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Alexander Downer

Alexander Downer AC

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Biography

Mr Downer was Executive Chair of the International School for Government at King’s College London from 2018 to 2023.

From 2014 to 2018, Mr Downer was Australian High Commissioner to the UK. Prior to this, he was Australia’s longest-serving Minister for Foreign Affairs, a role he held from 1996 to 2007.

Mr Downer also served as Opposition Leader and leader of the Australian Liberal Party from 1994 to 1995 and was Member of the Australian Parliament for Mayo for over 20 years.

In addition to a range of other political and diplomatic roles, he was Executive Director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, in which he worked on peace talks between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. He is currently Chairman of the UK think tank Policy Exchange and a trustee of the International Crisis Group.

News

Event: Has Covid made the case for big government?

Join the International School for Government for a discussion on the future of government post-Covid.

London westminster

Tony Blair opens International School for Government

Launch of King's new International School for Government with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Launch of the International School for Government with Tony Blair

News

Event: Has Covid made the case for big government?

Join the International School for Government for a discussion on the future of government post-Covid.

London westminster

Tony Blair opens International School for Government

Launch of King's new International School for Government with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Launch of the International School for Government with Tony Blair