Our Friends from Australia and UCLA Write to Asia Media Thusly
: The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) cordially invite you to attend the US-Australian Dialogue: Assessing the Future of the Asia-Pacific on Friday, 30 January, 2015 at the Grand Horizon Room, Covel Commons, UCLA Los Angeles CA.
About the Dialogue: The economic rise of the Asia-Pacific is a defining feature of the 21st century. The pace of the political and economic ascent of the region is unparalleled and comes at a time when global partnerships have never been more important. By 2025, Asia will not only be the world’s largest producer of goods and services, it will also be home to the majority of the world’s middle class. These developments have profound implications – history teaches us that as economic weight shifts, so does strategic weight.
Companies and organizations on the US Pacific Coast are already aware of this transformation and have long been looking West for new opportunities. Given its geographic location, Australia is well connected to Asia-Pacific markets. This has resulted in a well-educated, diverse population base and corporate culture that is Asian-literate. Australia is also the ideal destination for US companies wanting to tap into the region. Australia’s stable economy, democratic traditions and strong rule of law make it the perfect gateway to the Asia-Pacific.
Beyond tangible economic benefits for Australia and the US, there are many important reasons for building stronger, more stable relationships across the region. As the US’s closest ally, Australia is working in partnership to lay the foundations of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific. This will ensure a prosperous and thriving region for all.
Space is limited for this exclusive event so please register!
Conference Agenda: (as at 12 January 2015)
9:30 – 10.00 am Registration
MC: (TBC)
10:00 – 10:15 am Welcome Remarks
× Gene Block, Chancellor UCLA (confirmed)
× Karen Lanyon, Australian Consul-General, Los Angeles (confirmed)
10:15 – 11:15 am The US-Australian Alliance: A Model for the Changing Geopolitical Environment
The US and Australia enjoy a strong and close alliance. As new threats emerge and old challenges persist, what can the two nations do—individually or collaboratively—to build and ensure order in the international system?
Moderator: Kal Raustiala, Associate Vice Provost, UCLA International Institute (confirmed)
× Kim Beazley, Australian Ambassador to the United States (confirmed)
× Jeffrey Bleich, former US Ambassador to Australia (confirmed)
× Terry McCarthy, Chairman LA World Affairs Council (confirmed)
10 minutes for questions
11:15 – 11:30 pm Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:30 pm The Future of the Trans-Pacific Partnership
The Trans-Pacific Partnership has the potential to reshape trade and investment in the most economically-dynamic region of the world. Can the TPP win favour throughout the region? Can it prevail in Congress?
Moderator: Simon Newnham, Minister-Counsellor (Trade), Australian Embassy Washington D.C. (confirmed)
× Richard Steinberg, Professor of International Trade Law, International Business Transactions, and Theories of International Law at UCLA (confirmed)
× Howard Berman, Former Congressman and Senior Advisor, Covington (confirmed)
× Carlos Valderamma, Senior Vice President, Global Initiatives at the LA Chamber of Commerce (confirmed)
10 minutes for questions
12:30 – 1:30 pm Networking Lunch
1:30 – 2:00 pm Keynote Speech
The Hon Malcom Turnbull MP, Australian Minister for Communications (invited) with introduction by Karen Lanyon, Australian Consul-General LA
10 minutes for questions
2:00 – 3:15 pm Strategic Rivalry in East and South-East Asia
Asia is home to a number of high-profile territorial disputes that inflame passions and threaten to incite conflict among some of the world’s most powerful militaries. These disputes may reshape security and alliances in the region. Will China’s moves in the Spratly’s bring the US even closer to its allies in Asia? Will the Senkaku-Diaoyu dispute boil over in North East Asia—and if it does, what will it mean for Australia and America’s respective roles in the region?
× Moderator: Robert Hill, Former Australian Minister for Defence (confirmed)
× Tom Plate, Distinguished Scholar, Asian and Pacific Studies, Loyola Marymount University (confirmed)
× David Kang, Professor of International Relations and Business at USC (confirmed)
× Susan L. Shirk, Ho Miu Lam Professor of China and Pacific Relations at School of IR/PS at UCSD (confirmed)
10 minutes for questions
3:15 – 3:30 pm Coffee Break
3:30 – 4:30 pm Fast-tracking Growth in Asia
Asia has been the most economically-dynamic region on earth for many years. How can strong economic growth in Asia continue, and what are the implications for the global economy? What role will the US and Australia play in the development of Asian economies?
Moderator: Niels Marquadt, CEO American Chamber of Commerce Australia (confirmed)
× Lisa Scaffidi, Lord Mayor of Perth (confirmed)
× Jerry Nickelsburg, Professor and Senior Economist, UCLA Anderson Forecast (confirmed)
× Julia Gouw, President and COO of East West Bank (confirmed)
10 minutes for questions
4:30 – 4:45 pm Closing Remarks
× Karen Lanyon, Australian Consul-General, LA (confirmed)
× Kal Raustiala, Associate Vice Provost UCLA International Institute (confirmed)