The School of Public Policy welcomed His Excellency the Honorable Dr. Kevin Rudd AC, Australia’s ambassador to the United States, as the invited speaker for the Norman and Florence Brody Family Foundation Public Policy Forum. The program offered attendees the opportunity to engage with one of the world’s leading voices on the Indo-Pacific region.
The evening opened with remarks from Brody Professor Betty Duke, who reflected on the Brody family’s long-standing commitment to bringing global thought leaders to the School. Dean Gustavo Flores-Macías then introduced Ambassador Rudd, framing the conversation within the School’s mission of connecting local and global policy challenges.
The moderated discussion explored broad themes shaping international affairs today, including evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, the future of global economic engagement, the shifting landscape of trade and technological competition and the importance of effective institutions in promoting stability and cooperation. The conversation also addressed regional development, global governance and the complexities of balancing national interests within an interconnected world.
Students posed thoughtful questions about economic sustainability, multipolar competition, regional security challenges and the future of development assistance. Their participation highlighted the forum’s purpose by offering emerging policy professionals the chance to engage directly with practitioners who have shaped global affairs at the highest levels.
The Brody Forum was founded in 1996 by Norman and Florence Brody, and brings distinguished public leaders to campus each year to enrich policy dialogue and connect the School community with real-world decision making.
