Diplomatic Discussions

Sunday 11 July, 3.30-4.30pm
Sydney Law School, The University of Sydney

Sydney is truly an international city; in 2008, the Globalisation and World Cities Study Group gave it the second highest rating, on par with Paris, Tokyo and Shanghai. At AMUNC 2010, for the first time, a Diplomatic Discussions session will be held where diplomats and academic experts will be invited to speak to students and answer questions the delegates might have about the foreign policy of the country they represent.

In this way we hope to provide AMUNC delegates with a deeper and more accurate knowledge of their assigned country, region or organisation's position on a host of issues. If your country is not specifically represented, you are free to attend whichever speaker you're most interested in - think about whether any of the countries are important players in the debate on your committee topics.

Speakers & Rooms

  • Germany - 026: Hans Gnodtke (German Consul-General)
  • Russia - 022: Dr. Ben Goldsmith (University of Sydney)
  • Middle East region - 104: Ian Biggs (former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen)
  • Saudi Arabia - 102: Dr Nijmeh Hajjar (Chair, Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Sydney)
  • USA - 024: Professor Brendon O'Connor (US Studies Centre, University of Sydney)
  • India - 340: Vivek Kumar (Acting Indian Consul-General)
  • China - 342: Li Yanduan (Chinese Deputy Consul-General)
  • Africa region - 106: Associate Professor Geoffrey Hawker (Macquarie University)
  • NGOs - 105: Christopher Hoy (World Vision)
  • Press Gallery - 107: Rob Griffith (AP)