UNSW Pathways to COP31

This internal event convenes UNSW’s climate-engaged research, professional, and student community to strengthen our collective contribution to global climate action and our institutional presence at COP31. Participants will hear reflections from the UNSW COP30 delegation, alongside insights from colleagues engaged in pre-COP work with the Pacific.

Through facilitated thematic discussions, participants will contribute to shaping UNSW’s strategic approach to COP31, identifying key priorities, opportunities for engagement, and pathways to meaningful societal impact. The event provides a space to connect expertise across disciplines, foster collaboration across the University, and articulate how UNSW can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

The first part of the event will be available online; however, due to room limitations, we cannot guarantee audio quality. The thematic table discussions will be available in person only. We strongly encourage in-person participation to support discussion and collaboration.

BYO Lunch

PROGRAM

12:00 – 12:10 | Welcome and Opening

• Jane Sloane – Director of UNSW Global Policy Initiative (GPI)
• Pro-Vice Chancellor Societal Transformation & Equity, Prof. Melanie Schwartz 

12:10 – 12:30 | Panel: Insights from the UNSW COP30 Delegation

• Assoc. Prof. Brett Biles (DVC Indigenous)
• Assoc. Prof. Rahman Daiyan (Minerals & Energy Resources - Engineering)
• Prof. Fengshi Wu (School of Social Sciences - ADA)
• Dr. Tatiana Trevisan (Industry & Innovation)

12:30 – 12:40 | IUCA and Pathways to COP31 (Jane Sloane, GPI)

• Overview of IUCA engagement and opportunities for UNSW participation.

12:40 – 1:00 | Engagement with the Pre-COP in the Pacific

• Ms Eliza Northrop (Centre for Sustainable Development Reform)
• Dr. Wesley Morgan (Institute for Climate Risk & Response and Australian Human Rights Institute)

1:10 – 1:40 | Thematic Table Discussions (Jane Sloane, GPI)

• Co-designing UNSW’s COP31 strategy: identifying priorities, opportunities, and pathways for impact. Table themes & leaders:
  • Adaptation and just transition – Scientia Professor Jane McAdam (School of Global & Public Law - L&J)
  • Circular Economy – Gabriella Nunes (Trailblazer for Recycling & Clean Energy - I&I)
  • Climate-resilient cities – Prof. David Sanderson (School of Built Environment - ADA)
  • Clean energy transition – Prof. Iain Macgill (School Electrical Engineering & Telecom - ENG)
  • Food security – Associate Professor Monika Barthwal-Datta (School of Social Sciences - ADA)
  • Indigenous Rights and Knowledge – Prof. Heidi Norman (Arts, Design & Architecture - ADA)
  • Oceans and seas – Ms Eliza Northrop (Centre for Sustainable Development Reform)

1:40 – 1:55 | Plenary Sharing and Synthesis

• Report back from tables and identification of key themes.

1:55 – 2:00 | Closing Reflections and Next Steps

• Summary and outline of next steps.