Elizabeth Wood

First Secretary, Australian Embassy, United Arab Emirates

2009 - 2011

Diplomat Elizabeth Wood has built an international career advancing Australia’s trade, economic and climate interests on the global stage. She lived at John XXIII College from 2009 to 2011 while studying at the Australian National University, where the independence, friendships and leadership opportunities she found at Johns helped shape her approach to collaboration and public service.

Elizabeth joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and has held a range of diplomatic and policy roles supporting Australia’s international engagement. Her work has included serving as a lead negotiator on the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement, representing Australia in United Nations climate negotiations, and diplomatic postings in Croatia and Serbia. She has also worked on domestic policy portfolios including renewable energy and agriculture. She currently serves as First Secretary at the Australian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, where she has played a key role in strengthening the Australia–UAE relationship, including supporting the negotiation of new free trade and investment agreements and coordinating historic visits by the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.

Alongside her diplomatic career, Elizabeth has supported emerging leaders as an Executive Director on the board of Global Voices, helping young Australians engage with international policy and diplomacy. With postgraduate qualifications in public policy and international trade, she remains committed to building high-performing teams that deliver meaningful outcomes for Australia and its global partners.

Quote

"The harder I work the luckier I get."

- A quote from my late father, Alastair Buchan

All photographs © Bronte Morel 2026 and not to be reproduced.