POSITIVE RSVP ONLINE ONLY
http://belfercenter.hks.harvard.edu/events/rudd_227.html
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs will host a Director's Lunch with Hon. Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia, in the Belfer Center Library (L369).
Kevin Rudd served as Australia’s 26th Prime Minister from 2007 until 2010 and again in 2013 for 11 weeks. During the interim years from 2010 to 2012, he was the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Rudd was elected as Leader of the Labor Party in 2006, the third Labor leader to win the position from the opposition since World War II. As Prime Minister, Mr. Rudd led Australia’s response during the global financial crisis. Australia was the only major advanced economy to avoid a recession, in large part due to the Australian Government’s policy response, which the OECD/IMF assessed as one of the most effective in the world. Mr. Rudd is internationally recognized as one of the founders of the G20, the premier global economic decision-making institution. He is recognized as a major driving force behind the 2010 decision to expand the East Asia Summit to include the United States in this important regional institution. This was a major step forward in realizing his longer term vision for an Asian Pacific Community, first proposed in 2008. As Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mr. Rudd also oversaw the doubling of Australian foreign aid over five years, making Australia the seventh largest aid donor in the world.
Mr. Rudd remains engaged in major international challenges including global economic management, the rise of China, and the global commitment to sustainable development. He co-authored the 2012 report from the United Nations Secretary General’s High Level Panel on Global Sustainability, titled "Resilient People, Resilient Planet." Nationally, he remains deeply engaged with questions concerning Australia’s strategic and economic future in Asia, aboriginal reconciliation, the teaching of Asian languages, homelessness, and organ donation.
As space is limited for this event, RSVPs will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Belfer Center Lunches are strictly off-the-record. By requesting to attend the lunch, you agree that you will comply with the Belfer Center's strict policy against recording or disclosing the contents of the lunch. Your access is conditioned on your compliance with these restrictions. Should you violate these rules, the Center will pursue all available legal options and you will be excluded from all future events.
