Program
We live in the critical decade. All planetary indicators point to the collapse of our climate and environmental systems with catastrophic consequences. Millions of people are demanding change, but vested interests with power and money are actively working against the common good. In this defining decade, how can we amplify these voices for good and neutralise the bad; fund big change and shift systems (with incremental change now too small an ask); supercharge partnerships with civil society, governments and business; deploy the most effective funding mechanisms; and identify the pivotal issues to fund? For nature and climate, it’s time for big steps and bold ambition.
An overview of the pre-conference events and full conference program are available below. Speakers are currently being finalised and will be announced as they are confirmed.
Virtual passes are available for Day 1 and Day 2 of the conference, the applicable sessions are noted in the program below.
Tuesday 30 April
| Time | Session | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9am – 1pm | Workshop (ticketed separately) | Advocacy in action: tips and tools for using your power and influence to save the world. More info Speakers Adam Verwey Greg Foyster Dr Joan Staples Isabelle Reinecke Sue McKinnon |
| 2pm – 5pm | Workshop (ticketed separately) | The wisdom of women: inner work for effective action. More info Facilitators Hayley Morris Marike Knight Lucy Richards |
| 2pm – 5pm | Workshop (ticketed separately) | Funding with trust, humility and cultural awareness: shift your First Nations funding to the next level. More info Facilitators Mary Harm Tishiko King |
| 6pm – 8pm | Networking drinks (included in conference ticket) | Join us at Free to Feed (205-211 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North VIC 3068) for drinks, nibbles and fascinating conversations with AEGN members and friends. You are welcome to bring along guests who may be interested in joining the AEGN (just register them via the Humantix ticketing link). |
Wednesday 1 May
| Time | Session | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 8.00am – 8.45am | Registration | Sign in and get ready for the day |
| 8.45am – 9.00am | Welcome to Country | Hear from a local Elder |
| 9.00am – 9.15am | Conference opening | MC remarks and context setting |
| 9.15am – 10.30am | Interview and panel discussion | Catalysing a green revolution: philanthropy’s pivotal role in championing climate and nature legislation for lasting change (virtual pass) Baroness Bryony Worthington has been at the forefront of leading the UK’s response to climate change and deployed philanthropy to shift hearts and minds at the Quadrature Climate Foundation. In this session, Bryony shares her insights on championing climate and nature policy and legislation, outlining philanthropy’s pivotal role, and is joined by Australian sector leaders to apply these insights within the Australian context. Speakers Baroness Bryony Worthington Daniel Sherrell – Senior Adviser on Climate and Energy at ACTU Leslie White – Director, Lockslie Pty Ltd Martijn Wilder AM – Founder and CEO of Pollination Moderator: Nicky Ison – Head of Direct Advocacy at Boundless Earth |
| 10.30am – 11.15am | MORNING TEA | Light refreshments and networking |
| 11.15am -12.30pm | Keynote and panel | Markets aren’t going away – so could it be possible to have a nature-positive Big Mac? Can market-based mechanisms play a role in achieving a future where carbon is removed from the atmosphere and biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used to sustain a healthy planet for all? How do we ensure they work to drive emissions reductions and protect nature? What’s working and what’s not working and what can philanthropy do to ensure the best outcomes? Speakers Dr Ken Henry AC Baroness Bryony Worthington Professor Karen Hussey – Chair of the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee Moderator: Hayley Morris |
| 12.30pm – 2.00pm | LUNCH | Catch up with other members and recharge over a delicious meal. |
| 2.00pm – 2.15pm | Cultural connections | Neda Rahmani (from Cat Empire), afro-brazilian drummer Neda Rahmani’s percussion will transport us, grounding participants in the experiences shared throughout the morning with a rhythmic celebration of our journey together thus far. |
| 2.15pm – 3.30pm | Action sessions | Choose one: Dynamic dialogues and expert insights in our advocacy powerhouse session How do we change the system and change the story for nature and climate? Be part of a dynamic conversation exploring diverse and effective advocacy strategies, with experts focusing on successful campaigns, strategic planning and coalition-building. Speakers Alexandria Rantino – COO of Climate 200 Kirsty Howey – Executive Director at Environment Centre Northern Territory Mark Ogge – Principal Adviser at The Australia Institute Moderator: Sue McKinnon or Right-site renewables: accelerating renewables for nature, climate and resilient communities In the coming decades, billions of dollars will pour into regional Australia to develop the renewable energy infrastructure and minerals we need to act on climate change. Find out what’s happening on the ground to ensure this transformation is a genuine win for the environment, regional communities and First Nations people, as we explore philanthropy’s pivotal role in getting this work to scale. Speakers Andrew Bray – National Director of RE-Alliance Chris Croker – First Nations Clean Energy Network Natalie Frost – Queensland Conservation Council Moderator: Nicky Ison – Head of Direct Advocacy at Boundless Earth or Sustaining roots: funding First Nations organisations in a time of climate and environmental crisis Solutions for achieving a safe climate and protecting nature must go hand in hand with First Nations communities to be successful, just and equitable. Explore what respectful and effective funding and engagement with First Nations organisations looks like and how it evolves. You’ll hear from First Nations communities and organisations at the forefront of gas development, ocean protection and climate change impacts and what they need from philanthropy to be successful. Speakers Beau Austin – Programme Manager at Full Circle Foundation Jack Pascoe – Chief Councillor at Biodiversity Council Joseph Sikulu – Pacific Regional Managing Director at 350.org Larissa Baldwin-Roberts – CEO of GetUp Moderator: Tishiko King |
| 3.30pm – 4.00pm | AFTERNOON TEA | Light refreshments and networking |
| 4.00pm – 5.00pm | Panel discussion | Is it possible to feed the country, protect nature and deal with climate change? Australia has signed up to the Global Biodiversity Framework, committing to protecting at least 30 per cent of our lands and oceans by 2030. Australia has also signed the Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate action at the COP28 in Dubai. What do we need to do to achieve these goals and what is the role of philanthropy? Speaker Moderator: Dr Amanda Cahill – CEO of The Next Economy Dr James Fitzsimons – Senior Advisor, Global Protection Strategies at The Nature Conservancy Jade Miles – CEO of Sustainable Table Suzanne Thompson – Managing Director of YACHATDAC |
| 5.00pm – 5.30pm | Member discussion | The AEGN is a network of members with a shared vision to protect nature and secure a safe climate. What’s our vision for the AEGN so that it thrives? |
| 6.30pm – 9.30pm | DINNER | An inspirational evening for connection, collaboration and delicious food (dinner is ticketed separately to the full conference program). |
Thursday 2 May
| Time | Session | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 8.15am – 9.00am | Registration | Sign in and get ready for the second day |
| 9.10am – 9.30am | Cultural connections | Joel Havea and the Outlaw Ocean Project Soulful Tongan/Dutch/Australian artist Joel Havea brings the mesmerising melodies of the Outlaw Ocean Project to welcome our morning. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic fusion of cultures and environmental storytelling, setting the tone for a day of inspiration and collective action. |
| 9.30am – 10.15am | Keynote and panel | Weaving wisdom: why environmental justice is First Nations justice (Virtual Pass) Leah Armstrong, a Torres Strait Islander and International Funders for Indigenous Peoples’ (IFIP) inaugural staff member in Australia, and Adrian Appo OAM, a Gooreng Gooreng man from South East Queensland and First Nations Lead with a large private philanthropic foundation, are both long-time leaders and champions for First Nations economic empowerment and self-determination. Join Leah and Adrian as they reflect on why First Nations justice and self-determination is critical in achieving a safe climate and thriving natural systems and the role for philanthropy in achieving this. Speakers Adrian Appo OAM– First Nations Lead, Private Philanthropic Trust Leah Armstrong – Regional Manager at International Funders for Indigenous Peoples |
| 10.15am – 11.05am | Keynote and panel | Facts over fiction: countering misinformation surrounding nature and climate (Virtual Pass) Our expert panel delve into strategies for discerning fact from fiction, debunking myths and promoting accurate information to empower environmental advocates in their mission for a sustainable future. Join us to explore the role of philanthropy in fostering media literacy and countering misinformation for a more informed and engaged society. Speakers Peter Greste – Executive Director at The Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom Sharan Burrow AC – Global advocate for human rights, climate action and Just Transition Moderator: Harriet McCallum – Executive Officer at Mannifera |
| 11.05am – 11.30am | MORNING TEA | Light refreshments and networking |
| 11.30am – 12.10pm | Discussion | Revolutionising impact: unleashing philanthropy’s power for environmental and climate wins (virtual pass) Decisions made in federal parliament are critical to securing a safe climate and protecting our natural environment and heritage. In this session The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP will provide an update on the Nature Positive Plan and discuss nature finance initiatives, policy, pathways, and how philanthropy and strategic partnerships can help to deliver outcomes for nature. Speakers The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water Moderator: Dr Julia Limb |
| 12.10pm – 1.30pm | LUNCH | Enjoy a meal and conversations with members |
| 1.30pm – 1.55pm | Cultural connections | Intergenerational climate dialogues – Marita and Teaote Davies share story and performance from Kiribati In this intergenerational climate conversation between mother and daughter, Teaote and Marita Davies, give us the Kiribati perspective on environmental challenges, climate impacts, and the profound connection between culture and nature. This enchanting session weaves together storytelling and performance to foster a deeper understanding of the environmental narrative from the heart of Kiribati. |
| 2.00pm – 2.30pm | Discussion | Revolutionising impact: unleashing philanthropy’s power for environmental and climate wins (virtual pass) Decisions made in federal parliament are critical to securing a safe climate and protecting our natural environment and heritage. In this session Senator Sarah Hanson-Young will discuss pathways and barriers for environmental policy, working across the parliament, and how philanthropy can help deliver outcomes for nature. Speakers Senator Sarah Hanson-Young – Greens Spokesperson on Environment & Water Moderator: Dr Julia Limb |
| 2.30pm – 4.15pm | Action sessions | Choose one: Better together: harnessing the power of collaboration and partnerships There are many ways to collaborate; in this session, funders share their approaches, discussing the benefits, what’s working and why. What needs strategic and collaborative effort now? Experts from NGOs and philanthropy outline three big challenges we’re facing for nature, climate and society. Speakers Blair Palese – Director of Philanthropy, Ethinvest Dr James Fitzsimons – Senior Advisor, Global Protection Strategies at That Nature Conservancy Jim Phillipson, Rendere Trustee and founding member of Nature Impact Collective Ltd Hayley Morris – Executive Director at Morris Group Sue McKinnon – Director of McKinnon Family Foundation Empowering NGOs: unleashing full potential and identifying key capacities for success The NGO sector is the powerhouse for change and strategic philanthropic funding can help transform what’s possible. In this discussion-based session, we ask sector leaders what they need from philanthropy to be as effective as possible. What are the critical funding gaps and how can funders further strengthen the organisations they already support? Speakers Moderator: Louise Arkles – Senior Program Manager at The Ian Potter Foundation Charlie Wood – Senior Strategist, Social Movements at Sunrise Dr Jody Gunn – CEO at Australian Land Conservation Alliance Doing more with our capital How can you use your investments to align with your philanthropic mission? How can you be a shareholder activist and how can you find investments that have a positive impact on the world? Hear from funders and investors who have tested these approaches and can give you guidance. Speakers Adam Verwey – Co-founder & CEO of Sustainable Investment Exchange Susheela Peres da Costa – Principal at The Stewardship Centre Danny Almagor OAM – Co-founder and Executive Chair, Small Giants Moderator: Rachel Ball – CEO at Reichstein Foundation |
| 4.15pm – 4.45pm | AFTERNOON TEA | Networking and conference wrap-up |