Climate Mobility with Dignity: Why do we need a climate mobility sector in Australia?

As global climate impacts intensify, with particularly acute effects across the Pacific, and with a potential ‘Pacific COP’ on the horizon, this event shines a light on the complexities of climate mobility in our region. Join us for a timely conversation exploring the urgent and growing challenge of climate-related displacement, with a focus on pathways to Australia and the challenges facing those who seek to build a future here.

How should Australia respond to the complex needs and challenges of our regional neighbours on the frontline of the climate crisis? Is Australia prepared to provide just and dignified pathways and settlement support to those displaced by climate change and disasters?

We are honoured to be joined by...

‘Alopi Latukefu - Director, Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education
Najeeba Wazefadost - Founder/Executive Director, Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR)
Nishadh Rego - Head of Climate, UNICEF Australia
Professor Jioji Ravulo - Professor and Chair of Social Work and Policy Studies, University of Sydney
Amelia Savage - Head of Policy, Advocacy and Communications, Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) Australia
Charlotte Evans - Community Engagement Coordinator, JRS Australia (moderator)

This event is the first in a series by the Climate Mobility Collective, an initiative by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia, the Edmund Rice Centre, and the Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR). This emerging advocacy coalition seeks to address the growing challenge of climate displacement, and the pressing need for awareness, preparedness, and just, compassionate responses within the Australian context.

What lessons can be learnt from the refugee resettlement sector, for the complexities of climate mobility? How can we move beyond siloed thinking and acting? Whose voices are being heard?

The Climate Mobility Collective seeks to provide space for experiences and learnings to be shared between the traditional displacement sector and the emerging climate mobility sector. We aim to provide opportunities for connections, to build bridges across silos, and develop shared advocacy priorities. Most importantly, we also strive to create platforms and spaces for meaningful participation of affected communities to contribute to the dialogue, solutions, and advocacy agenda.

Meet our speakers...

‘Alopi Latukefu is currently Director for the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education - a global centre for social justice and advocacy leadership. The Centre has traditionally worked in areas including Indigenous, rights, reconciliation, and self-determination; refugees and people seeking asylum rights and recognition in Australia and the issues of climate justice and climate leadership in the Pacific. Prior to joining the Centre ‘Alopi had a long career in DFAT and Australia’s development program, was chief staff to a Minister in the Commonwealth and prior to that held leadership roles outside of government including as CEO of Goolarri Media Enterprises. He has also worked and held other roles in the university and research sectors.

Najeeba Wazefadost is the founding member of several global refugee-led initiatives, including the Founder/Executive Director of APNOR, the only region-wide refugee-led network in the Asia Pacific region. Leading from her own wisdom and refugee experience, Najeeba works across research, policy, and programming, always centring lived experience.

Nishadh Rego is the Head of Climate at UNICEF Australia, driving the organisation's climate roadmap, and overseeing cross-organisational projects in policy, advocacy, fundraising, and meaningful engagement of children and young people in climate policymaking, including at COP 28 and COP 29. Nishadh has more than 10 years' experience working with people affected by conflict, displacement, violence, and homelessness, in overseas and domestic contexts.

Professor Jioji Ravulo is Professor and Chair of Social Work and Policy Studies at The University of Sydney, and an Adjunct Professor at The University of the South Pacific. His father is iTaukei (indigenous) Fijian, and late mother is Anglo Australian. Jioji’s research, writing and areas of interest include mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, young people, educational engagement, decoloniality and critical Whiteness. He has been involved and invited to author over 100 publications, including peer reviewed journal articles, scholarly book chapters, research reports, and opinion pieces.

Amelia Savage is the Head of Policy, Advocacy and Communications where she leads the organisation's efforts to influence systemic change through rights-based advocacy, public engagement, and strategic communications. In this role, she also steers the organisation’s emerging work on climate mobility, with a focus on the regional impacts of climate-related displacement and the need for just and coordinated responses. With over a decade of experience in the refugee sector, Amelia brings a deep commitment to justice, dignity, and lived-experience leadership, striving to amplify the voices of affected communities in the mission of building a more welcoming and inclusive Australia.

Charlotte Evans is a climate justice advocate whose research has explored climate mobility, with a focus on the Pacific region. She completed a climate displacement internship with JRS Australia in 2023, before returning to the UK to complete a Master’s in Anthropocene Studies at the University of Cambridge. Charlotte has re-joined JRS Australia’s Policy, Advocacy, and Communications team as the interim Schools and Community Engagement Coordinator, where she hopes to raise awareness in the community, particularly by reaching young people. She strives to care for our common home, seek social and ecological justice, and ensure safety and dignity for all people.