22/08/2025
AMICI Out and About: A Week of Diplomacy and Dialogue
Wednesday Evening – Commonwealth Reflections
Some of the AMICI proudly represented Amicus Global at an event hosted by the Royal Commonwealth Society at the Public Schools Club. The Hon. Alexander Downer AC, Australia’s longest-serving Foreign Minister under the Howard Government (1996–2007) and later High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, spoke on the enduring importance of the Commonwealth of Nations.
He reflected on how the 56-member Commonwealth continues to serve as a global network promoting democracy, development, trade, and cultural exchange, and how Australia’s role has evolved in the modern geopolitical landscape.
Thursday Evening – Climate Diplomacy & COP
On Thursday, AMICI attended In Conversation: Climate Diplomacy and the Future of COP, hosted by the Adelaide University's Department of Politics and International Relations, the Politics and International Relations Association (PIRA), and the British Consulate General.
The keynote was delivered by Lord Spellar, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Australia, followed by a panel featuring:
Andrew Francis, Head of Climate Diplomacy, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Christina Goodall, Head of COP Planning & Multilateral Strategy, UK FCDO
Martin Haese, former Adelaide Lord Mayor, Special Envoy to Singapore and South East Asia who also spoke about the potential for Adelaide to host COP31 in 2026
South Australia is actively bidding to host COP31 in November 2026, with a vision to welcome more than 30,000 delegates and showcase the state’s world-leading renewable energy credentials, hydrogen projects, and innovation in climate adaptation.
Connections & Networking
The event was hosted by Ilya Aidman of PIRA, who co-hosted with Amicus and UN Youth in 2024 the event “Art? A FORCE in Shaping Societal Views or Just Entertainment?” featuring Peter Goers and Stephen Tongun.
Following the discussion, AMICI were invited to join dignitaries, speakers and guests for canapés and refreshments, providing a valuable opportunity for informal networking and dialogue.
In Summary
This week AMICI engaged with both the heritage and future of diplomacy — from Commonwealth perspectives with Alexander Downer, to the cutting edge of climate negotiations and Adelaide’s aspirations to host COP31.
