Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to Head Asia Society Policy Institute

NEW YORK, October 21, 2014 — Asia Society announced today that the Honorable Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia, will serve as the first President of the Asia Society Policy Institute. The Institute, launched this year, is designed to bring Asia to the forefront of global policymaking, advancing innovative thinking on major issues from Asian and American perspectives alike.

The Institute, a new kind of think tank on the rise of Asia, will work to convene, build bridges, and find solutions by bringing the countries of Asia together, and to the center of the global table.

“The rise of Asia is one of the most profound developments of this century,” Asia Society President Josette Sheeran said. “Kevin Rudd’s vision for an Asia Pacific community, as evidenced by his public career and many accomplishments as Australia’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, make him the ideal choice to lead the Asia Society Policy Institute at this historic moment. His achievements in service to a strengthened Asia Pacific encompass policy and economics, and have been combined with a lifelong study of Chinese culture and fluency in Mandarin, and a deep interest and engagement across the rest of Asia.”

“I am honored to accept this appointment as President of the Asia Society Policy Institute,” Mr. Rudd said. “I have long admired the Asia Society and have participated in its work over the past 15 years. The Society is a world-class institution dedicated for nearly 60 years to advancing the understanding of complex Asian realities in the U.S. and across the West, and in doing so contributing to analysis and response to global challenges.” 

Downloadable versions of the complete press release in English and Chinese are available.