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Conference Agenda
9:00 - 10:00
Registration and Breakfast
10:10 - 10:25
Welcoming Remarks
10:25 - 10:45
Morning Keynote
H.E. Elbegdorj Tsakhia, President of Mongolia (2009-2017)
10:45 - 11:55
Panel 1
"Beyond Borders: Climate Diplomacy and Regional Action in a Fractured World"
The Asia-Pacific is on the front lines of climate change, yet global climate diplomacy faces renewed challenges with the U.S. retreating from leadership. How can regional actors collaborate to fill the gap, accelerate decarbonization, and secure critical climate finance? This panel will explore how Asia-Pacific nations can shape multilateral efforts, strengthen domestic commitments, and navigate a geopolitical landscape where climate action is increasingly tied to economic and security concerns.
H.E. Elbegdorj Tsakhia
President of Mongolia (2009-2017)
H.E. Robert (Bob) Blake
Senior Managing Director at McLarty Associates, and former Senior Advisor to US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry
H.E. Gita Wirjawan
Host of Endgame Podcast and Former Trade and Investment Minister of Indonesia
Moderated by
Esther N.S. Tamara
Co-Chair of HKS Asia Pacific Conference 2025
12:00 - 13:10
Panel 2
"Navigating Economic Currents: Trade, Finance, and Geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific"
As U.S.-China competition intensifies, the Asia-Pacific faces growing trade fragmentation, reshaping supply chains and regional economic ties. This panel will explore how shifting trade dynamics impact economic resilience, investment flows, and financial integration across the region. Experts will discuss strategies to channel greater finance into emerging markets, foster sustainable growth, and navigate an increasingly complex global economic landscape.
H.E. Han-koo Yeo
Former Trade Minister of South Korea
H.E. Ted Osius
President of US-ASEAN Business Council
Valerie Chua
Regional Vice President, Americas, Singapore Economic Development Board
Moderated by
Sin Lu Tan
Co-Chair of HKS Asia Pacific Conference 2025
13:10 - 14:10
Lunch
Wexner Commons
14:10 - 14:30
Afternoon Keynote (virtual)
H.E. Jose Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste
14:30 - 15:40
Panel 3
"Beyond U.S.-China: Security, Alliances, and Economic Statecraft in a Multipolar Indo-Pacific"
As geopolitical tensions rise, Indo-Pacific nations are shaping their own security and economic strategies beyond the U.S.-China rivalry. From military alliances to trade agreements, regional actors are recalibrating their approaches to protect national interests while maintaining stability. This panel will explore how countries like Singapore, Australia, and Thailand are balancing security imperatives—such as maritime defense, technology safeguards, and strategic partnerships—with economic resilience. How can the region strengthen collective security while avoiding strategic overdependence?
Pita Limjaroenrat
Thailand's Prime Minister-designate (2023)
Dr. Lynn Kuok
Lee Kuan Yew Chair, Center for Asia Policy Studies, Brookings
Dr. Greg Brown
Senior Fellow and Director of Regional Cooperations and Coordination at Australia Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) USA
Moderated by
Sarah Davis
Co-Chair of HKS Asia Pacific Conference 2025
15:40 - 15:50
Closing Remarks
15:50 - 16:00
Mobilize to Breakout Room
16:00 - 17:00
Breakout Room: Student Meet and Greets
Room 1: L-150
H.E. Elbgdorj Tsakhia
Amb. Ted Osius
Dr. Greg Brown
Room 2: L-140
H.E. Han-koo Yeo
Amb. Robert Blake
Valerie Chua
17:30 - 19:30
Cocktail Reception
Location: The Painted Burro at Harvard Square