The Honorable Alexander Downer AC is a distinguished Australian statesman and diplomat with a career spanning over four decades. Born in Adelaide in 1951, he earned a BA (hons) in Politics and Economics at Newcastle University.

 

After working as an economist at Westpac and serving as a diplomat for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Downer transitioned to politics. He acted as a political advisor to Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and later led the Australian Chamber of Commerce.

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In 1984, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Mayo, a position he held for 24 years. During this time, he served in the Shadow Cabinet and ascended to the leadership of the Liberal Party and the Opposition from 1994 to 1995. Following the Liberal Party's victory in 1996, he was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, a role he held for 11 years, making him Australia's longest-serving Foreign Minister.

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After leaving Parliament in 2008, Downer continued to contribute to international relations as a Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary General for Cyprus peace talks. Downer's diplomatic career reached another peak when he was appointed Australian High Commissioner to the UK from 2014 to 2018. Subsequently, he took on the role of Executive Chair of the International School for Government at King's College, London.

 

Currently, Downer holds several board appointments, including Chairman of Gold Hydrogen Pty Ltd, Yellow Cake PLC, Ironbark Pty Ltd, and Policy Exchange. He also serves in advisory roles for GFG Alliance and Shearwater consultancy. His academic contributions are equally notable, with visiting professorships at King's College, London, and the University of Adelaide.

 

Downer's dedication to public service and international cooperation has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). Throughout his illustrious career, Alexander Downer has demonstrated exceptional leadership, diplomatic acumen, and a deep commitment to advancing Australia's interests on the global stage. His extensive experience in politics, diplomacy, and business, coupled with his academic pursuits, positions him as a respected figure in both domestic and international arenas.