The sold-out dinner attracted more than 100 members and guests. The event brought together a highly engaged audience, including many with extensive academic, professional, and regional experience in Africa, contributing to a rich and informed discussion throughout the evening.

The keynote address was delivered by the very entertaining Dr João Manuel de Costa Canoquena, an Angolan-Australian academic based in Canberra. Dr Canoquena spoke on the development of the modern Angolan state, tracing its historical evolution and highlighting the political, economic, and strategic factors shaping Angola’s trajectory today.

Following the keynote, AIIA WA President Brendan Augustin expertly moderated a panel discussion featuring His Excellency António Manuel Luvualu de Carvalho, the first resident Ambassador of Angola to Australia, and AIIA WA Past President Dr Susan (Sue) Boyd AM FAIIA. The panel explored contemporary developments in Angola’s foreign policy, with particular attention to the country’s emerging Indo-Pacific strategy and its implications for Australia–Angola relations.

The discussion was followed by a lively Q&A session, with audience members contributing thoughtful questions and insights that reflected the depth of expertise present in the room.

AIIA WA extends its sincere thanks to His Excellency António Manuel Luvualu de Carvalho and the Embassy of the Republic of Angola for partnering with the Institute to make this important event possible. The evening was a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of Angola’s national story and its growing engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.

The ICC is designed to inspire participants to consider a variety of pathways in international affairs, assist those actively working towards such careers, and encourage broader engagement with global issues. For over a decade, the conference has served as a platform for young Australians to connect with practitioners, policymakers, and academics who have navigated international careers of their own.

The conference was formally opened with a video message from Foreign Minister Senator the Honourable Penny Wong, who highlighted the importance of international careers in today’s challenging environment. “It is hard to think of a time when a career in international relations has been more interesting or more consequential,” she said.

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Despite recent global tensions and crises, Senator Wong expressed confidence in the resilience and diversity of the Australian people in addressing the challenges ahead. She also recognised the AIIA’s long-standing role in fostering informed debate on international affairs, thanking the institute “for its work explaining Australia in the world and the world to Australia, work that the AIIA in Victoria has been doing for 100 years.”

Throughout the conference, participants had the opportunity to hear from 25 speakers including seasoned diplomats, experienced professionals across government, business, academia, and the not-for-profit sector. Panel discussions and masterclasses provided practical advice on the skills, experiences, and networks required to succeed in internationally focused roles.

By connecting aspiring professionals with leaders in the field, the ICC reflects AIIA Victoria’s commitment to equipping the next generation with the tools and inspiration they need to pursue meaningful careers in international affairs.

The keynote address will be delivered by the Hon Bill Shorten, Vice Chancellor of the University of Canberra and former federal cabinet minister. In his address, titled “The Contribution of Higher Education to Australia’s Foreign Policy with an Australian Accent”, Mr Shorten will draw on his longstanding parliamentary experience and current leadership in the higher education sector to reflect on the critical intersections between academia, diplomacy, and Australia’s international standing.

Guests will enjoy a three-course meal in elegant surrounds, with the chance to engage directly with Mr Shorten during the evening. Ample free parking is available at the venue, adding to the convenience of this landmark event. Ticket prices are $110 for non-members, $100 for members, and $60 for students.

“This dinner will be a highlight of the year for Canberra’s international affairs community. We are honoured to welcome Bill Shorten as our guest speaker, and look forward to hearing his insights on the role that universities can play in shaping Australia’s place in the world,” said Heath McMichael, President of AIIA ACT.

The dinner will provide not only an opportunity for intellectual exchange but also a celebration of the ACT Branch’s vibrant international affairs network. Seats are limited, and organisers encourage early registration to avoid missing out.

For information on bookings and inquiries, including dietary or accessibility requirements, please contact the ACT Branch at act.branch@internationalaffairs.org.au or phone 0403 932 571.

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.

“Yulia Navalnaya’s visit comes at a crucial moment for those concerned with the future of democracy and justice in Russia,” 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.

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.

BRISBANE – The Queensland branch of the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA QLD) has officially announced its highly anticipated 2025 Annual Dinner, scheduled for Wednesday, 20 August, at the prestigious Grand Ballroom of Tattersall’s Club in Brisbane .

As a highlight of their event calendar, the evening will showcase The Honourable Malcolm Turnbull AC, Australia’s 29th Prime Minister, as guest of honour. Attendees will be treated to insights drawn from his extensive career across politics, law, business, and public service. Included in the programme is a Q&A session, offering guests a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from Mr Turnbull.

“With a career spanning politics, law, business, and public life, Mr Turnbull will offer reflections on Australia’s evolving role in a rapidly changing global landscape.”

The event will commence from 5:45 PM for a 6 PM start, and is expected to conclude around 9 PM. The event will feature a three‑course banquet, supported by a three‑hour premium beverage package. The dress code is business or cocktail attire, with national dress also welcome .

Booking is essential: seats are strictly limited, and organisers advise early registration to secure attendance. The dinner promises not only distinguished conversation and networking, but also a celebration of Queensland’s international affairs community .

Event Details