DPI invited by the Australian Institute of Internal Affairs (AIIA)
Group Picture
Individual Presentations.
Dr. Johanna Nalau, Dr. Komatsu Masayuki, Dr. Netatua Pelesikoti (middle) with former President Anote Tong of Kiribati.
Dr. Steven Ratuva & Dr. Funaki
Pacific Security in an Age of Great Power Rivalry
The Australian Institute of Internal Affairs (AIIA) hosted a one-day closed door forum on August 21st 2019 with the theme, “Pacific Security in the Age of Great Power Rivalry.” The state arranged meeting was unique in its form as it was co-sponsored by both Australia and Japan promoting honest and frank discussion on shared challenges in the region. It was also unique because voices from the people of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) were included through selected specialists from different fields. Experts were invited to speak across three separate panels on the policy dimensions of: development & domestic security; militarization of the Pacific Ocean; Environment, security and Climate Change.
The opening session started with a presentation from Mr. Sonoura Kentaro (Special Advisor to Prime Minister Abe) discussing Japan’s position and role in the region. The event was managed by Dr. Bryce Wakefield (AIIA national Director) which included pre-event dinner at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence, lunch and catered dining during the event at the Hyatt Hotel, and a formal post-event dinner. Some of the invited speakers were further arranged to share their research contributions at other branches of AIIA around Australia.
Dr. Funaki was invited to speak as a Pacific Island expert on behalf of the Dignified Pacific Initiative (DPI). Dr. Funaki talked about: Equal Partnership in Dignified Development: Solutions to Dysfunctional Relationships in the PICs. Dr. Funaki’s presentation also discussed why it is strategically important for Japan to take a bigger role in this call for equal partnership and dignified development, by setting examples of how we can relate together as a world community of nations living harmoniously through the promotion of reciprocity/generosity (well-giving), thereby adding new value to society. Other Pacific Island experts were the former President of Kiribati President Anote Tong, Dr. Steven Ratuva and Dr. Netatua Pelesikoti. Please refer to the link below for the program and profiles of the whole team.
Dr. Funaki also spoke at the University of Western Australia organized by AIIA in Perth. Please refer to the announcement made by AIIA Perth for the day:
Dysfunctional Relationships in the Pacific Island Countries
Thu, 22 Aug 2019
17:30 - 19:30
The Australian Institute of International Affairs WA in partnership with the UWA Public Policy Institute presents this special event with international guest speaker Dr. Kaituu Funaki.
Reciprocity in Oceania is the cornerstone of all communities and failure to reciprocate results in loss of dignity or mana (spiritual authority).
In this lecture, Dr Kaituu Funaki, founder of the Dignified Pacific Initiative will argue that Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and the unbalanced ODA donor-recipient relationship has had the unintended consequence of a loss of dignity and feelings of inadequacy on the part of PICs. This has resulted in economic dependency and stagnation rather than independence and growth. He will assert that restoring balance by emphasising an equal ODA partnership and the way PICs can contribute to the global socio-economic system will lead to dignified development of PICs. This will reduce social issues caused by negative self-perception, improve sustainable use of resources, contribute to local and international security and promote harmony in the region.
Dr Kaituu will explore concepts of reciprocity and generosity in the context of Pacific development, with a particular focus on the strategic importance of Japan guiding the way. Dr Funaki’s research has culminated in the development philosophy of Gross National Generosity, proposed as an alternative development framework that is rooted in the principles of reciprocity.
*** Capacity at the venue is limited and door sales may not be available. Pre-purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment! ***
Attendees are welcome to attend a post-lecture dinner at The University Club with Dr Kaituu in attendance. Bookings are not essential and can be made on the night.
If you are unable to purchase tickets online, please call the Secretary on (08) 6225 2515 or email wa.branch@internationalaffairs.org.au to book a seat.
High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia, HRH Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho (middle) with Dr. Netatua Pelesikoti and Dr. Funaki.
Dr. Bryce Wakefield (National Executive Director of AIIA), Former President Anote Tong, Dr. Johanna Nalau (one of the Moderators) and Dr. Sato Yoichiro.
With Professor Sato Yoichiro.