Is China addressing concerns about the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank? What’s the lowdown on aid from India? And what does the future hold for the Australian aid program?
Development actors are hoping to get the answers to these questions and more at the Australasian Aid Conference, kicking off Feb. 12 at Australia’s capital and political heartland Canberra. The two-day conference, organized by Australian National University’s Development Policy Center and The Asia Foundation, draws research and big names in development from across the region.
Last year’s inaugural gathering saw Australia’s foreign minister Julie Bishop foreshadow the conservative coalition government’s new aid policy and subsequent devastating cuts. So it’s no surprise this year’s event is hotly anticipated.