Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Australia and the Pacific

23/10/2026

Talofa from Tuvalu, where we met with representatives from Fuligafou – a youth-led local NGO, to discuss the potential future support of their Coral Guardianship Legal Framework project.

Our visit followed the Pre-COP 31 Meeting and coincided with the Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILON) Meeting in Funafuti. Located halfway between Australia and Hawaii, Tuvalu is one of the world’s smallest countries (in terms of landmass) made up of atolls and coral reef islands.

The country’s name means ‘8 standing together’, with the number referring to the number of islands. Visitors must bring along Australian dollar to pay in cash for their expenses. Tuvalu’s constitution asserts statehood even if its landmass disappears due to rising sea levels. It is 1 of 2 Pacific Island States that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

30/09/2026

🇳🇿 🤝🇩🇪 From Anniversary Celebrations to Campaign Launch: Strengthening Partnerships in Auckland

Following the New Zealand National Party's 90th anniversary celebrations, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Australia and the Pacific attended the party's official election campaign launch on 27 September 2026 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland.

Held under the banner "Fixing the Basics. Building the Future", the launch showcased the National Party's vision for New Zealand, with a strong emphasis on economic growth, effective public services, fiscal responsibility, and opportunities for future generations.

The event brought together party members, supporters, elected representatives, and international partners, highlighting the energy and momentum behind the campaign. It was a valuable opportunity for our team to engage with political leaders and longstanding partners, exchange perspectives on the region’s evolving political landscape, and strengthen our relationships across the centre-right political family in the Pacific.

We were particularly grateful for the warm hospitality extended to our delegation and for the many constructive conversations throughout our visit. Such exchanges are at the heart of KAS's commitment to fostering political dialogue, democratic development, and international cooperation.

A special thank you to National Party President Sylvia Wood, Peter Kiely ONZM and Maree Brookes for their engagement and generous support in making our visit such a valuable and productive experience. Their longstanding commitment to international dialogue and partnership continues to strengthen the close cooperation between our organisations.

We congratulate the New Zealand National Party on a successful campaign launch and look forward to continuing our longstanding partnership and engagement in New Zealand and across the Pacific.

23/09/2026

🌏 Empowering Pacific leadership in AI and development

Last week, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Australia and the Pacific was proud to support two outstanding Pacific innovators, Jo Ngoriakl (Palau) and Malia Kaifoto (Tonga), to travel to Canberra and participate in Situation 2026, the flagship AI and development conference organised by the Development Intelligence Lab in partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Canberra Innovation Network.

Jo presented KAEB, a Pacific Small Grants Navigation Platform designed to help communities identify and access funding opportunities more effectively through AI.

We would also like to congratulate Asaria Sokove (Papua New Guinea), who participated virtually with KAS support and won both First Prize and the People's Choice Award for TokPles AI, an initiative helping preserve and revitalise Indigenous languages.

Throughout the week, participants contributed valuable Pacific perspectives to discussions on artificial intelligence, development, digital governance and innovation. They also engaged with policymakers, researchers and development practitioners in Canberra, exploring how technology can support sustainable and inclusive development across the Pacific.

A special thank you to the Development Intelligence Lab team for organising an excellent programme that created opportunities for collaboration, learning and exchange across the development and technology sectors.

KAS remains committed to supporting emerging Pacific leaders who are developing innovative solutions for their communities and helping shape the region's digital future.

17/09/2026

Here we go again! Canberra German Week returns 🇩🇪
And honestly, we’ve missed you all 💛

16 October — 31 October 2026
Canberra, are you in? ✨ Full program will be released this week!


Harmonie German Club
Spielwelt
Das Zentrum, Australian-German Institute Inc.
German Language School ACT
German Embassy Australia
ACT Government
Goethe-Institut Australien
DAAD Australia
GABWA German-Australian Business Women Alliance
German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Australia and the Pacific
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Europcar

10/09/2026

Publication Alert! 📢

We are pleased to share this very timely publication on 'Strategic Solidarity – Enhancing Australia’s Regional Power' by Dr Christian E. Rieck.

It examines how Germany can meaningfully contribute to Indo-Pacific security without the need to become a Pacific power, focusing instead on using its comparative strengths to reinforce trusted regional partners like Australia, whose security directly underpins the liberal international order.

Occasional Analysis Brief Series

10/09/2026

🎉 We're officially on Instagram!

We're excited to bring you updates, insights, event highlights, and stories from across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. 🌏

📱 Follow us on Instagram: .australiapacific
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/kas.australiapacific

Stay connected with our work promoting democracy, dialogue, and regional cooperation throughout the region.

✅ Stay informed
✅ Discover our events and initiatives
✅ Join the conversation

31/08/2026

🎙️ Periscope Podcast #1/26 explores the critical issue of economic security, looking at Australian and German/European policy frameworks, as well as opportunities for coordinated risk management and joint initiatives.

KAS Australia and the Pacific Director Sabina Wölkner is joined by Hayley Channer, Director of the Economic Security Program at the United States Studies Centre (USSC), and Dr John Kunkel, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the USSC.

At the time of recording in June, Channer and Dr Kunkel had just returned from a joint KAS–DFAT 1.5 Track Dialogue in Europe, bringing valuable insights from the discussions.

🎧 Tune in for a timely conversation on how Australia, Germany and Europe can work together to navigate an increasingly complex economic security landscape.

Visit our YouTube Channel for the full podcast:

Periscope Podcast #1/26 features a discussion of the critical issue...

26/08/2026

What does the environmental rule of law mean in practice?

This question was at the heart of the LAWASIA Environmental Law Conference 2026, organised by the Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence and the Papua New Guinea Law Society in Port Moresby.

Discussions explored major developments including the UN’s recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the ICJ’s landmark Advisory Opinion on climate change.

One statistic stood out: while Papua New Guinea represents only about 1% of the world's landmass, it contains around 7% of global biodiversity. As several speakers noted, some of the world's most important environmental solutions may well be shaped and tested in PNG.

An insightful discussion on law, accountability, and environmental stewardship in the Pacific. 🌏⚖️

23/06/2026

Save the Date📅& Call for Papers!
'Continuity and Change in the Character of Terrorism'

We are delighted to be supporting this year's Society for Terrorism Research (STR) annual conference, convened by the The Australian National University's POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research in Sydney, 09-11 December 2026!

The is now open until 31 August.

Encouraged are proposals that 'wrestle with the concept of continuity and change in the character of terrorism, as well as the subsequent requirement for potential changes in counter terrorism and preventing/countering violent extremism concepts, policies, and practices'.

More details here:

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!