Ms Heather Wrathall1, Mr Grant Wyeth1
1Asia Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D), Australia
Biography:
Grant Wyeth is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue (AP4D). Grant’s commentary has been published widely, including in his role as The Diplomat’s Oceania columnist and in previous roles at the University of Melbourne’s Asia Institute and Australian Foreign Affairs magazine.
Abstract:
Australia and the Pacific have a shared interest in a peaceful, resilient and prosperous region, and securing this future requires long-term vision, strategy and commitment. Prominent among the set of interconnected factors shaping the future of the Pacific region are media, young people and civil society:
– young people are vital to the continuing development of their nations’ environments, economies, societies and cultures.
– a vibrant civil society makes for more effective and accountable government; and
– a healthy media plays a crucial role in underpinning democracy, normalising a plurality of views, enabling dialogue and serving the public interest.
Recognising the important contributions that these three groups can make should be a key regional focus for Australia. The result of four months of consultations with almost 60 experts from Australia and across the Pacific, this paper identifies opportunities for how Australia can engage with and support these vital sectors.