Airdate: Future Forum

Tonight, the first Future Forum program airs on ABC News 24, bringing together a panel of experts and leading figures attempting to answer the first in a series of vital questions facing Australia.

Hosted by Lateline’s Ali Moore, the first program will ask: “How will the Asian Century Shape Australia’s Future?”

In a century dominated by the rise of Asian economic, political and military power, will Australia be left behind? Will it ever be an Asian nation?

Thinkers and commentators meet in Darwin before a challenging audience – including university students -to debate the critical issues in Australia’s relationship with Asia.

Some of the key issues discussed include:
· Australia’s ties with the Asia region and whether Australia is really engaged;
· The consequences for Australia of the rising power and influence of countries such as China and India and the growing economic strength of near-neighbour Indonesia;
· The risks for Australia of growing rivalry between China and Australia’s close ally, the United States;
· Whether Australia really is a “middle power” in Asia and will it play a keyrole in the future of the region;
· Is Australia sending mixed messages to Asia and do Australians really understand the Asian region;
· Why it’s not cool in Australian schools to learn Asian languages,
· Does Asia see Australia as anti-Asian?

A list of the panelists is available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/abcnews24/programs/future-forum/
‘FutureForums’ is a co-production by ABC News 24 and the HCCoombs Policy Forum at the ANU.

Wednesday, 3 August at 8pm (AEST) on ABC News 24.