AEGN Annual Conference 2023

We’re in a critical moment in Australia for climate and our natural world.

With increasing community concern about the dual climate and biodiversity crises, a change of guard at the federal level and plans for net zero underway, now is the time to re-orient and recharge. 
2023 is the first time in three years since we’ve held this conference face to face. It’s also a year of incredible opportunity for funders, with a referendum on The Voice to Parliament for First Nations people set to proceed, a historic review of our nature laws, a bid for Australia to host a future UN Climate Change Conference and the adoption of a new global biodiversity framework. 

Philanthropy and our allies have the power to convert this potential into reality, and we must move with speed, ambition, humility and discernment.

Together with speakers like our keynote, Dr. Bruce Lourie, we’ll be asking questions like:

How do we build on the growing focus and success of the environmental sector, to rapidly and dramatically scale a sustainable future for all? What role will we play as a network uniquely placed to make an impact? How do we shift power towards the communities across the country who are at the forefront of the impacts? What do we need to do differently? 
As the oldest living culture in the world, Australia’s First Nations people have a critical leadership role to play, but we must help deploy resources, learn how to listen better and recognise their agency. 

Bearing all this in mind, this conference will explore the theme of power. How we disrupt it, build it, share it, shift it and use it.

We can influence the pace and the nature of change, so let’s come together and make sure we’re driving transformation with a commitment to justice, integrity and equity towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Full conference program and speaker information will be released over the coming weeks. Buy your ticket now to secure your place at this important event for environmental and climate philanthropy.

*All pre and post conference events are in the same venue – Australian National Maritime Museum Sydney. There is no virtual attendance, some sessions will be recorded and available after the conference to members, more info to come soon!** 

Pre-conference workshops

Deep memory and deep collaboration with philanthropy and First Peoples

Explore how to shift and share power to achieve more effective and enduring outcomes as an environment and climate funder working with First Nations organisations and communities.Be challenged, inspired and moved in this workshop with Mark Yettica-Paulson of Collaboration for Impact. We will examine our deep memory of environmental philanthropy and explore Deep Collaboration practices that might help us to overcome barriers and improve our collaborations between First Nations and other multicultural Australians.

Date: Tuesday 2 May 2023
Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm AEST
Venue: Terrace Room, Australian National Maritime Museum Sydney 

The personal impact of the climate and biodiversity crises: nourishing yourself to sustain effective action

This workshop will take you on a journey through your own feelings about the climate and environmental crises we face, demonstrating the importance of connecting with others at this critical time for action. It will include practical skills you can employ to foster a culture of care and active hope - for yourself and others - to grow and sustain effective action for people and our planet. 

Date: Tuesday 2 May 2023
Time: 2.00pm - 5.00pm AEST
Venue: Terrace Room, Australian National Maritime Museum Sydney 

Welcome drinks 

Date: Tuesday 2 May 2023
Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm AEST
Venue: Terrace Room, Australian National Maritime Museum Sydney 

Conference - two days 

Date: Wednesday 3 - Thursday 4 May 2023
Time: 8.00am - 5.00pm AEST
Venue: Lighthouse Gallery, Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney

Networking drinks

Date: Wednesday 3 May 2023
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm AEST
Venue: Ripples, Australian National Maritime Museum Sydney 

Networking dinner

Date: Wednesday 3 May 2023
Time: 6.30pm - 9.30pm AEST
Venue: Tasman Light Gallery, Australian National Maritime Museum Sydney 

IF YOU'RE NOT YET A MEMBER OF THE AEGN:

The AEGN conference is open to AEGN members, partners and grantmakers with an interest in environment who have capacity to give $25,000 or more annually to any issue (not just environment). Express your interest in attending the AEGN Annual Conference 2022. Provide us with your details, so we can confirm your eligibility to attend and purchase tickets.