The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) and the Japan Foundation are pleased to announce the selection of the latest cohort for the Indo-Pacific Cooperation Network (IPCN), a flagship professional development initiative focused on disaster resilience and regional cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
AIIA Chief Executive Officer Dr Bryce Wakefield said the IPCN reflects shared regional priorities and approaches to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. “The program is designed to bring together people working across different sectors and contexts to learn from one another and strengthen regional cooperation on resilience,” he said.
The Japan Foundation’s Ayumi Takita, along with Wakefield one of the co-creators of the initiative, noted that given the frequency of disasters in the region, the need for cross-border cooperation in strengthening resilience has become more pressing.“We are delighted to convene such a dynamic group of next generation fellows working across disaster resilience, and hope this shared journey will strengthen partnerships and build enduring connections for regional cooperation,” she said.
The newly selected cohort of 15 participants reflects the diversity and complexity of the Indo-Pacific region. Participants come from across Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America, and represent a wide range of professional backgrounds. Their work spans climate and disaster policy, humanitarian response, public health, urban planning, water and sanitation, governance, finance, security, research and journalism.
This diversity is a defining feature of the IPCN. By bringing together participants with different disciplinary expertise and lived experience, the program creates space for meaningful cross-regional learning on shared challenges such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, preparedness and recovery.
Takita added, “This program is conceived as a shared year-long journey. Fellows will learn together from local experts in multiple locations over the course of a year, and we hope this experience will foster lasting connections in resilience. We are confident this initiative reflects our commitment to dialogue, mutual understanding and people-to-people exchange as the basis for sustained regional cooperation.”
Dr Wakefield said the initiative also aligns with Australia’s approach to engagement in the Indo-Pacific. “Representing an Australian institution, I am pleased that this initiative reflects the focus on region, resilience, relationships and rules that are central to Australia’s approach to the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Over the year-long program, participants will engage in study visits across Japan, the South Pacific and Australia, meeting with local communities, government agencies, humanitarian organisations and research institutions. These experiences are complemented by expert briefings, facilitated discussions and collaborative research outputs, with many cohort members contributing to public and policy debate through platforms such as Australian Outlook.
Applications for the program were highly competitive, with selection based on professional engagement, demonstrated commitment to resilience-related work and the perspectives applicants would contribute to the network.
