Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter.
In this edition, we examine the upcoming US election. In Focus explores strategies offered by leading scientists and engineers in Advice to the Next President, highlighting how strengthening scientific initiatives can address pressing social challenges, including climate change, an aging population, and artificial intelligence. Be sure to also read the article by Aspen moderator Robert Patman, discussing the election's implications for New Zealand's foreign policy.
Next,Leadership in Actioncelebrates Aspen NZ alumni and staff, awarded scholarships to the 2024 Global Changemakers Workshop and Aspen International Partner's Collaboration with the Steven's Initiative, later this year.
In Depthinvestigates the intersection of AI and national security. This series features original papers from international security experts, shedding light on AI's impact on national and global security, and the real-world implications for decision-makers.
Coming upwe’re excited to host another intake of our transformative Evidence and Values Based Decision Making course (EVBDM) for Members of Parliament. In December, we look forward to moderating a panel discussion on Sister City Challenges, between Aspen and Queenstown.
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
Advice to the Next U.S. President
As the U.S. approaches a pivotal election, the importance of science in shaping our future cannot be overstated. From climate change to public health, the next president’s approach to science will have lasting consequences for generations to come. In this series of letters, compiled by Aspen Science and Society programme, leading scientists, including Nobel laureates, share insights on how science-informed policy can address the world's biggest challenges. Their call is clear: support for science is not just about innovation, but about securing a future where evidence, not rhetoric, guides decisions. Read more below, to find out why science needs to remain the cornerstone of progress in our increasingly complex and divided world.
Celebrating Global Opportunities for Aspen NZ Scholarship Recipients
We are delighted to announce that Aspen NZ alumna, Shreya Singaraju, has been selected as the recipient of this year’s scholarship to attend the Global Changemakers Workshop, representing Aspen NZ at The Race to a Greener Future in Warsaw, Poland, this December. As a software engineer in the firmware and devices space at EROAD, Shreya's background and professional interests align ideally with the workshop's focus on environmental sustainability and the critical minerals sector. More here.
In other exciting news, Aspen NZ’s Marketing Manager, Pip Souness, has been awarded a scholarship to attend the International Partners Collaboration (IPC) in Washington, D.C., this November. Selected from the Aspen International Partner’s network of 14 global affiliates, Pip will participate in a week-long programme hosted by the Stevens Initiative. The IPC is designed to foster learning and collaboration across the Aspen global network, with this edition focussing on youth leadership, virtual exchange, and cross-cultural education. Congratulations to both Shreya and Pip on these incredible opportunities!
In Depth
Intelligent Defence – Navigating National Security in the age of AI
How will AI reshape global security? As nations race to harness AI’s potential, the stakes couldn’t be higher—not just for the U.S., but for governments worldwide. In response to this global challenge, the Aspen Strategy Group has released a series of thought-provoking papers and op-eds by ASG members and international experts from the 2024 ASG Workshop, including Joseph S. Nye, Jr., General David Petraeus, and David Ignatius.
At the heart of the discussion is a critical question: How can AI be leveraged to strengthen national interests while working with like-minded international partners to curb its greatest risks, especially in a world shaped by competition with China, Russia, Iran, and others?
This collection explores their answers, examining the AI-national security nexus and its real-world implications for decision-makers, offering a variety of recommendations for navigating the path ahead.
Evidence and Values Based Decision Making course (EVBDM)
November 19 & 20 Members of Parliament
EVBDM is a dynamic course designed to enhance decision making skills, using real-world evidence and stakeholder values.
Building on the success of our May intake, we’re excited to announce that our second intake of Members of Parliament will take place in November, in partnership with the Parliamentary Education Trust.
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 days. 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.
"The EVBDM course was fascinating. Expertly led by Neil Jacobstein, it provided a solid philosophical foundation for better decision making, coupled with practical and realistic tools for implementation."
MP, Melbourne - EVBDM Graduate May 2024
Contact us below to improve your decision outcomes and prevent costly mistakes, with bookings spaces available for the final quarter of 2024.
Join us for a series of online panel discussions on Sister City Challenges between Aspen and Queenstown. In partnership with QLDC, Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, and DQ, these seminars aim to foster collaboration and explore solutions to our shared challenges. Held over three sessions from December to May, topics include winter sports and climate change, transportation, and housing, with panels featuring local experts from both communities.
Please register your interest below to receive confirmed event details.
What does it take to lead organisations, foster innovation and achieve success in our rapidly changing era of global business? At this year's Aspen ESG Summit, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Business & Society Program, Judy Samuelson, sat down with Harvard Business School's Professor Dr. Linda A. Hill and Dave Young, Leader of the BCG Henderson Institute's Center for Climate & Sustainability, to discuss the state of corporate ESG efforts, how leaders can accelerate sustainable innovation and position their companies for long-term success in 2024 and beyond.
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