Our new CEO, Andrew Hassett, caught up with Content and Communications Manager, Aimée Keay, over coffee to hear all about his enthusiasm for the role and what drives him to act for peace in the world.
Pull up a chair, pop the kettle on and take some inspiration from their conversation as Andrew shares his vision for the future.
What drew you to Act for Peace?
Every person, regardless of who they are or where they come from, deserves the same rights and the opportunity to live and thrive with dignity. That belief drew me to Act for Peace and its mission to create a world where people displaced by conflict and disaster can find safety and belonging.
I am excited to build on Act for Peace’s 75-year history of working alongside partners to deliver meaningful, lasting change. At a time when conflict and natural disasters are forcing record numbers of people from their homes, Act for Peace is uniquely placed to deepen its impact and help lead a renewed global commitment to peace.
Faith communities have long stood at the forefront of peace and social justice movements, demonstrating the power of solidarity and compassion. That tradition of collective action is needed more than ever.
We must seize the opportunity to shape more just and inclusive societies for the more than 123 million people around the world that are without the peace of a safe place to belong. Now is the time for deliberate collective action with faith communities, civil society and allies to deepen international solidarity focused on systemic change that addresses the root causes of injustice, violence and displacement.
What excites you most about taking on this role?
I am excited to work alongside a talented team and committed partners who believe peace is not only necessary, but possible.
Together, we have a unique opportunity to connect faith communities across borders, unite diverse capabilities and networks, and strengthen collective action to support and empower people uprooted by conflict and disaster.
What do you think are the main challenges in reducing displacement around the world?
The world is changing rapidly and significantly. Some of the challenges include the weakening of the multilateral system and international norms and laws; the rise of geopolitical tension and rivalry (economic and military); reduction in overseas development assistance and increases in defence spending (spending peanuts on peace and billions on bombs/war); closing down of civil society spaces in many countries; domestic polarisation leading to a breakdown in social cohesion; weakening of democratic institutions and the rise of populist and authoritarian leaders; rising costs of living; growing inequality within and between states; as well as changes to the climate including more natural disasters and impact on food supply – forcing people from their homes.
These compounding challenges can lead to less global and national cooperation to solve the world’s most pressing issues such as displacement, as well as increased likelihood of conflict leading to a rapid growth in people displaced by conflict and natural disaster.
It has been a challenging year for the aid and development sector – what are your thoughts on the future?
It has been an extraordinarily challenging year for the aid and development sector, with rising humanitarian needs, shrinking funding, and growing pressure on the systems designed to respond. But moments like this also demand clarity of purpose and renewed ambition.
The future of the sector will depend on stronger purpose-driven partnerships, deeper community leadership and ownership, and a willingness to work differently across faith, civil society, government, the private sector and the Australian public. We need to move beyond short-term responses and invest in long-term solutions that respond to and tackle the drivers of conflict and displacement.
I remain optimistic because history shows that when communities act together in solidarity, dignity and shared humanity, meaningful change is possible. The task ahead is urgent, but so is the opportunity to re-imagine a more effective, accountable and hopeful aid system.
How do you think your previous roles have prepared you to lead Act for Peace into the future?
With over 20 years of leadership experience in the international development sector across Christian non-government organisations and multilateral agencies, and most recently in the investment industry, I bring a track record of driving strategy, catalysing social movements, and leading high-performing teams.
Throughout my career, I have advocated to protect and promote the rights of the most vulnerable communities around the world, leading major national and global advocacy initiatives to address maternal and child health, end violence against children, and strengthen Australia’s aid and development sector.
During my time at World Vision International, I developed the strategy and led the implementation of the first two whole-of-organisation global advocacy campaigns. These campaigns were implemented at global and regional levels, as well as at national and local levels in 70 countries. These strategies strengthened organisation capacity, shifted policy, mobilised public support, and positioned the organisations for influence and growth.
Whilst working at the UNICEF-hosted Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, my role centred on convening and strengthening a broad-based movement. This included developing and enhancing collaboration and impact across 750 diverse partners, including governments, institutional donors, multilateral agencies, philanthropic foundations, the private sector, civil society, faith-based organisations, children and celebrities.
I have also held leadership roles within national and global coalition campaigns such as Make Poverty History Australia and Action2015. In these roles I was responsible for bringing together major international development organisations as well as churches and faith-based organisations such as Act for Peace, the Word Council of Churches, and ACT Alliance.
What does acting for peace mean to you?
Acting for peace means moving beyond words to deliberate, collective action that upholds dignity and calls for peace with justice. It is about standing with people affected by conflict and disaster, addressing the root causes of violence and displacement, and working across differences to create lasting solutions. Peace is not passive: it is built through courage, partnership and sustained commitment.
Acting for peace means putting faith into action in a way that is inclusive, practical and grounded in solidarity. Peace is something we choose and build together.
Can you share a little bit about your family?
My wife is Ellie (we have been married 23 years). I have two daughters Ishi (19 years old and studying film and English literature at Uni) and Lola (16 years old; plays loads of soccer). My wife and I have lived in Melbourne, Sydney, London and New York.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
I love to spend time with my family, travelling, cooking for friends, running and playing tennis, reading different types of books and listening to music.