Reflections of 50 Years in the Mexican Foreign Service: A Conversation with HE Alfredo Pérez Bravo

HE Alfredo Pérez Bravo, Ambassador of Mexico and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps

Friday, 20th March 2026 5:10pm for 5:30-7:00pm

Auckland

AUT City Campus (55 Wellesley Street East), Room WG126, Level 1, WG Building

We are delighted to welcome members and guests to Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to an upcoming special event "Reflections of 50 Years in the Mexican Foreign Service: A Conversation with HE Alfredo Pérez Bravo".

Join the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) Auckland Branch in collaboration with the Latin American New Zealand Business Council (LANZBC) for a remarkable conversation with the Ambassador of Mexico, whose distinguished 50-year diplomatic career spans five continents, 52 countries, and ten Mexican presidents. In this rare public reflection, the Ambassador shares insights from a lifetime at the centre of global diplomacy, major geopolitical transitions, and the evolution of Mexico’s international engagement.

Beginning his career at just 18 years old, he rose rapidly through the ranks to become the youngest Ambassador in the modern history of the Mexican Foreign Service. His postings have ranged from Sweden during the Cold War, to Washington in the late 1980s, to historic roles as Itinerant Ambassador to 39 nations across Africa and the Middle East. He has served in high-impact positions in Asia, Europe, Russia, and the Caribbean, and today represents Mexico in New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu, while serving as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Wellington.

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear first-hand how diplomacy has transformed—from the era of telegraphs and long-distance cables to the age of social media and public engagement—and how Mexico has navigated these changes.

Join us for an evening of rich stories, memorable photos, practical insights, and a thought-provoking conversation on diplomacy, leadership, the importance of family and Mexico’s place in an ever-changing world.

Limited spaces available, please register ASAP.

The event is free for NZIIA members and $15 for non-members. 

Doors Open: 5:10pm, some non-alcoholic drinks and nibbles will be provided for a short networking period before the talk.

As limited seats are available please book early. If you find you can no longer attend, please as courtesy to others, cancel your ticket on Humanitix or by advising the NZIIA Auckland team by emailing francescalong111@gmail.com.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

-Registrations are required to attend this event. No walk ups allowed.

- Non-members can attend by paying the registration fee of $15.00. Some non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.

-One ticket per person. Each ticket must contain your full first and surname, email address and phone number that matches your ID. 

-All full-time student members must register with NZIIA Auckland branch for a valid registration or pay non-member registration fee of $15.00.

-If, after registering, you are unable to attend the event please have the courtesy to cancel your ticket to ensure other people are able to attend. A waitlist will operate.

-In keeping with NZIIA practice, unauthorised recording of this event (either audio or video) is not permitted. Members and guest are reminded to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Conduct.




 

Contact the Auckland branch

CHAIR - FRANCESCA LONG

francescalong111@gmail.com

We are delighted to welcome members and guests to Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to an upcoming special event "Reflections of 50 Years in the Mexican Foreign Service: A Conversation with HE Alfredo Pérez Bravo".

Join the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) Auckland Branch in collaboration with the Latin American New Zealand Business Council (LANZBC) for a remarkable conversation with the Ambassador of Mexico, whose distinguished 50-year diplomatic career spans five continents, 52 countries, and ten Mexican presidents. In this rare public reflection, the Ambassador shares insights from a lifetime at the centre of global diplomacy, major geopolitical transitions, and the evolution of Mexico’s international engagement.

Beginning his career at just 18 years old, he rose rapidly through the ranks to become the youngest Ambassador in the modern history of the Mexican Foreign Service. His postings have ranged from Sweden during the Cold War, to Washington in the late 1980s, to historic roles as Itinerant Ambassador to 39 nations across Africa and the Middle East. He has served in high-impact positions in Asia, Europe, Russia, and the Caribbean, and today represents Mexico in New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu, while serving as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Wellington.

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear first-hand how diplomacy has transformed—from the era of telegraphs and long-distance cables to the age of social media and public engagement—and how Mexico has navigated these changes.

Join us for an evening of rich stories, memorable photos, practical insights, and a thought-provoking conversation on diplomacy, leadership, the importance of family and Mexico’s place in an ever-changing world.

Limited spaces available, please register ASAP.

The event is free for NZIIA members and $15 for non-members. 

Doors Open: 5:10pm, some non-alcoholic drinks and nibbles will be provided for a short networking period before the talk.

As limited seats are available please book early. If you find you can no longer attend, please as courtesy to others, cancel your ticket on Humanitix or by advising the NZIIA Auckland team by emailing francescalong111@gmail.com.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

-Registrations are required to attend this event. No walk ups allowed.

- Non-members can attend by paying the registration fee of $15.00. Some non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.

-One ticket per person. Each ticket must contain your full first and surname, email address and phone number that matches your ID. 

-All full-time student members must register with NZIIA Auckland branch for a valid registration or pay non-member registration fee of $15.00.

-If, after registering, you are unable to attend the event please have the courtesy to cancel your ticket to ensure other people are able to attend. A waitlist will operate.

-In keeping with NZIIA practice, unauthorised recording of this event (either audio or video) is not permitted. Members and guest are reminded to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Conduct.




 

Membership

NZIIA membership is open to anyone interested in understanding the importance of global affairs to the political and economic well-being of New Zealand.