Welcome to The Lookout, bringing you a global perspective on issues that matter.
In this edition, we put In FocusSummer in Aspen, where the Institute's flagship events showcase the best of what the Institute offers, bringing together thought-leaders for meaningful dialogues on today’s critical issues, from groundbreaking ideas to transformative discussions.
Next,In Depthdelves into the Hinrich Foundation's recent report onDeveloping Global AI Governance for Foundational AI, which highlights the necessity and potential strategies for establishing comprehensive and robust global AI governance.
Leadership in Action celebrates Women Leading the Way to a Brighter Climate Future, demonstrating their innovative approaches, commitment and leadership to a more sustainable future.
Coming up next week we are looking forward to our third forum with Ananta Aspen Centre on Sustainable Food Futures. This event will explore India-NZ AgriTech partnerships and how NZ's cutting-edge farming expertise can bolster India's "Make in India" initiative. Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation!
Plus, stay tuned for scholarship opportunities to attend the2024 Aspen Cyber Summit(U.S.) and Global Changemakers Workshop (Poland).
As always, feel free to customise the content in a way that works for you, and to share it with friends. We hope you enjoy it!
Ngā mihi - Christine and the Aspen Institute NZ team
In Focus
Summer in Aspen
June and July are vibrant months for the Institute in the U.S., hosting three of their flagship events in Aspen, Colorado. This summer kicked off with the 20th anniversary of the Aspen Ideas Festival, where international thought leaders gathered to discuss critical issues and spark inspiration. Following this, the Aspen ESG Summit (led by our recent Socrates moderator, Judy Samuelson) tackled pressing business challenges, aiming to reshape sustainability and social impact narratives, promoting trust in the business sector. The summer wrapped up with the Aspen Security Forum, renowned for addressing urgent global security issues, from the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, to the emerging threats to cyber security and the recent attempted assassination of former President Trump. Highlights from each event can be found below.
Developing Global AI Governance for Foundational AI
This recent report from the Hinrich Foundation highlights the need to develop comprehensive and robust global governance of AI, given the rapid advancement in foundational AI models, such as ChatGPT 4.0 over the past year. While these powerful models have significant economic, scientific, and innovative potential capabilities, they also pose potential risks that require effective governance to mitigate. The report explores various possible pathways for how international AI governance could be developed.
Women Leading the Way to a Brighter Climate Future
Women aredriving climate solutions at all levels, yet their contributions often go unnoticed and their voices are frequently underrepresented. At this year's Aspen Ideas Festival and Aspen Ideas: Health, several remarkable women showcased their innovative solutions and bold leadership, illuminating pathways to a sustainable future for both people and planet. From pioneering seaweed-based packaging to advancing genome engineering technology, these leaders are not only addressing climate change but also inspiring global action. Learn more about the groundbreaking work of these extraordinary women at the link below.
Sustainable Food Futures - Exploring India - NZ AgriTech Partnerships
Next Tuesday - July 30, 6:45pm
Online
Join us for our upcoming online forum with Ananta Aspen Centre (India), focusing on Agritech partnership opportunities between India and New Zealand
This forum will explore how New Zealand's expertise in farming, agriculture, and Agritech can support India's "Make in India" campaign and revolutionise its food supply chain. The aim is to build long-term relationships between the two nations, leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices to produce and distribute securely, high-quality food at scale. Registration is complimentary.
In the spirit of Jeffersonian dinners held in the United States, Aspen Dialogue Dinners are held throughout the year and bring together diverse voices from our community to discuss the pressing issues of our time.
We invite you to join us at our next Dialogue Dinner, for an evening of fine food and lightly guided conversation, allowing for an open and engaging exchange of ideas on:
AI and Future Generations: Opportunities and Challenges
You'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow community members, share your own perspectives, and gain new insights on the evening's topic.
Spaces are limited for this unique private dining event. Register your interest now if you'd like to join us for an evening of fine food, local wine, and thought-provoking dialogue.
Evidence and Values Based Decision Making course (EVBDM)
Our newest programme, 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 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 available for the final quarter of 2024.
For as long as humans have looked at the skies, we’ve speculated about whether there is life in space. Scientists, the U.S. military and the CIA have all searched for proof of extraterrestrials. What’s the latest in the quest to find life beyond our planet? Join Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, Paul Sutter, Theoretical Cosmology Professor of Stony Brook University and Jackie Faherty, Senior Research Scientist of American Museum of Natural History as they discuss this age-old question.