Welcome to the September edition, leading with 10 insights on the future of ESG, followed by a report on the impact of geopolitics on global trade and how AI is transforming healthcare.
Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter.
Though spring has officially begun, the deep South has finally been greeted by the snow that eluded us all winter – another subtle reminder of our changing climate.
In this edition, In Focus explores 10 Insights on the Future of ESG, a summary of the key take-aways from the 2024 Aspen ESG Summit, which highlights why ESG principles are a commercial imperative for businesses aiming to thrive long-term.
Next,In Depthtakes a closer look at the global impact of emerging trade dynamics between the US and China, examining a new reportDoes Geopolitics Now Determine Global Trade? And as AI continues to advance, Leadership in Action showcases a forward-thinking panel from this year's Aspen Ideas Health festival, where experts discuss How AI is Transforming Healthcare.
Coming upwe look forward to moderating a panel discussion on AI: Opportunity, Hype, or Both?, organised by the University of Otago in Queenstown. In November, we’re excited to run another intake of our game-changing Evidence and Values Based Decision Making course (EVBDM) for Members of Parliament. The first cohort in May left with transformative insights—contact us to learn how EVBDM can drive impact in your own organisation.
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
10 Insights on the Future of ESG
In recent years, ESG has faced significant backlash, with critics questioning its value and business leaders hesitant to embrace it fully. However, as we move beyond the noise, a clearer picture is emerging, and was resonant amongst participants at this year's Aspen ESG Summit: ESG isn't just about compliance or moral responsibility—it’s about commercial necessity. Key insights from the Summit show that companies who embrace ESG are positioning themselves to lead in a rapidly changing market. From integrating sustainability into CFO-led financial strategies, to leveraging AI for smarter governance, the path forward is one where ESG drives both value creation and societal impact.
Find the key takeaways from this year's summit below, including results from onsite polling about the future of the field, and big ideas for 2025.
The idea that the world is dividing into distinct geopolitical blocs is gaining traction, but Senior Research Fellow at the Hinrich Foundation, Stewart Patterson, suggests this thesis overlooks the complex ambitions of regional powers and the fact that neighbouring countries often don’t share the same political alignment.
"National interests clash most often with those closest to you. Disputes between neighbouring countries have historically been 12 times more likely to result in war than those between non-contiguous states." – Stewart Patterson, Senior Research Fellow, Hinrich Foundation
While the US-China rivalry has sped up economic decoupling between the two nations, it's still unclear whether geopolitics alone shapes global trade patterns. In this first report of a new series, Patterson examines the emerging trade dynamics between these superpowers. Read on to find out how these trends are reshaping the narrative of geopolitical blocs and what this means for the future of global trade.
As the world grapples with the far-reaching implications of artificial intelligence, one thing is becoming clear—AI is driving significant advancements in the healthcare sector. From improving patient navigation and telehealth, to accelerating drug development, AI holds the potential to significantly enhance patient care. By streamlining operations, improving accessibility, and focusing on more patient-centred care, AI is opening doors to a smarter, more efficient future in health. At the recent 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival, a panel of AI and healthcare experts explored the areas that AI is revolutionising in healthcare. Watch the full discussion and discover the possibilities by viewing the replay below.
We are delighted to be involved in an upcoming panel discussion hosted by the University of Otago, exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence. Aspen Institute NZ CEO, Christine Maiden Sharp, will moderate the session titled AI: Opportunity, Hype, or Both?, featuring expert panellists Professor Emeritus James Maclaurin, Centre of AI and Public Policy, University of Otago, Associate Professor Grant Dick, Head of School of Computing, University of Otago, and Charlotte Walshe, Governance Board Chair, Te Whai Ao Dodd-Walls Centre. The event will include a Q&A session and networking opportunity. For further information, please contact us.
Evidence and Values Based Decision Making course (EVBDM)
November 19 & 20 Members of Parliament
Our newest programme, 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.
How we live and the communities we belong to shape our health and longevity. Join Dan Buettner of the popular "Blue Zones" documentary and Dr. Dean Ornish, Founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, as they share insights into living longer, healthier lives through lifestyle choices that impact chronic illness. Their practical strategies, focused on nutrition, connection, and purpose, offer actionable steps for unlocking longevity.
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