Australia’s Moment on the Global Stage: Philanthropy & COP31

Australia is preparing to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific, and with it comes a once-in-a-generation opportunity. This is our moment to step up as a region, to demonstrate bold climate leadership, and to accelerate global change. But we can’t get there without aligned, courageous philanthropy.

We warmly invite you to join a select group of philanthropic leaders and climate strategists for an exclusive afternoon of connection, clarity, and collective purpose, hosted by the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network, Philanthropy Australia and Groundswell Giving, with the generous support of the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney.

Event Details
Date: Friday 24 October 2025
Time: 1:30pm – 5:30pm, followed by a drinks reception & private exhibition viewing
Location: Meers Hall, Naala Badu, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney

Our Program

• Climate Reality: What the Science Demands - A clear-eyed look at the urgent truths shaping our future.

• The World Is Watching: Australia’s Place in History at COP31 - How a home-ground COP can redefine global ambition.

• Philanthropy’s Role: From Vision to Action - Charting a path for catalytic giving in this decisive moment.

• Special Reception – Private evening drinks reception in the Naala Badu atrium and viewing of the It Takes a Village exhibition.

Speakers include

• Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, Director, Common Threads

• Dr Simon Bradshaw, COP31 Lead, Greenpeace Australia Pacific

• Hasmukh Chand, Strategist, Climate Action Network Australia

• Aunty Rhonda Dixon Grosvenor, Gadigal, Bidgigal, Yuin Elder

• Arielle Gamble, CEO & co-founder Groundswell Giving

• Michelle Gortan, Director, Macdoch Foundation

• Matt Kean, Chair of the Climate Change Authority

• Amanda McKenzie, CEO & co-founder, Climate Council

• Victoria Mckenzie-McHarg, CEO, Women's Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA)

• Yessie Mosby, Our Islands Our Home

• Holly Rankin (Jack River), Executive Director & co-founder, Sentiment

• Claire O'Rourke, CEO, Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN)

• Maree Sidey, CEO, Philanthropy Australia

• Special performance by Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts & screening of Testimony, a film by Maya Newell.

Whether you’re new to climate or already active, this day will provide the insight, inspiration, and connections needed to ensure your giving meets this historic moment.