Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter.
In this edition, In Focus delves into our recent forum on Sustainable Food Futures, where we explored promising avenues for NZ and India to collaborate, harnessing NZ's cutting-edge AgriTech innovations to boost India's agricultural resilience. During the forum, India's High Commissioner to NZ, HE Neeta Bhushan, emphasised how these collaborative efforts are key to deepening ties between our nations.
Next,In Depthexamines the Institute’s latest Science and Society report on Tactics for Trust, offering insights into the growing trust gap in science and other domains—and strategies for rebuilding it. Hot off the press, Leadership in Action features the historic investment from the Bezos Family Foundation in the Institute of USD185.7m to establish the Centre for Rising Generations, aimed to equip young people with the tools for civil dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership development. Watch this space!
Coming upwe’re excited to offertwoscholarship opportunities for Aspen NZ Alumni: the2024 Aspen Cyber Summitin the U.S. and the Global Changemakers Workshopin Poland. Don’t miss out on these incredible chances to expand your horizons!
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
Harvesting Innovation: NZ-India Forum on Sustainable Food Futures
India’s President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to New Zealand signifies a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations. During the third forum on Sustainable Food Futures, hosted by the Aspen Institute NZ in collaboration with Ananta Aspen Centre, India, experts from both countries explored innovative AgriTech collaborations to address global food security. Expert panelists, including Amit Gupta, Geoff Allott, Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, and Dr. Bhagirath Choudhary, shared insights on reducing methane emissions, enhancing crop resilience, and leveraging New Zealand's agricultural expertise. To learn more about the opportunities for India and NZ to collaborate on this critical issue, read the article or watch the replay below.
Tactics for Trust - Aspen Institute Science & Society
Playbook for Building Public Trust in Science and Other Domains
Recent data from Pew Research Centre reveals a troubling decline in public trust in science, with only 57% of Americans viewing science as having a "mostly positive effect on society," down from 73% before the pandemic. Trust in scientists has also dropped sharply, and scepticism is on the rise. While blind trust isn't the goal, transparency and accountability in science are crucial. Communities worldwide are striving to rebuild trust by making science more accessible and impactful. This report explores what strategies are working, which aren't, and how trust in science can be restored amidst broader institutional scrutiny.
Empowering the Future: Aspen Institute and Bezos Family Foundation Launch the Centre for Rising Generations
This week, the Institute announced the establishment of the Centre for Rising Generations, in partnership with the Bezos Family Foundation. Made possible by an unprecedented investment of $185.7 million from the Foundation, the Centre will exist in perpetuity as a resource for youth, young adults, and those who support their development and leadership.
“The Centre for Rising Generations is the first endowed centre of its kind, and it addresses a critical need in today’s world. Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they’re leading today, and it’s crucial that we increase our investment in their potential,”
Dr. John Deasy, President of the Bezos Family Foundation.
In alignment with the Institute’s purpose and mission, the Centre’s vision is to make civil dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership development an integral part of the journey to adulthood for young people in the United States and around the world, empowering young people for generations to come.
The 2024 Aspen Cyber Summit, taking place on Wednesday, September 18, in Washington, DC, offers a deep dive into how cybersecurity touches everything in our daily lives, from clean water to financial security and free elections. We have an exclusive scholarship pass for one Aspen NZ Alumni to attend in person. Please note that travel and accommodation are not included in this scholarship, so this is ideal for someone already in the U.S. or DC area. To apply, contact us at the link below. Alternatively, you can join the Summit via livestream—register here.
Scholarship Opportunity: Global Changemakers Workshop, Poland
December 12 - 15
Are you passionate about environmental sustainability and keen to make a global impact? Aspen NZ is offering one scholarship for an Aspen NZ Alumni (25 to 35 years old) to attend the Global Changemakers Workshop: The Race to a Greener Future in Warsaw, Poland, this December.
The Workshop will explore the ethical, geopolitical, and economic challenges of sustainability related to procuring critical minerals. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers to develop actionable commitments for positive change in their communities, expand their global networks, and form valuable partnerships.
This is an incredible opportunity to turn your experience into tangible action and make a lasting impact! The scholarship includes accommodation and meals for four nights, plus a contribution towards travel costs.
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 1.5 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.
With nearly 10% of the world's population facing hunger, improving the efficiency of food production and distribution is essential, and holds the potential to significantly reduce, even eliminate, global hunger. The third forum with our partner, Ananta Aspen Centre, focusses on the collaboration between New Zealand and India to address this critical issue.
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