AP4D x WIIS-A Panel: Diversity in Development, Defence and Diplomacy
By Grace Ho, Communications and Events Intern, WIIS-A
On 21 August 2025, Women in International Security – Australia Inc. (WIIS-A) partnered with the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue (AP4D) to host an online panel event entitled “Diversity in Development, Diplomacy and Defence.” This discussion brought together experts and leaders from policy, research and advocacy backgrounds to explore how diversity, equity and inclusion can be meaningfully advanced across the interrelated fields of diplomacy, development, intelligence and defence.
The following speakers and panellists shared their insights:
- Senator Jordan Steele-John: Australian Greens spokesperson for Disability Inclusion and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Youth and Health & Mental Health
- Dr Carolyn Bull: Director, RAND Australia
- Dr. Elise Stephenson: Deputy Director, Australian National University (ANU) Global Institute for Women's Leadership
- David Poulton: President and Co-Founder, Association of First Nations Australians in Development (AFNAD)
- Professor Maria Rost Rublee: Professor of International Relations, University of Melbourne
- Dr Se Youn Park: Director of Research, WIIS-A
- Afeeya Akhand: Emerging Associate, ANU National Security College
Senator Steele-John opened the discussion with keynote remarks, stressing that diversity especially through the inclusion of people with disabilities must not remain an abstract aspiration. Rather, actionable changes “lower barriers” within institutions and “make our places and spaces accessible and inclusive” for people with disabilities to live free from discrimination.
Other speakers built on Senator Steele-John’s point, highlighting that diversity requires consistent, everyday action and collective responsibility. One key point raised by David Poulton was how the skills and expertise of First Nations professionals are often underutilised, as these professionals often are placed in the box of working exclusively on First Nations-related projects.
Furthermore, speakers underscored the role of diversity as both a moral and strategic imperative. Improving diversity is the not only right thing to do but also drives better outcomes. By reducing the risk of groupthink, diversity strengthens decision-making in high-stakes environments including international security and defence.
One challenge that was raised as a barrier to increasing diversity within defence was the security clearance process. This is because diverse groups, such as culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, may find it difficult to pass the clearance process due to their travel history and number of foreign contacts through family and friends. As highlighted by Dr. Stephenson and Dr. Bull, reforming the clearance process by reassessing risk appetite could create new opportunities for underrepresented groups and ensure that leadership reflects the communities they serve.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of an intersectional lens. Experiences are rarely defined by a single standpoint but by compounding factors such as age, gender, sexuality, race, disability status, class and neurodiversity. For example, Senator Steele-John spoke about his experience of living with both a physical disability and as a neurodiverse individual. Dr. Park also shared her lived experience, highlighting that women of colour should not merely be included in tokenistic ways but actively engaged and heard in decision-making spaces.
Another key theme explored in the webinar was the role of active allies. In an era of rising anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) sentiment, advocacy from underrepresented groups remains vital but alone cannot drive systemic change. Allies, especially those in positions of decision-making influence, play an essential role in opening doors, mentoring and sponsoring talent as well as challenging exclusionary practices. Senator Steele-John pointed to the Pacific region, where the growth of disability community spaces has been supported by the Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through fully-funded advocacy programs.
Importantly, panellists also provided advice to students and early-career professionals about career opportunities across development, defence and diplomacy. Dr. Park talked about the role of academia as a pathway for impact at the early-career stage and David Poulton’s work with AFNAD, now more than 40 members strong, illustrated how community-driven initiatives outside traditional structures can shape policy and practice.
In closing, panellists offered a range of actionable methods for audience members to advance diversity in their respective workplaces and places of study. This includes the need to embrace points of individual differences as assets and to find strength in allies who can help navigate challenges. Panellists emphasised that championing diversity does not need to define ones’ career and should not become a source of cultural burden or fatigue. Participants were reminded to work smart as well as hard by seeking external recognition that strengthens credibility and to remain firm in advocating for inclusive policies as a matter of both necessity and rights. For those in more senior positions, leaders were encouraged to create spaces where employees feel comfortable advocating for their needs and to consider sharing aspects of their own identity, such as Indigenous heritage or hidden disabilities, to foster openness and trust.
The discussion demonstrated that whether through established pathways or innovative new ventures, there is room for diverse voices to shape the future of development, diplomacy and defence.
If you missed out on tuning into the webinar or would like to rewatch it, please check out the recording here.