AIIA Chief Executive Officer Dr Bryce Wakefield said the IPCN reflects shared regional priorities and approaches to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. “The program is designed to bring together people working across different sectors and contexts to learn from one another and strengthen regional cooperation on resilience,” he said.

The Japan Foundation’s Ayumi Takita, along with Wakefield one of the co-creators of the initiative, noted that given the frequency of disasters in the region, the need for cross-border cooperation in strengthening resilience has become more pressing.“We are delighted to convene such a dynamic group of next generation fellows working across disaster resilience, and hope this shared journey will strengthen partnerships and build enduring connections for regional cooperation,” she said.

The newly selected cohort of 15 participants reflects the diversity and complexity of the Indo-Pacific region. Participants come from across Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America, and represent a wide range of professional backgrounds. Their work spans climate and disaster policy, humanitarian response, public health, urban planning, water and sanitation, governance, finance, security, research and journalism.

This diversity is a defining feature of the IPCN. By bringing together participants with different disciplinary expertise and lived experience, the program creates space for meaningful cross-regional learning on shared challenges such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, preparedness and recovery.

Takita added, “This program is conceived as a shared year-long journey. Fellows will learn together from local experts in multiple locations over the course of a year, and we hope this experience will foster lasting connections in resilience. We are confident this initiative reflects our commitment to dialogue, mutual understanding and people-to-people exchange as the basis for sustained regional cooperation.”

Dr Wakefield said the initiative also aligns with Australia’s approach to engagement in the Indo-Pacific. “Representing an Australian institution, I am pleased that this initiative reflects the focus on region, resilience, relationships and rules that are central to Australia’s approach to the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

Over the year-long program, participants will engage in study visits across Japan, the South Pacific and Australia, meeting with local communities, government agencies, humanitarian organisations and research institutions. These experiences are complemented by expert briefings, facilitated discussions and collaborative research outputs, with many cohort members contributing to public and policy debate through platforms such as Australian Outlook.

Applications for the program were highly competitive, with selection based on professional engagement, demonstrated commitment to resilience-related work and the perspectives applicants would contribute to the network.

Opening the panel, AIIA National Executive Director Dr Bryce Wakefield set the strategic context from an Australian perspective, emphasising the growing importance of flexible, issue-based “minilateral” arrangements in responding to shared security challenges. His remarks followed an article he had published days earlier in Neue Zürcher Zeitung.

On the panel, Dr Wakefield noted that while debate in Munich centred heavily on strains in US–Europe relations, “the rift in trans-Atlantic relations was not quite the situation on our side of the world.” Stressing the difference between typical Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security frameworks, he underscored that the latter remain grounded in practical cooperation between middle powers whose foreign policies differ greatly, even amid intensifying geopolitical competition between larger countries.

Dr Wakefield was joined by Ambika Vishwanath (Kubernein Initiative and La Trobe University), who highlighted the environmental dimensions of security and India’s expanding engagement in the South Pacific; Malaysia’s National Security Advisor, Raja Dato’ Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin, who provided a Southeast Asian perspective; and Bertil Wenger (CDU), who offered a German response. The panel was moderated by Latika M Bourke of The Nightly.

Engagement Across the Conference

Reflecting on his first attendance at MSC, Dr Wakefield described it as “a very stimulating experience,” observing that “everyone’s experience at this conference is unique.” He characterised the conference as operating across “three main layers—the main speeches that are widely broadcast around the world, a dazzling smorgasbord of side events of all shapes and sizes, and separate bilateral meetings that you put together yourself.”

He added that beyond the formal program, “the opportunity to engage with key decision makers and the chance meetings in hallways” were among the most valuable aspects of the event, allowing him to connect with both new counterparts and longstanding colleagues.

Dr Wakefield also participated in the 20th Transatlantic Forum of the Christian Social Union (CSU), which featured European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Bavarian Minister-President Dr Markus Söder, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and senior US lawmakers. He recently examined Minister Wadephul’s visit to the Pacific in an article for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Discussions on the margins of the conference included informal discussions with Chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister and EU Rapporteur on Australia Željana Zovko on Australian foreign policy and EU–Australia relations, as well as a brief hallway exchange on EU-Australia relations with President von der Leyen.

Transatlantic Debate in Focus

Debate over the future of US–Europe relations featured prominently at MSC. While some participants said they felt reassured by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s address, Dr Wakefield observed that others “felt it was the same content as JD Vance’s criticism in a softer tone,” adding, “I tend to agree with the latter view.”

He suggested that “history will likely find” German opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s speech—emphasising the rift between the US and Europe and calling on Europe to recognise the new reality—more consequential. He similarly pointed to von der Leyen’s stress on the European Union’s common defence mechanism as significant.

Dr Wakefield also highlighted California Governor Gavin Newsom’s “continued clarity of the need for world leaders to call out the deficiencies of the Trump administration,” and described French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks as among the strongest delivered at the conference, even if “typically Macron,” for their insistence on Europe standing up for itself.

Indo-Pacific leaders contributed to the discussion as well. Dr Wakefield welcomed Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles’ pushback “on the notion that rules are no longer observed in this world” and his indication that he was “comfortable” with the US administration’s Indo-Pacific approach. He also noted Japan’s Shinjirō Koizumi’s reassertion of the strength of the US–Japan alliance.

Looking Ahead

In addition to conference activities, Dr Wakefield visited the Bavarian Finance Ministry and held further meetings with German counterparts.

AIIA’s participation at the Munich Security Conference reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue between Australia, Europe and the Indo-Pacific at a time of significant geopolitical change.

Reflecting on three years in the portfolio, Wong highlighted the week’s major diplomatic milestone—the conclusion of negotiations on a Treaty on Common Security with Indonesia, which she called “the biggest step in the strengthening of our partnership since the Soeharto-Keating Agreement.” She also emphasised Australia’s strengthened relationships across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, its stabilising work with China, and the role of middle powers in shaping a balanced regional order.

Wong warned of a global environment marked by disinformation, economic coercion and strategic competition, underscoring the need for domestic and regional resilience. “These serious times require serious leadership,” she said.

AIIA CEO Dr Bryce Wakefield praised the address:

“Minister Wong delivered one of the most comprehensive articulations of Australian foreign policy we have heard at the AIIA,” he said. “Her command of complexity and her emphasis on resilience demonstrate the depth of strategic thinking required in this moment.”

Prior to the keynote, Wong met privately with AIIA National President Dr Heather Smith PSM FAIIA, National Vice President the Hon Paul Lucas, Dr Wakefield, the Ambassador of Peru Mr Vitaliano Gaspar Gallardo Valencia—who hosted a reception for young professionals and VIPs the night before—and the Sabina Woelkner, Director of the Australian and New Zealand Office of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the conference’s principal sponsor.

A link to the foreign minister’s speech, as well as to other conference keynote speeches, is available on the AIIA website.

The Hansard featuring Wakefield’s full remarks is available here.

In his remarks, Wakefield emphasised the importance of drawing on existing local and international knowledge networks to strengthen disaster resilience efforts. He highlighted the work of the Indo-Pacific Cooperation Network (IPCN), a program co-created by the AIIA and the Japan Foundation, which brings together early-career professionals from across the Indo-Pacific to exchange expertise in disaster preparedness, response, and memorialisation.

The initiative, recognised at the highest levels during a state visit to the White House by then Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, convenes scientists, communications specialists, NGO staff, emergency coordinators, and others to build a transnational professional community able to support one another in their approach to disaster preparation, response, and recovery. Wakefield noted that this type of network exemplifies the collaborative and regionally grounded approach that could complement Australia’s proposed volunteer scheme.

He further pointed out that the AIIA’s submission drew on the contributions of several IPCN participants, who reflected on the scheme in light of their diverse professional and regional experiences. Their perspectives, grounded in local realities across the Indo-Pacific, highlighted the centrality of knowledge-sharing, the importance of engaging at-risk communities, and the risks of ad hoc volunteer mobilisation.

Wakefield stressed that any national volunteer program must prioritise coordination, leadership, and training to avoid fragmented responses, and ensure that Indigenous and local communities are active contributors rather than passive recipients of assistance. Drawing lessons from New Zealand and Japan, he underscored the value of integrating local knowledge, youth participation, and strong preparation into disaster response frameworks.

The hearing formed part of the Senate inquiry into how the Climate Army could mobilise young Australians, strengthen community resilience, and learn from overseas best practices. Wakefield’s contribution showcased how Australia can not only build its own capacity but also play a leading role in shaping regional approaches to disaster resilience through innovative networks and partnerships.

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.

On 8 September, Wakefield met with Munich Security Conference (MSC) CEO Benedikt Franke to discuss avenues for cooperation between the AIIA and the MSC. In the days that followed, he also held discussions with members of the Australian business and diplomatic community in Germany as well as with representatives of the Bavarian government, focusing on Australia’s role in Europe and opportunities for closer collaboration.

On 13 September, Wakefield was invited to contribute to the Munich Security Conference Advisory Board Meeting in Kyiv, held on the sidelines of the Yalta European Strategy (YES) forum. The meeting brought together international experts to advise on the most pressing global security challenges.

He noted the importance of dialogue between Australia and Europe. “Europe and Germany both have Indo-Pacific strategies or guidelines. For those strategies to be effective, they must be informed by a deeper understanding of the unique and complex dynamics of our region. A closer dialogue with Australia can help sharpen their approaches and ensure that their policies contribute constructively to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.”

Wakefield also emphasised the value of Australia’s engagement with the MSC. “It is a pleasure for me to be developing closer relations with the Munich Security Conference. I have a close connection to Bavaria, having spent a year on exchange in Lower Bavaria as a high school student, and I still speak the local dialect. To be able to contribute to the MSC’s work now is particularly meaningful for me personally.”

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.”

Expertly moderated by Beth Dowe, Executive Director of the Climate Leaders Coalition, the event examined how ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can foster economic growth, equity, and sustainable investment. Drawing from the joint OECD and UNDP report “Investing in Climate for Growth and Development,” the panel highlighted to a capacity audience at AIIA New South Wales that ambitious NDCs could increase global GDP by up to three percent by 2050 and as much as thirteen percent by 2100.

Focusing on Australia’s opportunities, Eliza Murray, Deputy CEO of the Climate Change Authority, shared that shifting from fossil fuel exports to green hydrogen, iron, and ammonia could reduce global emissions by ten percent. Shaun Chau, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Cyan Ventures, noted the need for ultra-low-cost renewable energy and investor-friendly policies to make this transition viable. Dr Melanie Pill, Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute, emphasised the importance of close coordination with Southeast Asian partners through benefit-sharing arrangements, while Erin Ryan from Climate Action Network Australia added that aligning with international legal developments, including the recent International Court of Justice opinion, would be both prudent and beneficial for the Pacific region.

German Ambassador Beate Grzeski and French Ambassador Pierre-Andre Imbert delivered keynote addresses underscoring the embassies’ commitment to fostering ambitious climate action.

AIIA CEO Dr Bryce Wakefield, who opened the event, said the collaboration demonstrated how international partnerships can amplify climate ambition: “It is encouraging to see the AIIA working hand in hand with our French and German partners as climate becomes increasingly central to Australia’s diplomatic agenda. These talks show how diplomacy can help us build the ambition needed to deliver on global climate commitments as we approach COP31.”

This event marks the beginning of a series of Climate Talks that the AIIA and the German Embassy will hold across Australia and the South Pacific in the lead-up to COP31.

The submission draws from the experiences of the Indo-Pacific Cooperation Network (IPCN), a regional initiative supported by the AIIA and the Japan Foundation. The IPCN brings together emerging leaders from across the Indo-Pacific to tackle the complex challenges of climate and disaster resilience. Their reflections now contribute directly to shaping a uniquely Australian volunteer scheme with international scope and local sensitivity.

“Climate change is a regional challenge, and it makes sense to look to regional solutions,” said AIIA Projects and Publications Manager, Emily Mosley,  manager of the inquiry submission. “We brought together voices from across the Indo-Pacific to highlight practical models Australia can learn from in building a more inclusive and effective Climate Army.”

Learning from the Region

The AIIA’s submission responds to key terms of reference in the inquiry, including strategies for volunteer engagement, best practices from abroad, and integration with educational institutions. Case studies span seven Indo-Pacific countries, highlighting innovative and culturally responsive models. For example:

• Mark Daza (Philippines) highlighted the Filipino cultural value of bayanihan—community solidarity—as a key driver of sustained volunteerism, and called for Australian programs to similarly reflect national values and local trust.
• Dr Connie Gan (Australia) advocated for community-embedded volunteer models, citing Indonesia’s community health “cadres” as examples of sustainable, localised engagement in public health and disaster resilience.
• Dr Kiriloi Ingram (Australia) urged the Climate Army to adopt gender-sensitive, trauma-informed training and leadership structures that include Indigenous and culturally diverse voices—addressing a critical gap in disaster response.
• Daisuke Kageyama (Japan) reflected on Japan’s evolving volunteer coordination systems following the Great Hanshin-Awaji and 2024 Noto earthquakes. He recommended investing in formal volunteer management infrastructure to avoid bottlenecks in disaster response.
• Stephen McHugh (United States) emphasised the importance of planning for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. He showcased the Philippines’ “Go Bike” programme, where young volunteers deliver health checks and preparedness messages to seniors—an intergenerational model adaptable to Australia.
• Falguni Tailor (India) detailed India’s integrated approach to disaster volunteering across government, academia, and the private sector. Programmes like Aapda Mitra and Aapda Sakhi Yojana provide incentives and pathways for students, women, and people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully.
• Merita Tuari’i (Cook Islands) described the traditional puna system of decentralised community leadership and the youth-led Te Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau organisation. Both exemplify culturally embedded, gender-aware, and youth-driven disaster preparedness.

Practical Policy Pathways

The submission canvasses numerous initiatives, including a tiered volunteer recognition system, integration of volunteer training in schools and universities, creation of a national digital volunteer database, and public-private partnerships to fund and support disaster response initiatives.

It also stresses the need for local coordination and the recognition of informal volunteer networks. Drawing from Japan’s experience during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and recent Noto earthquake, the document stresses the role of civil society organisations in managing large-scale volunteer coordination when governments are overstretched.

AIIA CEO Dr Bryce Wakefield notes that “This submission reflects our deep commitment to international cooperation. In the run-up to COP31, Australia and its regional partners are well placed to lead the way in integrating community and climate action.”

Access and Engagement

The AIIA encourages the public and policymakers to explore the full range of ideas and case studies shared through the Indo-Pacific Cooperation Network. The IPCN’s mission is to connect emerging leaders and experts across the region to support long-term disaster resilience and policy innovation.

 To learn more about the IPCN and access stories, policy briefs, and program updates, visit the AIIA’s Indo-Pacific Cooperation Network webpage at: https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/indo-pacific-cooperation-network/

WELLINGTON – AIIA National Programs and Publications Manager Emily Mosley spoke at the 2025 New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) National Conference, delivering remarks on a panel titled “Trump 2.0 and What It Means for New Zealand and the World.” Her presentation focused on a critical yet often overlooked component of U.S. foreign policy during politically volatile times: the role of the U.S. Congress.

In her remarks, Mosley argued that while much international attention is paid to the volatility of the U.S. executive, insufficient attention is given to the legislative branch’s stabilizing role. “If the international community disengages from the U.S. Congress and accepts the narrative that the rules-based order is already dead, that narrative risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy,” she said. “The erosion of global norms is not inevitable.”

Mosley outlined several concrete examples of bipartisan resistance to Trump-era proposals in the current 119th Congress—from blocked legislative initiatives to reaffirmed NATO commitments and continued foreign aid funding. These, she noted, are signs of institutional resilience that deserve greater strategic engagement from international policymakers.

Her presentation concluded with a call to action: “The rules-based order isn’t dead yet, but preserving it requires recognizing that in the American system, Congress—not just the President—shapes foreign policy. International partners who engage strategically with congressional actors are more likely to maintain stable bilateral ties, even in turbulent times.”

The AIIA and the NZIIA have a long history of close cooperation, with each institute sending delegates and speakers to the other’s events. AIIA representation at this year’s conference sparked calls for more AIIA-NZIIA collaboration.

Prominent commentators in the foreign policy community in Australia and New Zealand present at the conference stating on social media that they hoped “we might see greater cross-strait institutional collaboration in years to come.”

The panel featured expert contributions from David Knight of the International Organization for Migration, Sonia Di Mezza of Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services, and Will Devine from the Australian Council for International Development. The session was moderated by Hebe Ren of the AIIA National Office.

The event brought together a diverse audience of Asia Pacific Week delegates, young professionals, and members of the AIIA ACT Branch for a meaningful discussion on career pathways and challenges in the international development and humanitarian sectors.

Naturally centred on European security, the forum has in recent years taken greater interest in the Indo-Pacific.

Australian Institute of International Affairs Chief Executive Officer Dr Bryce Wakefield spoke at his third appearance in a row at the annual forum. He had previously also appeared at GLOBSEC events in 2023.

“It was a pleasure to attend the GLOBSEC Forum and to speak on how security structures in the Indo-Pacific are set up vis-a-vis those in Europe,” said Wakefield.

“With the future of NATO dominating discussion, some here often forget that we in the Indo-Pacific have created security structures in our region look very different to those set up here.”

“We’re often told that the EU and Indo-Pacific countries should work together because they are so like-minded. But any cooperation on security between NATO or the EU one the one hand and the various countries of the Indo-Pacific on the other needs to understand that there are few ‘one-size-fits-all’ approaches to our region,” he said.

Commenting on the recent proposal of European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen for a strategic partnership between Australia and the EU, Wakefield noted that the proposal was a positive development, but that any such arrangement should identify clear areas of engagement and serve a practical purpose.

Australia and others in the region have several arrangements labelled “strategic partnerships” many of which have not led to much. According to Wakefield, these should not distract from bi- and mini-lateral arrangements that Australia has set up to produce specific practical effects.

“We should not just have partnership for partnership’s sake,” he said.

Video of the GLOBSEC panel on alliances in Europe and the Indo-Pacific is available here.