The Public Policy Institute hosted a breakfast discussion with New Zealand’s Leaders at the United Nations on 6 June 2025 at the University of Auckland B201 Building, home of the Faculty of Arts and Education. The panellists shared their views and experiences on how the multilateral system provides small states with agency.
The panellists include the following New Zealand ambassadors to the United Nations:
- Carolyn Schwalger (Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York)
- Deborah Geels (Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva)
- Andrew Williams (Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna)
Also joining the panel were Victoria Hallum, Deputy Secretary, and Tredene Dobson, Special Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Multilateral and Legal Affairs team. Dr Erik Lithander, University of Auckland’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategic Engagement facilitated the discussion.
Students, faculty members, and researchers attended the session. Among those attending were recipients of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship in the disciplines of public policy, social work, and global studies.
