Meet the Leader: United Kingdom

On Tuesday 15 March 2022, the University of Adelaide welcomed Her Excellency Vicki Treadell CMG, MVO, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, to our North Terrace Campus.

The High Commissioner delivered an oration to students, staff, and the public, as part of the University’s Meet the Leader series. This series, which features Ambassadors and prominent public figures sharing their perspectives on international relations and foreign policy, is jointly organised by the Department of Politics and International Relations (POLIR) and the Politics and International Relations Association (PIRA).

The High Commissioner outlined the role the UK plays around the globe, and the importance of reconfiguring the relationship that the UK plays in the Indo-Pacific region. In particular, the High Commissioner touched on her previous experiences in ASEAN bilateral developments, and how these experiences have contributed to her insights into strengthening and refashioning a contemporary partnership between the UK and Australia. She reiterated the importance of work to address climate change, stressing that Pacific Island countries who hold close relationships with Australia are at the forefront of the climate challenge. She called on the business and industry sectors, as well as research and academia to join the global effort.

Her Excellency closed by stressing the importance of cultural and scientific relationships between UK and Australian universities and research institutions. She commended the University of Adelaide’s strong alliance with the University of Nottingham which has resulted in significant joint research and education opportunities for staff, students and the broader community.