Countering Disinformation across Europe and the Indo-Pacific

Disinformation and foreign manipulation pose major challenges to democratic governance, cohesion and security The Battle for Truth: Countering Disinformation across Europe and the Indo-Pacific The rapid evolution of the digital information environment has transformed disinformation and foreign information manipulation into major challenges for democratic governance, social cohesion, in consequence – for national and international security. The growing use of artificial intelligence has further accelerated the scale, speed and sophistication of disinformation, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from manipulation. Australia, Europe and other democratic societies are facing many of the same challenges. Foreign information manipulation highlights the need for stronger resilience and closer international cooperation. How can democratic societies respond to the growing threat of disinformation and foreign information manipulation? Join leading policymakers, diplomats, security experts, academics, journalists and practitioners from Australia, Poland and Europe for a high-level international conference exploring one of today’s most pressing challenges to democratic resilience and international security. The event will examine how the rapidly changing digital information environment is transforming the scale and sophistication of information manipulation. Drawing on experiences from Europe and the Indo-Pacific, participants will discuss practical responses, institutional approaches and opportunities for stronger international cooperation. Particular attention will be given to Poland’s experience in countering disinformation and its relevance for Australia and its regional partners. Program: 9:45-10:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee 10:00-10:05 Official Opening – Australian National University, Centre for European Studies 10:05-10:15 Opening remarks by HE Karolina Cemka, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Republic of Poland and the HE Lawrence Meredith, Ambassador-designate of the European Union 10:15-11:30 PANEL I: ARE WE AT WAR? DISINFORMATION AND HYBRID ACTIVITIES IN EUROPE AND INDO-PACIFIC 11:30-12:45 PANEL II: CAN WE DECODE DECEPTION? PRACTICAL TOOLS, FRAMEWORKS, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RESPONSES 12:45-12:50 Conclusion & wrap up 12:50-13:30 Networking lunch Moderated by Stephen Dziedzic (ABC News) Featured speakers include, among others: • Mrs Margaret Eileen TWOMEY, former Australian Ambassador to Russia and former High Commissioner to Fiji (Australia) • Mr Tom ROGERS, former Australian Electoral Comissioner (Australia) • Mrs Caroline MILLAR, former Australian Ambassador to NATO and the EU (Australia) • Mr Rohan TITUS, ANU National Security College (Australia) • Dr Jennifer (Jenny) DUXBURY, Digital Industry Group Inc. (Australia) • Mr Marek MENKISZAK, Representative of Polish Center for Eastern Studies OSW (Poland) • Dr Filip BRYJKA, Hybrid Threats Analyst, The Polish Institute of International Affairs PISM (Poland) • Mrs Tiina ILSEN, Chief Executive Officer at International Practitioners´ Partnership Network PractNet (Estonia) • Mrs Patrycja KRZYŚPIK, Senior Expert, NASK – National Research Institute (Poland) • Mrs Izabela JARKA, Senior Expert, NASK – National Research Institute (Poland) • Mr Doichin CHOLAKOV, European Parliament (Belgium) The conference will conclude with a networking lunch, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with fellow participants and speakers. Organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and the ANU Centre for European Studies in partnership with Polish institutions PISM, NASK and OSW. Places are limited — register to join the conference. Please note: If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please contact the event organisers.