Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Australia and the Pacific

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.

25/03/2026

Save the Date! 📅

We are delighted to announce the launch of the book “Antarctica as a Model for Global Peace.” The event will take place on 21 April 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at Hotel Realm in Canberra 📍.

Join us for an engaging evening featuring insightful discussions and a distinguished panel of experts.

This publication brings together 14 chapters 📖, with contributions from scholars in 16 countries, including Australia 🇦🇺. Notably, Dr. Anthony (Tony) Press (University of Tasmania) and Senior Lecturer Bruno Arpi (University of Adelaide) co-authored a chapter titled “The Resilience of the Antarctic Treaty System in the Face of a Changing Global Order.”

Stay tuned for registration details! 🔔📝

🕊️

17/03/2026

KAS Australia and the Pacific was pleased to take part in the Christchurch Conference on Dispute Resolution and Private Law in an Interconnected World.

The conference brought together leading voices from academia, legal practice, and policymaking, fostering rich discussions, fresh perspectives, and valuable opportunities for exchange and networking.

A particular highlight was the strong participation of colleagues and representatives from across the Pacific Island states. Their perspectives are vital in shaping the future of international and transnational law, especially as they confront global challenges first-hand—from climate change and maritime governance to sustainable resource management.

Our sincere thanks to the outstanding team of Dr. Petra Butler at the University of Canterbury for their hospitality and excellent organization of the conference. We are also grateful to other event partners, including UNIDROIT, UNCITRAL, and the HCCH.

10/03/2026

In times of global uncertainty, crises, and conflict, reliable partners matter more than ever. Our recent study trip to Stuttgart, Brussels, and Berlin highlighted the strategic importance of the relationships between Germany, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

During a politically and security-challenging period, we held a series of intensive discussions. The main highlights of our program include:

-CDU Federal Party Conference: Foreign and security policy priorities, economy, digital regulation. -Brussels: EU trade policy, critical raw materials, European security architecture, EU–Australia/New Zealand relations, Indo‑Pacific strategies. -Flanders: ANZAC commemorations at Tyne Cot and Passchendaele, and participation in the Last Post Ceremony in Ypres.
-Berlin: Meetings in the Bundestag, discussions on defence, economic and foreign policy, domestic security plus exchanges with think tanks and business representatives.

These exchanges—combining political dialogue, strategic reflection, and historical remembrance—once again underscored how vital our partnerships are.

There is a strong interest on all sides in deepening value-based cooperation to strengthen stability and prosperity, while adapting our collaboration to changing global dynamics.

A heartfelt thank you to Zoe McKenzie MP, Catherine Wedd MP, and Tim van de Molen MP for their participation and valuable contributions. Partnerships thrive because of people who shape them with genuine commitment and purpose.

24/02/2026

KAS Australia was delighted to welcome the German-Pacific Parliamentary Friendship Group in Australia. More precisely, we hosted in cooperation with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) a Luncheon Discussion on ‘Democratic Resilience in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific’.

The delegation included Carsten Müller MP and Kerstin Radomski MP from the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’ Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Party, as well as Jürgen Cosse from the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).

After a briefing on the status quo and challenges to democratic resilience in the region, the delegation had a lively discussion of various topics, including security and defence in Australia (eg AUKUS, Huawei, Port of Darwin, protection of critical infrastructure, foreign investment control, ensurance of energy supply), migration and citizenship (not for sale but may be fast-tracked), and lack of housing (likely causes and possible response).

KAS Australia would like to thank the German Ambassador, HE Beate Grzeski, for facilitating the event, and the Executive Director of FES, Andreas Radtke, for the excellent cooperation.

Photo courtesy: Carsten Müller MP