CANBERRA–The Australian Institute of International Affairs ACT Branch will welcome former prime minister, foreign minister and Australian ambassador to the United States the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC as guest speaker at its 2026 Annual Dinner.
An Evening with Kevin Rudd will be held at The Marion in Parkes, Canberra, on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
AIIA ACT Branch President Dr Claude Rakisits said the Branch was delighted to host one of Australia’s most experienced foreign policy practitioners.
“This will be a rare opportunity to hear directly from Kevin Rudd at a time of profound change in the international system,” Dr Rakisits said.
Guests will be welcomed with canapés and drinks before a two-course seated dinner and an address by Dr Rudd.
Dr Rudd served as prime minister from 2007 to 2010 and again in 2013, and as foreign minister from 2010 to 2012. He was Australia’s ambassador to the United States from 2023 to 2026 and is Global President and CEO of the Asia Society.
A recognised analyst of China and the Indo-Pacific, Dr Rudd is also the author of On Xi Jinping: How Xi’s Marxist Nationalism is Shaping China and the World. The book examines the ideas influencing China’s domestic and international policies.
Dr Rakisits said Dr Rudd’s breadth of experience would make for “an engaging and thought-provoking evening for Canberra’s international affairs community”.
AIIA Chief Executive Officer Dr Bryce Wakefield praised the ACT Branch for continuing to bring leading foreign policy figures into conversation with the Canberra community.
“The ACT Branch does an outstanding job of convening informed and substantive discussions on international affairs,” Dr Wakefield said.
He added that the dinner was “another excellent example of the Branch’s ambition and reach”.
“I congratulate Claude and the ACT Branch Council, and I am very much looking forward to the evening,” Dr Wakefield said.
The event reflects the important role played by the AIIA’s state and territory branches in connecting policymakers, diplomats, scholars and members of the public with leading international affairs thinkers and practitioners.
The evening will begin with canapés from 6.30 pm, with guests seated from 7.30 pm. Dr Rudd’s address is scheduled to commence at approximately 8.00 pm.
Event details
An Evening with Kevin Rudd
Wednesday, 9 September 2026
The Marion, Barrine Drive, Parkes ACT
Canapés from 6.30 pm
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