Future Right Now Symposium

Note: Please arrive 10 minutes prior to enter through Crystal Hall

2025 was the third hottest year since records commenced - following 2023 and 2024, which were the hottest ever. For decades young people in Australia have been at the forefront of efforts to secure environmental justice and address climate change. In the last 20 years they have organised and mobilised at levels never seen before - and in doing so have claimed the right to be seen and have a say.

Yet institutions have been slow to respond, and young people continue to be excluded from spaces of deliberation and decision-making. This limits their influence on government and institutional responses to climate change, to the detriment of human and non-human communities.

Join us at the Australian Museum for a dynamic exhibition of young people's participation in Australian democracy, video presentations, keynote addresses and panel discussions and take part in a Democracy Café, with guided conversations between the public and young advocates, activists, writers, artists, designers and researchers. Hear from public intellectuals, journalists, elected members of parliament and young people at the forefront of campaigns and organisations shaping Australia's democratic future.

Along with a day of talks, there will be light food and beverage refreshments offered.

ARIA Award-winning artist DOBBY is a rapper, drummer, composer and producer whose electrifying live performances have left audiences worldwide spellbound. Proudly Filipino and Murrawarri, with roots in Brewarrina and Weilmoringle, NSW, his debut album WARRANGU; River Story won the ARIA for Best World Album. Known for his signature "drapping" style - blending rapping and drumming - DOBBY has performed at Splendour in the Grass, Bluesfest, the Sydney Opera House, and international festivals across the UK, USA, Germany and the Netherlands, and continues to push the boundaries of Australian music through his fusion of hip-hop, classical and First Nations storytelling.

Learning from Lived Expertise: What is at stake? Why new approaches are urgently needed

Climate Litigator, Organiser, Advocate and Researcher

Varsha Yajman is a former School Strike for Climate organiser and Indian-Australian youth advocate. She has worked across climate litigation, campaigns and advocacy, and speaks to the intersection of race, mental health and climate justice. As a second-generation Indian immigrant, Varsha brings a perspective that centres solidarity with First Nations peoples in Australia and India, and explores what it means to build a movement founded on justice and accessibility.

What happens next? Responding to young people's leadership on climate justice locally and globally

University of Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand and IPCC Author

Bronwyn Hayward is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Canterbury and has served in a number of roles on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). She was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to youth, sustainability and democracy, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, and was named New Zealand Supreme Woman of Influence in 2022 for her work on climate, youth and sustainability.

• Alicia Ball, Western Sydney University (Book Launch)
• Professor Judith Bessant AM FASSA, RMIT (Panel 1)
• Associate Professor Michelle Catanzaro, Western Sydney University (Panel 1, Book Launch)
• Ruku Chikweche, Year 11 Student, Western Sydney (Opening)
• Professor Philippa Collin, Western Sydney University (Opening, Keynote 1 Chair)
• Yehansa Dahanayake (Panel 2 Chair)
• Dobby (Rhyan Clapham) (Special Performance)
• Surabhi Dogra, Youth Jury (Panel 3)
• Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens (Panel 3)
• Professor Bronwyn Hayward, University of Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand and IPCC Author (Keynote 2)
• Eni Lam, Youth Jury (Panel 3)
• Kim McKay, AO, Director and CEO of the Australian Museum (Opening Address)
• Matthew Mowe, Youth Jury (Panel 3)
• Dr Jenny Newell, Climate Solutions Centre, Australian Museum (Panel 2)
• Professor Juan Salazar, Western Sydney University (Panel 2)
• Dr Madison Shakespeare, Western Sydney University (Welcome to Country)
• Dinusha Soo, Western Sydney University (Panel 1 Chair)
• Sione Teisi, Pacific Climate Warriors (Panel 2)
• Lyric Thomas-Pera, Youth Jury (Panel 3)
• Hannah Vardy, ANU student and Duty of Care Campaigner (Panel 1)
• Grace Vegesana, National Director, Australian Youth Climate Coalition (Panel 2)
• Professor Rob Watts FASSA, RMIT (Panel 1)
• Robyn Williams AO FAA, ABC The Science Show (Book Launch, Panel 3 Chair)
• Varsha Yajman, Climate Litigator, Organiser, Advocate and Researcher (Keynote 1, Keynote 2 Chair)

This event is presented in collaboration with