Australia’s Contribution to Security in the Indo-Pacific

ISDP Forum with H.E. Ambassador Gerald Thomson

Ambassador of Australia to Sweden with non-resident accreditation to Estonia, Finland and Latvia

Monday, April 14, 2014, 10.00-11.30

The economic and social transformation occurring in Asia has profound implications for Australia.  Australia is already totally enmeshed in Asia through deep trade, investment and people flows: 75% of Australia’s trade is conducted with Asia; China takes a quarter of Australia’s exports; and during the past decade, two million Asian students have studied in Australia. It is estimated that by 2025, the economies of Asia will account for half of the world’s GDP and by 2030 two-thirds of the world’s middle class will live in Asia. Australia stands to benefit enormously from this continued growth and development. Rising wealth in Asia means, also, rising defence expenditure and defence modernisation in a region where numerous unresolved disputes and tensions exist.  Peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific is fundamental to Australia’s national interests.  Ambassador Thomson will outline Australia’s approach and contribution to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

H.E. Ambassador Gerald Thomson is Australia’s Ambassador to Sweden with non-resident accreditation to Estonia, Finland and Latvia.  Prior to taking up his current appointment in January 2013, Ambassador Thomson headed the Northeast Asia Branch in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, covering Japan, the Korean Peninsula and Mongolia.  Ambassador Thomson has previously served as Counsellor at the Australian High Commission in Papua New Guinea and as Third and First Secretary at the Australian Embassy in China.

Ambassador Thomson holds a Graduate Diploma in Foreign Affairs and Trade from the Australian National University, and a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Western Australia.

Location: ISDP, Västra Finnbodavägen 2, Stockholm-Nacka. For a map and directions, please go here.

To attend: RSVP by April 11, 2014 to Ms. Anna Nielsen at anielsen@isdp.eu