Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Australia and the Pacific

31/08/2026

🎙️ Periscope Podcast #1/26 explores the critical issue of economic security, looking at Australian and German/European policy frameworks, as well as opportunities for coordinated risk management and joint initiatives.

KAS Australia and the Pacific Director Sabina Wölkner is joined by Hayley Channer, Director of the Economic Security Program at the United States Studies Centre (USSC), and Dr John Kunkel, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the USSC.

At the time of recording in June, Channer and Dr Kunkel had just returned from a joint KAS–DFAT 1.5 Track Dialogue in Europe, bringing valuable insights from the discussions.

🎧 Tune in for a timely conversation on how Australia, Germany and Europe can work together to navigate an increasingly complex economic security landscape.

Visit our YouTube Channel for the full podcast:

Periscope Podcast #1/26 features a discussion of the critical issue...

26/08/2026

What does the environmental rule of law mean in practice?

This question was at the heart of the LAWASIA Environmental Law Conference 2026, organised by the Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence and the Papua New Guinea Law Society in Port Moresby.

Discussions explored major developments including the UN’s recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the ICJ’s landmark Advisory Opinion on climate change.

One statistic stood out: while Papua New Guinea represents only about 1% of the world's landmass, it contains around 7% of global biodiversity. As several speakers noted, some of the world's most important environmental solutions may well be shaped and tested in PNG.

An insightful discussion on law, accountability, and environmental stewardship in the Pacific. 🌏⚖️

23/06/2026

Save the Date📅& Call for Papers!
'Continuity and Change in the Character of Terrorism'

We are delighted to be supporting this year's Society for Terrorism Research (STR) annual conference, convened by the The Australian National University's POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research in Sydney, 09-11 December 2026!

The is now open until 31 August.

Encouraged are proposals that 'wrestle with the concept of continuity and change in the character of terrorism, as well as the subsequent requirement for potential changes in counter terrorism and preventing/countering violent extremism concepts, policies, and practices'.

More details here:

15/06/2026

KAS Australia and the Pacific is looking for a motivated and capable Programme Manager to lead our Economy, Resource and Environment portfolio at KAS Australia and the Pacific.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about economic, environmental, and resource policy issues and experienced in working within an international environment. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, coordination, and delivery of international seminars, conferences, and delegation visits across Australia and the Pacific.

The role requires strong skills in stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, reporting, publication development, and project delivery, as well as the ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse partners. We are looking for a proactive professional who can work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team while contributing to impactful regional programmes.

For details about the role and how to apply: https://www.kas.de/documents/d/australien/kas-programme-manager-economy-ressources-and-environment-schedule-10-47-51-in-the-morning-1

We look forward to receiving your applications!

09/06/2026

We were delighted to welcome MEP Željana Zovko, Vice-President of the EPP Group and European Parliament Rapporteur on Strategic Political Relations with Australia, and Benjamin Oppermann, EPP Policy Advisor on Foreign Affairs (AFET), to Australia this May.
The programme took our visitors to NSW and WA, starting in Sydney, with bilateral meetings and roundtable discussions on the future of AI-tech, regional defence and economic security assessments and measures, and approaches to strengthening the substance of the EU–Australia partnership to generate concrete outcomes.
In Perth, our visitors attended the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference (IODS) and engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with policymakers and (defence) industry representatives. The discussions highlighted a growing interest from Australian companies to expand their footprints into Europe.
In light of the recently signed EU-AUS FTA and the EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership, MEP Zovko’s visit offered a valuable opportunity to gather first-hand insights and feedback on perceptions of EU–Australia relations to inform the Rapporteur’s upcoming report.

19/05/2026

We are delighted to support the ANU Economic Statecraft Lecture on ‘The Future of International Sanctions’.

The lecture, delivered by Professor Thomas Biersteker from the Graduate Institute Geneva, will examine the new politics of economic statecraft and its implications for Australia, the EU, and their partners. It will ask how sanctions can be used strategically, lawfully, and in coordination with partners in a changing international order.

The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion with leading experts from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the EU.

Date/Time: 31 July 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Lotus Auditorium in the Australian Centre on China in the World Centre, ANU Acton Campus, ACT, Australia.

Register now!

Sanctions, export controls and investment restrictions were once treated as specialist tools of foreign policy and national security. Today, they are central instruments in the defence of the rules-based international order. Often described as forms of "economic statecraft", these measures allow sta...

24/04/2026

We were pleased to host the recent launch of “Antarctica as a Model for Global Peace” in Canberra.

The event featured opening remarks by Sabina Wolkner and Dr Tony Press, who reflected on Antarctica’s evolving role in global governance, scientific cooperation, and international security. In his remarks, Dr Press provided a comprehensive historical context and underscored the enduring relevance of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) in today’s shifting global context. It is worth noting that Dr Press co-authored the chapter “The Resilience of the Antarctic Treaty System in the Face of a Changing Global Order.”

This was followed by an engaging panel discussion moderated by Dr Indi Hodgson-Johnston, joined by Dr Tony Press, Ambassador Maximo Gowland, and Claire Young. The discussion highlighted both the opportunities for international collaboration and the emerging challenges in preserving Antarctica as a space dedicated to peace and scientific research.

The evening concluded with an interactive networking session, providing participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen connections across the policy and research community.

16/04/2026

We were delighted to meet Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, former Prime Minister of Samoa, founder of the Samoa Uniting Party, and Member of the Parliament of Samoa, during her visit to Canberra.

The discussion evolved around Samoa's current challenges, including supply chain issues, KAS Australia's activities in Samoa and the Pacific Region, and threats to democracies worldwide.

07/04/2026

Registration is now open for the launch of Antarctica as a Model for Global Peace ❄️🌍

Join us for an engaging evening featuring insightful discussions and a distinguished panel of experts exploring how Antarctica can inspire global cooperation and peace.

🔗 For event details and registration: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/antarticabooklaunch

📅 21 April 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 High Courtyard North Room, Hotel Realm Canberra, 18 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600

✅ Free registration | Limited seats — secure your spot now!

We look forward to welcoming you to the launch event.