Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) - Queensland Branch

Directions Website Contact the organization

Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) - Queensland Branch The AIIA is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting interest in international affairs

🇹🇴 Three Kings. One Kingdom. Generations of Diplomacy.What does it take to build a diplomatic relationship that lasts fo...
22/10/2026

🇹🇴 Three Kings. One Kingdom. Generations of Diplomacy.

What does it take to build a diplomatic relationship that lasts for generations?

On 6 October 2026, AIIA Queensland welcomed Louise S.R. Waterhouse, Honorary Consul-General for the Kingdom of Tonga in Australia. She spoke about the history, culture and strong relationship between Australia and Tonga.

Louise drew on her memoir, Driving Three Kings. She shared stories from her family’s many years of service to the Kingdom. She also spoke about driving three Tongan kings during their visits to Australia.

The evening included the story of six boys who survived after being stranded on ʻAta Island. It also explored Tonga’s strength after the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami.

The discussion showed the importance of community, culture and support.

One message stood out: Diplomacy begins with understanding people, their culture and their history.

Thank you to Louise for sharing her experiences. Thank you also to everyone who joined us for this special discussion!

🌏 Want to be part of the conversation? Explore our upcoming events at AIIAQLD.GLUEUP.COM

In 2027, the Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland is reimagining its approach to youth leadership. O...
22/10/2026

In 2027, the Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland is reimagining its approach to youth leadership. Our newly structured Youth Advisory Council will bring together a group of emerging leaders with a shared interest in international affairs and a willingness to turn ideas into meaningful initiatives.

Moving beyond the traditional committee model, members will have the opportunity to develop proposals, contribute to strategic discussions and take responsibility for delivering projects that strengthen youth engagement across Queensland.

This is an opportunity to do more than observe how organisations operate. It’s a chance to contribute to their direction, understand the processes behind decision-making and help translate ideas into action. We’re seeking young people aged 18–30 who bring intellectual curiosity, initiative and a genuine commitment to collaboration.

Sound like you? Apply below! Sound like somebody you know? Tag them in our comments 👀

Applications close 20 November 2026, 5:00pm AEST.
Learn more and apply: click the link in our bio!

The next generation of international affairs professionals starts somewhere. Why not here? 🤔 Behind every conversation, ...
22/10/2026

The next generation of international affairs professionals starts somewhere. Why not here? 🤔

Behind every conversation, thought-provoking publication and successful initiative are people who bring ideas, perspectives and ambition to the table. In 2027, we’re inviting a new cohort of interns to become part of that work.

The Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland is recruiting across four streams:
✨ Journalism
💫 Social Media & Marketing
⚡️ Events Management
🌟 Project Management

Our internship program offers an opportunity to work alongside an established international affairs organisation, engage with leading voices in diplomacy, academia and international relations, and contribute to the conversations shaping our understanding of the world.

We believe that emerging professionals have more to offer than enthusiasm alone. They bring fresh perspectives, new approaches and ideas worth exploring.

We’re looking for individuals who are curious, thoughtful and ready to contribute.
Applications close 20 November 2026, 5:00pm AEST.

To learn more and apply: click the link in our bio!

🌏 Have your say in shaping the future of AIIA Queensland!AIIA Queensland invites all financial members to attend our 202...
21/10/2026

🌏 Have your say in shaping the future of AIIA Queensland!

AIIA Queensland invites all financial members to attend our 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

This is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, participate in key organisational decisions and contribute to the future direction of AIIA Queensland.

📅 Wednesday, 18 November 2026
🕔 5:00 PM sharp (AEST)
📍 Thomsons Lawyers, Level 28, Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
💻 In person or online

All financial members are encouraged to attend and participate.

🔗 Registration is required: AIIAQLD.GLUEUP.COM

For online attendees, please indicate your preference when registering. A meeting link will be sent on the morning of the AGM.

The world’s leaders have taken to the podium at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. But what did they actually say...
02/10/2026

The world’s leaders have taken to the podium at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. But what did they actually say? 🇺🇳

Across six days of the General Debate, representatives from around the world addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the international community, from conflict and humanitarian crises to climate change, development, multilateralism and the future of the United Nations. 

In our latest International Affairs Explainer, Journalism Intern Tayla Linton-Smith takes a closer look at the 81st UN General Assembly, exploring the context behind this year’s debate and what leaders from across the world had to say.
With 194 delegations taking the floor, the General Debate offered a snapshot of the priorities, tensions and challenges shaping international affairs in 2026. 

Which speech or issue from this year’s General Assembly stood out to you?

*Produced as part of the AIIA Queensland Internship Program to support informed, nonpartisan engagement with international affairs. Content is the work of the author and does not represent an official position of AIIA Queensland or the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

🌏 Welcome to another edition of  !Looking for your next opportunity in international affairs, policy, journalism or glob...
01/10/2026

🌏 Welcome to another edition of  !
Looking for your next opportunity in international affairs, policy, journalism or global engagement? We’ve rounded up another selection of internships, graduate roles, competitions and leadership opportunities to help you build experience, develop your skills and take the next step in your career.

Whether your interests lie in international affairs, public policy, cyber security, journalism, human rights, planning or international development, we hope there’s something here that encourages you to put your name forward.

Know someone who should see these opportunities? Tag them below or share this post with them. And if you come across an opportunity you think we should feature in a future edition of Opportunity Spotlight, send it our way.
Happy applying, and we’ll see you in the next edition! ✨

At our latest Event Throwback: Diplomacy Under Pressure, Trudy McGowan OAM shared reflections from her career across dip...
29/09/2026

At our latest Event Throwback: Diplomacy Under Pressure, Trudy McGowan OAM shared reflections from her career across diplomacy, consular affairs and crisis management, offering a glimpse into what it means to make decisions when situations are changing and the stakes are high.

From navigating complex crises to supporting people in difficult circumstances, the discussion highlighted the importance of relationships, trust, judgement and keeping people at the centre of diplomacy.

Thank you to Trudy for sharing her insights and reminding us that behind every crisis are people whose lives can be deeply affected by the decisions made.

What happens when a country doesn’t want to choose between competing great powers? What if it tries to work with both? A...
23/09/2026

What happens when a country doesn’t want to choose between competing great powers? What if it tries to work with both? And what happens when one of those powers simply stops engaging?

What happens when a country doesn’t want to choose between competing great powers? What if it tries to work with both? And what happens when one of those powers simply stops engaging?

Join AIIA Queensland, in person or online, for an evening with Aaron Magunna, PhD Candidate at The University of Queensland, exploring geopolitical competition between China and India in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has long been portrayed as a battleground for great-power competition, while successive governments have sought to maintain relationships with both Delhi and Beijing. But what if Sri Lanka’s choices are only part of the story?

Drawing on new fieldwork data, Aaron will explore how the changing economic and geopolitical interests of China and India have shaped their engagement with Sri Lanka — and what this tells us about the choices available to countries navigating great-power rivalry.

📅 Tuesday, 20 October 2026
🕕 6:00 PM–7:00 PM AEST, with networking from 5:30 PM
📍 Hemmants List, Brisbane + Online
🔗 Register: AIIAQLD.GLUEUP.COM

Image credit: Canva

What can three kings tell us about the story of diplomacy? 🇹🇴Join AIIA Queensland for an evening with Louise Waterhouse,...
21/09/2026

What can three kings tell us about the story of diplomacy? 🇹🇴

Join AIIA Queensland for an evening with Louise Waterhouse, Honorary Consul-General for the Kingdom of Tonga, as she shares Driving Three Kings, her personal memoir tracing Tonga’s evolving relationship with Australia over five decades.

Through stories of Tonga, its people and its modern monarchs, Louise offers a rare perspective on diplomacy, history and a nation that has maintained its independence throughout its history.

📅 Tuesday, 6 October 2026
🕕 6:00PM - 7:00PM AEST, with networking from 5:30PM
📍 Hemmants List, Brisbane + Online
🔗 Register: AIIAQLD.GLUEUP.COM



Image Credit: Canva

12/09/2026

Ever heard the term ‘proxy warfare’? Not quite sure what it means? Let Alex explain!

 

Address

Brisbane City, QLD
4000

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) - Queensland Branch posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) - Queensland Branch:

Shortcuts

Share

Category