Co-Directors:
Associate Professor Jenny Bryant-Tokalau
Te Tumu (School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies)
Dr Iati Iati
Department of Politics University of Otago
Since its inception in 1966, the University of Otago Foreign Policy School has developed into one of the premiere events in New Zealand's international calendar. Originally started as a workshop on foreign affairs issues, the School soon attracted the attention of New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade which recognised its value as a weekend retreat for officials. Representatives from other government bodies such as the Prime Minister's office and the Ministry of Defence, as well as academics, journalists, diplomats, members of the private sector and NGOs, and interested members of the public also participate regularly.
The venue is St Margaret’s College, 333 Leith St, Dunedin, University of Otago campus. The School begins Friday evening at 5:45 pm with a cocktail function and opening by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. M McCully and finishes Sunday at 5:00pm
A number of critical developments and issues in the Pacific are drawing attention to the nature of Pacific geopolitics in the 21st century. The United States and China are more engaged with the region than they have been in the past.
The prospect of Fiji's return to democracy in the near future looks uncertain given constitutional developments or lack thereof over the past year. There is uncertainty about where the Pacific will be in relation to the MDGs by 2015. The extent to which regionalism, and in particular sub-regionalism can address these issues over the next decade is also uncertain. The 2013 School will address these and other issues pertinent to the four sub-themes, seeking to provide a discussion framework that is useful for New Zealand foreign policymaking in the Pacific region.
Pacific Geopolitics in the 21st Century
Sponsors
The organisers gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the following organisations and agencies:
University of Otago, Dunedin
Australian High Commission
British High Commission
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade