Sport diplomacy in a changing strategic environment

In partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the ANU National Security College was pleased to host the Annual Sports Diplomacy Roundtable.

The roundtable brought together stakeholders from across government and industry to discuss how Australia can grow its sporting representation and build stronger connections with our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The event was opened by Senator the Hon Nita Green, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Tourism and Northern Australia, who spoke to the importance of sport for Australia and the region.

Framing remarks were provided by Acting Provost Professor Joan Leach, who highlighted the broad impact of sports,

the benefits of sports diplomacy extend beyond the Saturday evening match, or quadrennial tournaments, and highlight the importance of sport as a vector of social connectivity and cohesion – in Australia and abroad.

Professor Peter Dean from the ANU Strategic and Defence Studies Centre provided a valuable briefing on the geopolitical order, and the role sports diplomacy could play in managing the risks and opportunities in a changing world order.

A key highlight of the day was the discussion on ‘the Green and Gold decade’ and the address by Mr Kieren Perkins OAM OLY, CEO Australian Sports Commission. Mr Perkins spoke about the opportunities for Australia in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic Games being hosted in Brisbane.

Participants also heard international perspectives on how governments are using sport to advance foreign policy, development and strategic engagement, and considered practical opportunities for future collaboration.

We are proud to support this important dialogue on sports diplomacy in partnership with DFAT – an important and emerging aspect of Australia’s international engagement. Shared passion for sport is a powerful foundation for building trust, connection and partnerships across the region.

– Andrew Ramsay, Acting Head of College

NSC would like to thank everyone who participated in this engagement at a dynamic time in the international sporting and security environment – including our speakers, senior sporting officials, practitioners, researchers and policymakers.