Anthony Low Anthony Low Commonwealth Lecture 2026 Lecture
The Royal Commonwealth Society (ACT Branch), in partnership with the ANU College of Asia & the Pacific and the Commonwealth Round Table in Australia, is pleased to highlight the upcoming Anthony Low Commonwealth Lecture 2026—an important annual event examining the evolving role of the Commonwealth in global affairs.
This year’s lecture will be delivered by Dr Anne Therese Gallagher AO, one of Australia’s most distinguished legal scholars and international policy leaders.
Scan the QR code for registration and event details.
About the Lecture
At a time when democratic institutions are facing increasing pressure worldwide, this year’s lecture addresses a critical and timely question:
Can the Commonwealth play a meaningful role in protecting democratic space?
As outlined in the official lecture materials , democracy is not necessarily eroding through sudden collapse, but through a gradual narrowing of public space—where journalists are silenced, civil society is restricted, and open debate becomes constrained.
Drawing on her extensive leadership experience across the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and ASEAN, Dr Gallagher will explore whether the Commonwealth—often viewed as a legacy institution—may in fact hold renewed relevance in safeguarding democratic values across its 56 member states and 2.7 billion people.
At the heart of the discussion is what has been termed the “freedom test”—whether the Commonwealth, alongside its civil society networks and institutions, can effectively uphold the conditions necessary for democratic life.
About the Speaker
Dr Anne Therese Gallagher AO is widely recognised as a global authority on international law, particularly in the field of human trafficking. Her career spans more than three decades of senior leadership across international organisations, including her recent role as Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation (2019–2025) .
She brings a rare combination of frontline policy expertise, legal scholarship, and deep engagement with multilateral institutions.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 30 April
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 1 (HB1), Hedley Bull Building,
130 Garran Road, Australian National UniversityFormat: In-person only
Registration: Essential (limited seating)
About the Anthony Low Commonwealth Lecture
The lecture is named in honour of Professor Donald Anthony Low AO, former Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University (1975–1982) and a distinguished scholar of Commonwealth history .
The annual lecture series reflects his enduring legacy in advancing scholarship, international engagement, and understanding of the Commonwealth’s role in global affairs.
Why This Lecture Matters
In an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty and democratic strain, this lecture provides an opportunity to reflect on:
The future relevance of the Commonwealth
The role of civil society in sustaining democratic systems
The practical mechanisms for protecting open civic space
Australia’s place within the Commonwealth network
For members, policymakers, students, and those engaged in international affairs, this is a timely and significant conversation.
Register to Attend
Attendees are encouraged to register early due to limited seating.
👉 Scan the QR code below for full details and registration in addition here is the link to the registration website: https://events.humanitix.com/anthony-low-commonwealth-lecture-2026
