2013-02-07 16:35:21 - The Acting High Commissioner will be discussing a range of issues, including climate change, disaster recovery, and nuclear proliferation at the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies, presented by the Pacific Islands Society.

MEDIA ADVISORY
THURSDAY, February 7, 2013

The Pacific Islands Society at the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) invites media to cover an upcoming address by Mr. Rob Taylor, Acting New Zealand (NZL) High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), at the SOAS main building, located on Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London on Monday, February 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Acting High Commissioner will be giving an overview of his country’s relationship with the Asia-Pacific region, in particular the strategic partnership established with the United States (US) since the signing of the Wellington Declaration.

The Wellington Declaration, signed by then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully on November 5, 2010,

symbolizes enhanced US-NZL cooperation across a range of issues, including climate change, disaster recovery, nuclear proliferation, trade, and extremism.

The Acting High Commissioner’s remarks will kick-off the inaugural Pacific Ambassador Speaking Series at SOAS. The series will feature a wide range of senior diplomats from across the Asia-Pacific, including the High Commissioners of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Kiribati who will follow in March.

Media wishing to cover this address are asked to contact SOAS Pacific Islands Society Director of Marketing and Communications Miles McKenna, at +44 (0)77-6667-6558 or by email at m_mckenna@soas.ac.uk.

WHO: Mr. Rob Taylor, Acting New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

WHAT: US-NZL strategic partnership; NZL outlook on Asia-Pacific security

WHERE: SOAS Main Building, Khalili Lecture Theatre, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG

WEBSITE LINK: www.pacificislandssociety.org

WHEN: 6-8 p.m., Monday, February 11, 2013

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Eddie Walsh, President, Pacific Islands Society at SOAS; Email: 550406@soas.ac.uk
Keiko Ono, Vice President, Pacific Islands Society at SOAS; Tel: +44 020 7898-4994, Email: ko14@soas.ac.uk

About Acting New Zealand High Commissioner Rob Taylor: Mr. Taylor is a career diplomat with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has served in a number of overseas missions as well as various placements outside of the foreign ministry. Before his current role, he was the Director and Chief of Protocol with oversight for managing relations with all diplomatic missions accredited to New Zealand and high level visits. Following the devastating Christchurch earthquake of February 2011, Mr. Taylor led the Ministry’s response team and crisis centre during the rescue and recovery phase. Earlier assignments have included Consul-General to Los Angeles (April 04 – Feb 08), High Commissioner to Vanuatu (Feb 1999 – Sept 2001), as well as postings to Samoa, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. In Saudi Arabia, Mr. Taylor worked closely with the New Zealand Armed Forces during the Gulf War. Mr. Taylor also served as Senior Private Secretary to the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Sept 2001 – March 2004). Mr. Taylor has a strong background in charitable organisations, including Riding for the Disabled and Oxfam. He has participated over a number of years as a triathlete and is currently a keen road cyclist.

About the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies: SOAS is the only higher education institution in the UK specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This places it at the forefront of academic scholarship on the current transformation of Pacific Asia. Highly specialized academic staff focusing on diplomacy, language studies, and regional expertise give SOAS its unique insight into the key issues facing Pacific Asia, and the rest of the world. Democracy, development, human rights, identity, legal systems, poverty, religion, and social change are at the heart of SOAS’ academic disciplines and intellectual enquiry. This distinct academic focus makes SOAS an indispensable centre for analysing, understanding and explaining historic and emerging trends in our complex world.

About the Pacific Islands Society (PACSOC) at SOAS: PACSOC was founded in 2012 to provide Pacific Islanders and non-Pacific Islanders alike an opportunity to learn more about the region and celebrate its importance to Asia-Pacific studies. Based here at the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), we are working with our partners and friends to expand and enrich the discourse on the region. Through our speaking series, cultural events, and annual campaigns, we bring together some of the region’s most influential minds to discuss the major political, economic, environmental, and social issues facing the Pacific Islands– all while celebrating the vibrant cultures that make the region so unique and valuable to the global community.