About AAISA

Why AAISA

As the Middle East has long held interest as a region for ,Trade, Education ,Cultural Exchange, Defence & Security, and Political Dialogue, thus ,most recently ,the Arab Region has drawn significant Australian attention specifically related to Australian Strategic interest in the Middle East, and the goe-Political events in the Arab World, thus it was essential to establish a dedicated Think Tank organisation links Australia with the Arab World and assist through its experts and network into developing these Strategic Affairs, hence the Australian Arab Institute for Strategic Affairs (AAISA) was established officially in Pert-Australia 2014,in order to play a leading role in that.

AAISA will capitalise and strengthen existing and emerging synergies between Australia and the Arab region through education, Business, dialogue and exchange other mutual interests. It will identify common trade and business priorities and build links with the Arab world by facilitating collaborations between the partners and institutions in the Arab world to address those priorities.

AIMS

Promote trade and cultural exchange as a platform for the enhancement of strategic links between Australia and Arab countries.

Identify

Opportunities for collaboration

Develop

Collaborative projects to enhance synergies

Support

Enhanced relationships through events that showcase the regions

Facilitate

Partnerships and joint projects

AAISA will achieve this by:

Developing and fostering interdisciplinary research collaboration between University partners and Universities in the Arab world (and broader Middle East region);
Conducting regular events with local business communities to develop awareness and understanding of trade relationships between Australia and the Arab world;
Hosting at least one major event (conference/symposium) per year under the auspices of partners, with several workshops/smaller events held throughout the year;
Raising awareness of opportunities and pathways for doing business in the Arab world; Promoting Australian-Arab relations through trade and education;
Engaging the academic community, industry, policy makers and the broader community in understanding the Arab world and potential for Australia-Arabic collaboration through public seminars, projects and media opportunities.

Structure and Funding

The AAISA aims to be a self-funding institute with the support of partners and sponsors.

Director
The Director of AAISA will be responsible for the day to day running of the Institute.

The role of Director involves:

Identifying potential projects, sources of funding and resources
Acting as a point of contact between partners or strategic contacts in the Arab world
Promoting the AAISA to potential stakeholders in Australia and the Arab World
Facilitating the effective and timely completion of projects
Coordinating activities of AAISA
Reporting

At times and for certain projects, the Director may act as a project advisor or principal investigator if the project is within the scope of expertise.

Board of Directors
The Board of Directors will be comprised of high level representatives of external stakeholders in Australia and the Arab World. The role of the Board is to provide strategic direction, expertise and contacts for the AAISA. The Board will meet quarterly and may comprise representatives from:

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Austrade
Arab Embassies and Consulates
Australian and Arab Universities
Western Australian Government
Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Independents

External Partners

In order to sustain the AAISA and to maximise the potential to develop its profile in the Arab world, it is essential to draw on interest of external stakeholders through the development of partnerships.

Arab Embassies
The Arab embassies in Australia will provide in kind support to the AAISA. AAISA will, where possible, undertake events that coordinate with official visits by Arab Ambassadors and/or Ministerial delegations.

Australian Government and Industry

The Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) will provide in kind support to the AAISA and will assist in the coordination of events.
Austrade (the Australian Trade Commission) in Perth and in the Arab World are keen supporters of the AAISA. Austrade offices in both countries are aware of the AAISA initiative and have indicated their willingness to provide support by facilitating travel, contacts, meetings and video linkages with key people in the region.

Why AAISA

AIMS

Identify

Develop

Support

Facilitate

Structure and Funding

AAISA Operational Model

Board of Directors

President

Directors

AAISA Youth

Partners

Advisory Group

AAISA Fellows

Organization

Useful Links

Contact information