We are stepping up, not stepping back, on global cooperation

Recent events have shown just how much the world today requires more, not less, cooperation on many fronts. Think of those matters, physical and digital, that are impacting on humanity, within and far beyond the constraints of borders.

The recent global energy shock triggered by the war in the Gulf is a stark reminder of the serious knock-on impacts that are resonating everywhere, notably across Asia.

The galloping pace of AI and issues of regulation (or not) of the digital world have been brought sharply in focus by Pope Leo in his recent encyclical.

While momentarily unfashionable, a vibrant and sustainable planet demands new and improved forms of universal cooperation.

Under the dynamic guidance of our Board, and with the support of our Partners and Allies, the Foundation is rising to these challenges, as insurmountable as they might sometimes seem.

Our mobilisation tool is the Global Alliance, involving dozens of partners and allies, which continues to grow and have a positive influence.

Our Global Alliance in action

Take a look at our recently updated chart of Partners and Allies. Leadership by business, in partnership with civil society, is central to the whole idea, also engaging with governments and institutions.

You will see, in the links to the websites of many of our partners and allies, that each of these is aligning and impacting around our agenda – ‘together, we have agency, in serving the global common good’.

Our Foundation programs are designed to further build out this network, to strengthen the depth of understanding between partners and allies and to encourage their joint action.

The Energy Transition, globally, Australia and Asia

We’ve been addressing matters associated with the energy transition, in Australia and elsewhere, for quite some time.

We stepped this up with a landmark program, convening a hybrid global roundtable on 21 April. Hosted from Melbourne by Foundation Partner Alinta Energy, we brought together 50 members of our global alliance, from global business, think tanks and civil society, governments and institutions, a remarkable cross-section of those playing leadership roles in their respective domains facing the energy transition.

We were pleasantly surprised about the coherence of views and the unity of purpose that emerged from the roundtable discussion, which now informs a significant part of our forward action agenda. If you haven’t yet done so, take a look at the Outcomes Paper and the related materials, available on our website.

Australia-Asia energy transition in focus

A particular focus for action from the roundtable is the Australia–Asia connection, starting with Singapore, Malaysia and China, and the positive opportunities for cooperation on the energy transition, the two-way flow of expertise and investment across the region.

Set against the recent context of the Australian Prime Minister’s visits to Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei to secure and reinforce the energy interdependence of these states, we are active in the belief that it will be possible to build further tangible partnerships for the benefit of all concerned – business, communities and governments.

Europe Roadshow, London, Paris, Rome, late June/ early July

Shortly, I will be joined by two members of our Board, Ms Louise Watson, Chair and Dr Mark Cutifani CBE, for a roadshow to meet with current and prospective supporters and to plan forward programs in London, Paris and Rome, our most engaged locations in Europe.

The centrepieces for our visit will be as follows:

To learn more about the unique benefits of the Global Foundation partnership experience, please contact Ms Natalia Cikorska, Chief of Staff natalia.cikorska@globalfoundation.earth