Investing at the Intersection: Nature, Communities and Climate
Description
Across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, extreme weather, declining ecosystem health and growing pressure on natural resources are undermining food and water security, threatening livelihoods and placing decades of international development progress at risk.
Nature-based solutions offer a practical, evidence-backed approach to addressing multiple development challenges at once.
Join the Australian International Development Network (AIDN) and WWF-Australia for this breakfast session exploring how philanthropy can achieve greater impact across community sovereignty and wellbeing, sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.
While the case is strong that nature-driven approaches can improve livelihoods, build resilience and support long-term outcomes, investment has yet to match the scale of opportunity. This session brings together funders, practitioners and sector leaders to unpack what is holding progress back - and what it will take to move faster.
Designed for those involved in philanthropy, international development and social impact, the discussion will move beyond traditional silos to explore how funding may be directed more effectively, and where new opportunities for collaboration exist across our region and beyond.
Be part of this candid, experience-led conversation that will challenge conventional approaches to impact and reveal new pathways for delivering meaningful, lasting outcomes for people and planet.
Please Register Now to reserve your seat.
Event details:
Time: Doors open at 7.15am. A light breakfast will be available from 7.30am before presentations start. The event will wrap up by 8.50am.
Location: Emporium Hotel South Bank, 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane, QLD
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access and lifts throughout. If you have any accessibility requirements or questions, please let us know.
Panel
Panel facilitator: Nicole Forrester, Chief Regenerative Officer, WWF-Australia
Nicole Forrester leads WWF-Australia’s strategy to Regenerate Nature by 2030. A proud Wiradjuri woman, Nicole has more than 20 years’ experience spanning sustainability, innovation, government, international affairs and community engagement. She is passionate about advancing inclusive conservation and regenerative thinking.
Darrell Wade, Co-Founder & Chair of Intrepid Travel and the Intrepid Travel Foundation; Chair of Philanthropy Australia; Chair of the Dawn Wade Foundation
Darrell is a passionate advocate for sustainable business and philanthropy and has spent more than three decades building organisations that create positive impact for people, communities and the environment. He is widely recognised for his leadership in responsible business, social enterprise and giving, and is committed to advancing innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
Monique Andrew, Executive Director, Transition Accelerator
With more than 15 years’ experience across investment, strategy and law, Monique works to unlock capital for climate and nature solutions. As Executive Director of the Transition Accelerator, an initiative of Trawalla Group, she focuses on using catalytic capital and innovative financing models to scale impact. Alongside her role at Transition Accelerator, she is an investment committee member of the Trawalla Group, a Director of the Harris Family Foundation and a strategic adviser to E&P Financial Group. Her career has spanned executive and advisory roles across Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, helping organisations navigate complex challenges and drive long-term systems change.
Kesaya Baba, Senior Manager, COP31 Strategy and Partnerships, WWF-Australia
Kesaya is a climate and human rights advocate with experience across the Pacific, Southeast Asia and Australia. She has worked at the intersection of climate policy, international development and community engagement, with a strong focus on ensuring Indigenous Peoples and local communities have a meaningful voice in decision-making. Through her work with Oceania First Voices, Kesaya champions the leadership, knowledge and lived experience of communities on the frontlines of climate change.
Alan Burrell, Founder, Burrell Family Office
As Founder of Burrell Family Office and volunteer Managing Director of Mercy Ships Australia, Alan Burrell works at the intersection of capital, partnerships and social impact. With more than two decades of experience across philanthropy, private capital, humanitarian action and international development, he works across the Indo-Pacific and globally to mobilise resources and build partnerships between philanthropy, government, business and communities. His work spans global health, food security, regenerative agriculture and community resilience, with a particular interest in catalytic philanthropy, capital stacking and how different forms of capital can work together to unlock sustainable development outcomes.
Libby Owen-Edmunds, Private Sector Development specialist
With 25 years’ experience spanning philanthropy, development, government and the private sector, Libby works at the intersection of systems change, investment and community impact. Her work across Asia and the Pacific has focused on shaping partnerships and investment approaches that deliver measurable outcomes for people and nature. She brings deep expertise in aligning community priorities, sustainable development and capital to create lasting impact.
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