On Tuesday 29 October, the Australian Institute of International Affairs NSW hosted His Excellency Mr Pierre-André Imbert, Ambassador of France to Australia and New Zealand. Ambassador Imbert spoke on France’s role in the Indo-Pacific, its commitment to the rules-based international order, the urgency of global cooperation in the face of climate change, and the close bond shared by Australia and France.

Ambassador Imbert began his remarks with a historical overview of French Australian relations. He traced these ties from early French explorations and wartime cooperation to more recent cultural connections through institutions like the Melbourne French Reading Society and Alliance Française. As the French Embassy in Canberra’s 80th anniversary approaches, the ambassador highlighted the deep and enduring connection between Australia and France, rooted in shared experiences and mutual respect. Ambassador Imbert also congratulated AIIA NSW on celebrating 100 years since its founding.

Ambassador Imbert turned to France’s role as a global player and highlighted the criticality of supporting a rules-based order to international stability. Citing recent violent conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East and Africa, the Ambassador underscored the need for adherence to international law to protect our democracies and promote solidarity between nations Only a coordinated, rules-based system, Ambassador Imbert argued, can tackle transnational issues like cybercrime, climate change, and economic stability, asserting that “if you don’t act globally, you won’t have a solution”. That will be one of the topics of the upcoming Paris Peace Forum (November 11-12).

Specifically, Ambassador Imbert singled out climate change as a priority for France, noting that it requires a unified international response, which will be discussed during the next UN conference on Oceans (UNOC) in Nice in June 2025. Pacific nations, whose existence is threatened by rising sea levels, are focused on survival, not on geopolitical rivalries – a sense of urgency that Ambassador Imbert believes should inspire collective action. Though some impacts of climate change are now unavoidable, the Ambassador argued that it’s not too late to prevent the worst outcomes. He cautioned, however, that success hinges on the shared commitment of major players like China and India; without their active involvement, an effective multilateral response will be impossible.

Ambassador Imbert also made a case for collective action on the governance of artificial intelligence. Whilst France values innovation, he suggested that if left unchecked, open access artificial intelligence could lead to unintended consequences. Accordingly, Ambassador Imbert called for a regulatory framework that ensures ethical development, builds public trust, and balances private sector involvement with effective safety and integrity measures. That is why France will host an international conference dedicated to AI governance in February 2025.

Ambassador Imbert discussed France’s growing focus on the Pacific. He clarified that France’s interest in the region isn’t necessarily or exclusively tied to French territories. Rather, it reflects a recognition that today’s challenges, whether regional or global, are fundamentally interconnected, transcending national borders and requiring collaborative solutions. Ambassador Imbert emphasised that ensuring stability and prosperity in the Pacific is essential, not only for the region, but also for maintaining a stable international order. This, he argued, requires proactive measures to decrease the likelihood of conflict and build resilience.

After his prepared remarks, Ambassador Imbert answered questions from the audience. When asked about BRICS as a rival to the Western rules-based order, Ambassador Imbert described the group’s significance as largely symbolic. He characterised the bloc as a platform for China and Russia to assert influence that is ultimately lacking in cohesive or unified goals. While he did acknowledge the systemic competition BRICS represents, the Ambassador argued that a “bloc against bloc” approach would be counterproductive. For instance, pressuring countries, particularly those in Southeast Asia like Indonesia and Vietnam, to choose sides disregards their need for flexibility, especially given their economic ties with China. Instead, Ambassador Imbert argued for a “sovereignty agenda” aimed at helping these nations preserve their independence whilst balancing their relationships with both Western and Chinese interests, fostering stability and cooperation over division.

On the topic of civil unrest in New Caledonia earlier this year and the broader question of New Caledonian independence, Ambassador Imbert outlined the extent of competences transferred from the French State to the local government. He stressed the significance of reforms such as self-governance and local economic rights over mineral industries like nickel. The Ambassador also affirmed France’s commitment to the UN decolonisation process, advocating for dialogue among New Caledonian parties to address social and economic concerns.

Asked about causes for the rise of populism and extremism across Europe, Ambassador Imbert identified several key factors, including declining trust in democratic institutions, social media and increasing social isolation. He acknowledged that immigration has faced pushback from some groups, but also asserted its long-standing role in European society. He argued that the core challenge for European governments is to restore social cohesion and rebuild public confidence in the future. Ambassador Imbert expressed optimism that resilient institutions, particularly the European Union, can effectively address these challenges and stabilise the political landscape.

Report by Paloma Hawkins

AIIA NSW intern

HE Ambassador Imbert (centre), AIIA NSW Councillor Imogen Biggins (left) and intern Paloma Hawkins (right)