Language Programs and Manager of North Asia at Radio Australia (1976 to 1997).  He was also Executive Producer,  English from Australia, at the ABC.  In 1997 he became the Research Assistant and Webmaster at the Australia China Business Council.   He was also the Administrative Officer, Chinese Language Teachers Federation of both Victoria and Australia

Scholarships are open to young Australian residents up to the age of 35 who are members of the AIIA in any Australian state or territory at the time of application.