Afeeya Akhand is a researcher focused on Australia–South Korea relations, climate change, tech policy and anti-racism. She is an Emerging Associate at the ANU National Security College and a Pacific Forum Young Leader. Afeeya brings a breadth of experience across government, think tanks and the private sector, including through previous roles at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Department of Defence and Australian War College. Afeeya was recognised as a Young Woman to Watch by Young Australians in International Affairs in 2024. She holds a Master of International Security specialising in Korean language from the University of Sydney.