Annual Summit 2024
Tomorrow's Geopolitics: Crafting conflict resolution narratives
Venue: Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel, 169 Willis St, Te Aro, Wellington
November 17: Pre-summit
6pm-7pm NZT: Geopolitical Insights and Narratives
Room: Sage and Salt, Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel
Dress Code: Smart casual
How can storytelling support peacebuilding and conflict resolution?
November 18: Summit
Moderator: Brett Murphy, BA
Room: Tasman, Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel
Dress Code: Corporate
8.30am-9am: Arrival tea and coffee, welcome
9am-9.15am: National Anthem and Karakia by Bill Millward
9.15am-9.30am: Opening Remarks: New Zealand First MP Hon. Andy Foster
9.30am-10.30am
Session 1: Indo-Pacific Tensions: Navigating Regional Rivalries and Cooperation
Speakers:
-Prof. Mumin Chen, Former Deputy Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in New Delhi, Professor and Vice Dean, College of Law and Politics, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
-Simon O'Connor, Former Member of Parliament and Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Committee
Questions:
-How do the strategic interests of major powers (e.g., the United States, China, India, Japan) shape the dynamics of rivalry and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific?
-How can multilateral institutions (e.g., ASEAN, APEC, Quad) contribute to conflict resolution and promote collaboration in the Indo-Pacific?
-What are the potential responses of major Indo-Pacific powers (e.g., the United States, China, Japan, India) to a crisis in the Taiwan Strait?
-What are the possible scenarios for managing or mitigating an escalation in the Taiwan Strait, and what role could regional cooperation play?
10.30am-10.45am: Morning tea break and group photo
10.45am-11.45
Session 2: Redefining Alliances: Euro-Asian Cooperation in a Multipolar World
Speakers:
-Prof. Dr Anita Abbott, Chair and Patron APSI Forum and COE, Professor and Chair of CARI at Charisma University, international scholar in SFA and early warning in geopolitics
-MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann (Ret), Board of Advisor of APSI Forum
Questions:
-What are the key factors driving the need to redefine Euro-Asian alliances in the current geopolitical climate? How do shifting global power dynamics influence the strategic interests and cooperative efforts between Europe and Asia?
-What are the major challenges and opportunities for enhancing Euro-Asian cooperation in a multipolar international system?
-What role do emerging powers (e.g., China, India, Russia) play in reshaping Euro-Asian alliances and cooperation frameworks?
-What are the implications of multipolarity for regional organizations (e.g., EU, ASEAN, SCO) and their role in Euro-Asian cooperation?
11.45-12.45pm:
Session 3: AI and Cybersecurity Frameworks for International Security
Speakers:
- Anthony Grasso, Chief Technology Officer, Titanium Defence NZ
- Prof. Alistar Knott, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Victoria University of Wellington
Questions:
-What are the current challenges in international cybersecurity that collaborative AI frameworks aim to address?
-How can collaborative AI be effectively integrated into existing cybersecurity frameworks at the international level?
-What are the key features and characteristics of successful collaborative AI frameworks in cybersecurity?
-How might recent advances in AI impact international security?
12.45pm-1.45pm: Lunch break
1.45pm-3.15pm
Session 4: The Future of ASEAN: Crafting Conflict Resolution Narratives to Balance Major Powers
Speakers:
Her Excellency Malaysian High Commissioner Mazita Marzuki
Her Excellency Philippines Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena
His Excellency Cambodian Ambassador Dr. Cheunboran Chanborey
Questions:
-In what ways do historical experiences and regional dynamics shape ASEAN's approach to conflict resolution through peace narratives?
- What role do conflict resolution narratives play in ASEAN's strategy to navigate major power rivalries?
-What challenges does ASEAN face in balancing major power interests through conflict resolution narratives, and how can these be addressed?
-How do ASEAN member states prevent conflicts and enhance regional security?
3.15pm-3.30pm: Afternoon Tea
3.30pm-4.30pm
Session 5: Small States in the Indo-Pacific: Crafting Conflict Resolution Narratives Amidst Major Power Rivalries
Speakers:
His Excellency Samoan High Commissioner Afamasaga Fa'amatalaupo Toleafoa
Fijian High Commission Second Secretary Josua Tuwere
Questions:
-How can small states leverage their strategic position to influence major power dynamics and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region?
-What are the primary challenges faced by small states in advocating for conflict resolution amidst the competing interests of major powers?
-What strategies can small states employ to effectively voice their concerns and interests in conflict resolution processes involving major powers?
-How do small states in the Indo-Pacific contribute to or hinder regional cooperation and conflict resolution amidst rising tensions between major powers?
4.30pm-5pm Summary and Declaration
Refreshment and Networking
November 19
Post Summit: Roundtable Dialogue (Virtual)
Time: 3.30pm NZT
What role do narratives play in shaping geopolitical alliances?
Which narratives will dominate the next decade in international relations?
We encourage all attendees to participate in the 'Geopolitical Insights and Narratives' session and the 'Roundtable Dialogue.' These events are excellent opportunities to connect with international members, share diverse perspectives, and deepen your understanding of current geopolitical challenges. Your involvement will enrich the discussions and foster valuable networking. Please let us know if you want to participate in these two events.
Registration
To fund its activities, APSI Forum relies on the sponsors and registration fees. Registration fees for onsite events are for delegate packages (arrival tea and coffee, lunches, morning and afternoon teas, and dinner).
Annual Summit
NZ $499/person
(morning and afternoon teas, lunches, and dinners are included)
The payment can be made via bank transfer
APSI Forum and COE
ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
SWIFT code: ANZBNZ22
060359024245202
Please note, the registration fees are transferable but are not refundable.