Bridging Generations: Climate, Values, and the Human Story

As climate change challenges the very fabric of our world, it also pushes us to reflect on deeper questions about meaning, values, and the legacy we want to leave for future generations. In this thought-provoking event, co-hosted by Olivier Vojetta (strategist, writer and cultural commentator) and Dr. Leila Alem (renowned expert in AI and human-centred design), we will explore how climate action is not just about science and policy, but also about humanity’s shared story, moral responsibility, and the need to connect across generational divides.

Through engaging discussions with Diane Delaurens (philosopher and public policy expert), Adam Long ("Cool the Country" initiative) and climate change activists Emily Rowland (Science Director at the Youth Climate Policy Center and co-founder of Erthly Collective, a storytelling platform) and Ray Newland (Founder, Youth Climate Policy Centre), we will delve into the role of storytelling in shaping values around environmental responsibility, while examining how philosophy can offer new perspectives on the meaning of life in the face of ecological crisis. Together, we will ask: how can different generations, each with their own experiences and values, come together to create a more compassionate and sustainable future?

This event invites participants to think beyond practical solutions and policies, and consider how we can foster deeper, more human connections in the climate conversation - connections that transcend age and background to build a collective future rooted in understanding, empathy, and shared purpose.

Join us for an inspiring evening that blends philosophy, science, and human stories to rethink climate action in a way that is deeply personal and profoundly impactful.

Format: Interactive panel discussion with Q&A

Audience: Open to all, with a special focus on intergenerational dialogue in context of climate change

Bios –

Dr. Leila Alem

Leila Alem has 25 + years of experience in partnering with industry to solve complex problems and deliver impact in a range of industries. Her expertise includes designing awards winning digital products and new customer experiences leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, Wearables, AR/ VR and MR and using Design Thinking, Lean Start-up and Agile methodologies. She has over 10 years of experience in entrepreneurship, building new innovation programs and practices to drive client engagement. Leila has an extensive experience in teaching at undergraduate, Master and corporate level both in Australia and overseas. She has taught in the award winning UTS Bachelor of creative intelligence and Innovation, in University of Sydney Master of Design and UTS executive MBA. She won the 2013 NSW State innovation Award in R&D and was finalist of The Women Infotech outstanding Career Achievements Award in 2015.

Leila holds a PhD is in Artificial Intelligence and is a member of the National AI Think Thank.

Leila is an Adjunct Professor in Human Computer Interaction at UTS. She was Principal consultant at Thoughtworks, a global innovation consulting firm, for 2 years and Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO for 23 years.

Diane Delaurens

Diane is a philosopher and public policy expert who has worked for governments, companies and NGOs across France and Australia. Passionate about contributing to a liveable world, she co-founded an association to advance sustainability in the French public service (Une Fonction Publique pour la Transition Écologique) and advised the French think-tank The Shift Project. Her writing has appeared in Le Monde, Esprit, Le Figaro, Usbek & Rica, Slate, and The Montreal Review. She holds a masters degree in Public Affairs, a bachelor in philosophy and is an alumnus of the French Ecole Nationale d'Administration.

Emily Rowland

Emily is the Science Director at the Youth Climate Policy Center and co-founder of Erthly Collective, a storytelling platform reimagining systems through transformative narratives that foster reconnecting with Earth and each other for meaningful change. While pursuing her Bachelor of Science at Macquarie University, she combines science with a visionary and empathetic approach to shaping conversations on climate to inspire connection and collective action.

Ray Newland

Founder of the Youth Climate Policy Centre, a not-for-profit think tank that provides research services to help youth-led climate advocacy organisations and initiatives promote their strategic goals by bringing together policy positions that represent their values and the experiences of their members.

Adam Long

Ad Long is a freelance creator, illustrator and writer. Three years ago, he learned of the "Heat Engine of Australia", the cause of virtually all extreme heat events across the country. A problem no-one was even talking about, let alone looking to solve, even after the Black Summer bushfires and record heat around the world.

"Cool the Country" is what Ad has worked on ever since. He is an expert in none of the science, engineering, landcare or history that the project hinges on, but he has interviewed leaders in their field and shared their collective knowledge.

There are powerful, proven actions Australia can take to mitigate rising heat & bushfires in the summers ahead. We don't need to wait for the rest of the world to reduce carbon emissions, we can act now in our own self-interest by RE-greening the country.

Young or old, on the land or in the city, we all want to cool the country. And we can start on our doorstep, by regenerating the Warragamba Dam catchment area to safeguard Sydney from future droughts and floods. Together.

Olivier Vojetta is a dynamic strategy professional with over 20 years of international experience, having held senior leadership roles in strategic advisory and banking across London and Sydney. A published author and the founder of Philo Bistro, a popular talk show at the Alliance Française Sydney, Olivier is driven by a passion for crafting compelling narratives that engage and influence diverse audiences.

Following a successful career focused on financial services, Olivier has spent the past two years transitioning into the world of complex communications, marketing, and advertising. He currently serves as Client Solutions Director at Yakkazoo, a full-service agency. His expertise lies in blending strategic thinking with creative solutions, helping clients navigate complex challenges and achieve their goals.

Olivier holds a Master’s in Economics and Finance from KEDGE Business School, with further academic experience gained from exchange programs at Boston College and INSEAD. For his significant contribution to strengthening French-Australian relations over the last few years, he was honoured with the French Australian Excellence Award for the Arts and Culture in 2024.

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