IDFR Lecture Series 3/2023 by Prof Gareth Evans
The third instalment of the Distinguished Lecture Series 2023 of IDFR took place on 23 November 2023, where the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) was deeply honoured to welcome the profoundly acclaimed Professor the Honourable Gareth Evans. The lecture series titled "Good International Citizenship: The Case for Decency" was held at IDFR Auditorium with the attendance of over 100 participants from the diplomatic community, government officials, members of academia, Wisma Putra Officers, and officers from Malaysian Missions (online).
Professor Gareth Evans is a Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, where he served as a Chancellor from 2010 to 2019, and President Emeritus of the International Crisis Group, a prestigious independent organisation in Brussels dedicated to global conflict prevention and resolution. As a notable figure in Australian politics, Professor Evans served as the Australian Foreign Minister from 1988 to 1996. Among his numerous accomplishments on mass atrocity crimes and nuclear weapons, Professor Evans has authored or edited 14 books, including his most recent publication "Good International Citizenship: The Case for Decency" (2022).
The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Dato’ Syed Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman, Director General of IDFR and was moderated by Dato Agus Salim Yusof, Head of the Centre for Leadership, Negotiation and Public Diplomacy of the IDFR.
In his lecture, Professor Evans succinctly outlined three crucial components: The Politics of Decency, which highlights the difficulties posed by cynical governments; The National Interest Imperative, which promotes a cooperative mindset in advancing global and regional public goods; and The Moral Imperative, which emphasises the recognition and respect for our shared humanity as the cornerstone of good international citizenship. Throughout the session, he strongly emphasised how a sensible foreign policy may promote reciprocity, aid in the creation of soft power, and support the global problem–solving process.
After an interactive question and answer session with the audience, the lecture concluded with a light refreshment at the IDFR Auditorium Foyer. We fervently hope that the knowledge exchanged during this signature lecture series serves as a catalyst for further discourse in diplomacy and foreign affairs.
