This year's University of Otago Foreign Policy School will focus on geopolitical issues facing the Pacific, bringing together a range of leading national and international experts on the region.
Titled ''Pacific Geopolitics in the 21st Century'' and to be held from June 28-30, the latest school will explore themes including the United States and China's growing engagement in the region and the uncertain prospects for Fiji's return to democracy.
School co-director Dr Iati Iati anticipated the calibre of the speakers and the issues up for discussion meant the school would be a significant event in New Zealand for Pacific geopolitics.
''The issues are some of the most pressing in the Pacific region, and we hope that the school will make a positive contribution to the Pacific and New Zealand foreign policy towards its neighbours,'' he said.
The speaker line-up features leading scholars along with representatives from diplomatic, development and political spheres, including former Fijian prime minister Major-general Sitiveni Rabuka and former New Zealand ambassador Michael Powles.
The Otago Foreign Policy School, which is in its 48th year, gathers academics, students, policymakers, diplomats and members of the public to discuss and debate pressing issues in international affairs.
