Roundtable Discussion
with His Excellency Nicola Lener,
the Italian Ambassador to Australia
Date: Thursday, 7 May, 2026
Location: Winthrop Hall, The University of Western Australia
Event summary
The Perth USAsia Centre was pleased to host a roundtable discussion with His Excellency Nicola Lener, the Italian Ambassador to Australia.
Amid increasing regional instability, Italy’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific has intensified, becoming a more visible contributor to the region’s security. This discussion provided an opportunity to hear directly from Italy’s Ambassador on Rome’s Indo-Pacific strategy and the future trajectory of Australia-Italy relations.
Though geographically distant, Italy is playing an increasingly active role in the Indo-Pacific. Guided by its ‘Global Mediterranean’ outlook, Italy is extending its reach into the region through expanded diplomatic, economic, and security initiatives. Recent high-level visits by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Japan and South Korea underscore Rome’s growing commitment to strengthening regional partnerships – including with Australia.
The Australia–Italy relationship is already deep and multifaceted, spanning cooperation in science and technology, cultural exchange, and defence. These ties are reinforced by Australia’s vibrant Italian-Australian community, one of Australia’s most significant and enduring diaspora connections. With the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement and security partnership recently signed, Italy is poised to play an important role in advancing trade, investment, innovation, and defence industry cooperation between Europe and Australia.
Guest speaker
His Excellency Nicola Lener joined the Italian diplomatic service in 1993 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). He has been Ambassador designate to Australia since January 2026. He comes from the role of Coordinator for Rule of Law Diplomacy at MAECI, where he worked to promote Italy’s international model in combating corruption and organized crime.
Previously, he served at the Prime Minister’s Office as Head of the Task Force for the Italian Presidency of the G7 in 2024, overseeing the organization of the Summit of Heads of State and Government, ministerial meetings, and all activities included in the Presidency’s program. His international postings include serving as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi (2019–2022), Minister Counsellor at the Embassy in Ottawa (2010–2014), Consul General in Casablanca (2006–2010), and Head of the Economic Sections at the Embassies in Lima (1997– 2001) and Amman (2001–2004). At MAECI, he also held roles within the Directorate General for Promotion (2014–2019), first as Head of the Business Internationalization Office and later as Deputy Director General responsible for Economic Promotion.
Earlier in his career, he served at the Directorate General for Italians Abroad and Migration Policies, the Directorate General for Political Affairs, and the Diplomatic Protocol. He is an Official Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic. Married with four children, he is fluent in English, French and Spanish.
Venue
Winthrop Hall
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009
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