Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the people of Nepal who have experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters, compounded by global warming. With so many lives lost and people displaced, the grief and rebuilding will be a long journey. On behalf of the Institute, I paid my respects in the condolence book at the Nepalese embassy in Canberra.
This month highlighted Australia’s commitment to international cooperation and multilateralism, with it’s campaign launch for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029-2030 term, complimenting India’s bid for the 2028-2029 term. It’s also positive to see Australia and India join a new grouping of middle powers formed at UNGA to build on issues such as security and climate justice.
Next month, discussions in the Indo-Pacific region to help shape our future prosperity and security will take hold at the Bay of Bengal Conversation, where our Research Fellow Grace Corcoran and Academic Fellow Dr Pradeep Taneja will be participating. We will also welcome our visiting Indian experts to Australia as part of our Defence Special Visitors program which will culminate in our Australia India Defence Industry Roundtable in Perth to be held alongside the Land Forces Exposition on 7 October.
Finally, I am looking forward to being back in India next month for the Institute’s 2026 Annual Oration and our Khel Connect Symposium. This sports symposium will bring together leading voices from both countries to advance sports education and innovation. This year’s Annual Oration will spotlight the role of women leaders in the bilateral relationship, to be delivered by Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Dr Vibha Dhawan with opening remarks from the University of Melbourne Dean of Science, Prof Moira O’Bryan, both formidable women leaders, I am looking forward to their contributions.
Best,
Lisa