CELEBRATING MATTEO RICCI - Old Ignatians' China Dialogue

This year marks 470 years since the birth of Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci and the 440th anniversary of him setting out for China, and arriving in Macau – a key stepping-stone to Ricci becoming the first Westerner to enter the Forbidden City, and a pioneering bridge between East and West. 

Nearly five centuries later, Ricci’s positive tradition of exchange and learning, exemplified by his commitment to common understanding, still hold valuable lessons for our world today.   

Join renowned Old Ignatian Sinologists Richard McGregor (OR1975) from the Lowy Institute, Dinny McMahon (OR1996) from the Woodrow Wilson Center forInternational Scholars, Fergus Ryan (OR 2000) from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute for a panel discussion moderated by Daniel Street (OR 1998) from the World Bank Group, to celebrate Matteo Ricci's life and legacy along with China's history, and it's relationship to Australia, our place in Asia and the Pacific and China’s multi-faceted global presence today.

6pm for a 6.30pm start

PANEL POINTS OF DISCUSSION:  

• China’s transformation into a global economic superpower.  
• Strategic competition between China and United States, and implications for Australia. 
• How lessons of Ricci can help preserve peace in a manner that accommodates interests of Australia and China.

At the conclusion of the panel discussion, there will be a Q & A session with the audience 

All proceeds go to supporting the Riverview College Bursary program

Light refreshments will be served on arrival.