I am very excited to welcome Darshana M. Baruah to the Institute as our new Director of Security and Geopolitics. Darshana has hit the ground running mapping out an ambitious program for our Security and Geopolitics pillar. She has made significant contributions to maritime security, the Indian Ocean, and the strategic importance of island nations in the Indo-Pacific. Under her leadership, the Institute will foster deeper defence and security initiatives that help create a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The Institute hosted the inaugural Australia India Renewables Dialogue in Sydney, alongside the Australian Clean Energy Summit. This successful Track 1.5 created a jumpstart in clean energy cooperation between our two nations, by bringing together leaders in government, business, and academia to pursue a clear understanding of our policies, trade and investment opportunities. I wrote in the Lowy Interpreter on how the relationship can grow in this sector. Thank you to the Hon. Chris Bowen, Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy and His Excellency Gopal Baglay, Indian High Commissioner to Australia for their valuable contributions. Thanks also to our partners for their support, particularly Investment NSW.
As part of our defence program, the Institute is hosting for the second year, three Indian defence and security scholars across a nine-day visit to Sydney, Canberra and Perth, where they will attend the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference. As part of the visit, the Institute co-hosted a roundtable on Indian Ocean Maritime Security in partnership with the ANU National Security College where the experts gave presentations on areas of their expertise to stimulate greater dialogue on Indian Ocean maritime challenges engaging with a broad spectrum of think tank, academic and policy professionals.
Finally, I would like to warmly welcome back Sarah Whyte, our Head of Strategic Communications who has returned after parental leave.
Best,
Lisa