Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter.
In this edition, we put In Focussustainable trade and where New Zealand stands in global terms, an important issue with U.S. tariffs once again back on the table.
Next,Leadership in Actionfeatures Aspen President and CEO, Dan Porterfield, reflecting on how to ignite leadership potential.
In Depthreports on the extraordinary Dunedin Study of 1032 babies since birth.In its 52nd year, with 90% still participating, the findings have had major impact on policy settings in New Zealand and so much more is yet to come.
Coming upwe’re excited to launch a new series of discussions, Sister Cities Challenges, between Aspen and Queenstown. Join us online for the first panel discussion on 'Winter Sports and Climate Change', Tuesday 10th December. Details below.
As always, feel free to tailor the content to your needs and share it with friends and colleagues. We hope you enjoy this edition.
Ngā mihi - Christine and the Aspen Institute NZ team
In Focus
NZ ranks 1st in Sustainable Trade Index for third consecutive year
In an era marked by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, and mounting global challenges, a resilient and sustainable trade system is paramount. The Sustainable Trade Index (STI), an initiative of the Hinrich Foundation, analyses 30 economies on how they balance economic growth, societal well-being, and environmental responsibility within the global trade system.
For the third year in a row, New Zealand has claimed the top spot. How is this success measured, and what does it signify for our future? Read the full report below.
As the dust settles from the recent U.S. elections, one thing is clear: leadership matters. Effective leadership isn’t about titles or power—it’s about making quality decisions, action, integrity, and the ability to unite people across divides.
What does it take to cultivate leaders who can rise to this moment and inspire change? Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield reflects on the values, environments, and approaches that help ignite human potential and create new possibilities for a better future in this recent article.
The Dunedin Study and the 1037 babies born in 1972
The Dunedin Study has followed the lives of 1037 babies born between 1 April 1972 and 31 March 1973 at Queen Mary Maternity Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand, since their birth. The Study is now in its fifth decade and has produced over 1300 publications and reports, many of which have influenced or helped inform policy makers in New Zealand and overseas.
This week in Queenstown, Prof. Richard Barker, Pro-VC, Division of Sciences, University of Otago and panelists: Prof. Reremoana (Moana) Theodore, Director, Dunedin Study, Prof. Cliff Abraham, Department of Psychology, and Laura Black, DMHDRU Governance Chair & CEO Methodist Mission Southern, spoke of the extraordinary study, its findings and what's to come.
"Our brains are aging continuously ... 80% of us will experience a mental health event ... ability of 3-year-olds to show self-restraint is a vital marker for future well-being."
Sister Cities Challenges: Winter Sports and Climate Change
December 10 | 9:30 - 11am
Join us for a series of online discussions on Sister Cities Challenges between Aspen and Queenstown. In partnership with QLDC, Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, DQ, Aspen Chamber Resort Association and City of Aspen, these forums aim to foster collaboration and explore solutions to our shared challenges.
Our first session in December will focus on winter sports and climate change featuring local experts from both communities, moderated by Christine Maiden Sharp, to discuss what the future of winter sports looks like in a changing climate and how we can innovate and adapt.
Paul Anderson, CEO, NZSki
Dr Todd Redpath, Geologist, Interpine
Hannah Berman, Senior Manager for Aspen One
We look forward to your participation. Have your questions ready! More information here.
Evidence and Values Based Decision Making course (EVBDM)
"To find common ground, it's not what you think, it's how you think that matters."
"It was the best bit of professional development I have done in years. It's had an immediate effect on my decision making."
"In a fantastic, intimate setting with advocates and MPs, I was delighted to experience a unique Aspen Institute training course on making better decisions. Best format I have ever participated in."
EVBDM Graduates Nov 2024
EVBDM is a dynamic course designed to enhance decision making skills, using real-world evidence and stakeholder values.
Led by Neil Jacobstein, Director of Aspen Institute NZ with extensive consulting experience in industry and government, this short course engages 20-30 participants across three modules over 2 sessions. The programme provides a simple, practical framework to transform organisational and personal decision-making skills.
Developed for on-site group sessions at a location and time convenient for your organisation.
Contact us below to improve your decision outcomes and prevent costly decision errors. Bookings now open for 2025.
Two of Silicon Valley's most influential CEOs share insights into the human drivers of their products. Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, and Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, are also close friends who exchange advice when the road gets bumpy - as it has at times, for both. NBC News anchor Lester Holt interviews them on the challenges, accomplishments, and responsibilities of charting new technological territory.
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