The Institute was pleased to participate in the Girls Run the World Melbourne ‘Takeover Program’ in 2026. The ‘Take Over’ program aims to expand emerging young female leaders perspectives on what it means to have a career that engages in diplomacy, leadership, think tanks and international relations.
Originally established in Canberra, the program has expanded to Melbourne to reflect Melbourne’s role as a key centre for international engagement in Australia. The Institute was part of the pilot program in 2025 and was delighted to be part of the program again in 2026.
Communications and Programs Coordinator, Michaela Jansens organised the program for the Institute’s 2026 delegation including Joan Lim and Priya Virdee-Hero.
Joan and Priya participated in all parts of the Institute’s work contributing to written pieces, and met with key stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region including Asia Society Australia and La Trobe University Centre for Global Security.
They also met with the Consul General of India, Shri Anish Rajan to discuss the Victoria-India connection and what a day in the life of a Consul General looks like.
