Southeast Asia–Australia Climate Dialogues
Description
The Southeast Asia–Australia Climate Dialogues is a free, half-day hybrid initiative that brings together researchers, educators, students, young people, practitioners, policymakers, and community voices from Australia and Southeast Asia to advance climate change education and regional climate action.
Guided by a central question in climate change education — How can we cultivate learning environments where diverse knowledges, experiences and perspectives meaningfully shape our collective response to a global climate crisis? — the Dialogues create a space for regional knowledge exchange, critical reflection and interdisciplinary collaboration across generations and geographical contexts.
Held in the aftermath of COP31, the programme combines structured networking, two interdisciplinary panels, storytelling and a documentary film screening. Panel 1 explores climate justice, education, law and civil society, while Panel 2 examines how media, popular culture and creative practice shape public understandings of climate change. The programme closes with a screening of Culture, Country and Carbon: An Exchange Across the Timor Sea, an 18-minute documentary by Dr Lisa Palmer examining Indigenous governance and carbon markets across Timor-Leste and Australia.
Whether you join us in person or online, you will leave with new connections, fresh perspectives, and access to a Climate Change Education Resource Pack featuring slides, a recording, and selected resources to support continued teaching, learning, and community engagement.
This event is the culminating project of Camille Rose Carl Mendoza, Lead Convenor and Wattle Fellow at the Faculty of Education, The University of Melbourne, funded by the Wattle Fellowship and delivered in collaboration with:
Free to attend. Registration essential. Places are limited.
Images: SWISP Lab (2026), Stitching Climate Stories Banner (detail). Artist-in-residence, Anna Farago; and Wattle Fellowship Photographs.
FAQs
- Is this event free?
Yes. The Dialogues are free to attend. Registration is required because space is limited.
- Is this event hybrid?
Yes. You can attend in person at the Manhari Room, Melbourne Connect, or join online. We'll send the link to registered participants before the event.
- Who is this event for?
The Dialogues welcome researchers, educators, students, young people, practitioners, policymakers, civil society organisations, media scholars, and community voices from Australia and Southeast Asia, as well as anyone interested in climate change education/action.
- Do I need any prior knowledge of climate change to attend?
No. The Dialogues are designed to be accessible and interdisciplinary, welcoming participants from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of familiarity with climate change.
- I cannot attend on the day but I am interested in the recordings and resources. Can I still register?
Yes. If you can't attend in person or online on the day but would like to receive the event recording, presentation slides, and the Climate Change Education Resource Pack, or stay connected through the Inter-Institutional Sustainability Network, register for an Online Attendance ticket. You will receive all post-event materials and updates directly to your inbox.
- Will the event be recorded?
Yes. With the panellists' permission, we will share a recording with registered participants after the event, along with a Climate Change Education Resource Pack featuring presentation slides, selected readings, and practical ideas for teaching, learning, and community engagement.
- What is the Climate Change Education Resource Pack?
A collection of presentation slides, an event recording, selected readings, and practical ideas for teaching, learning, and community engagement to be shared with all registered participants after the event.
- What should I expect from the programme?
The programme includes structured networking, two interdisciplinary panels, a documentary film screening and moderated discussions. Speakers offer focused 10-minute contributions in a TED Talk-inspired format, followed by audience Q&A.
- I am based in Southeast Asia. Can I still participate?
Absolutely. The hybrid format supports participation from across Southeast Asia and beyond. You are warmly encouraged to join online.
- How do I join the Inter-Institutional Sustainability Network?
You can indicate your interest in joining the network when you complete your registration form. The network connects researchers, educators, practitioners, and community members and provides updates on research, teaching initiatives, and collaborative opportunities.
- Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please get in touch with Camille Rose Carl Mendoza at mendoza.c@unimelb.edu.au.
Welcome Speakers
Dr Jason Beech
Assistant Dean of Sustainability and Associate Professor of Global Policies in Education Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne
Fiona Hoggart
Head, ASEAN–Australia Centre, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Canberra
Yohannes Jatmiko Heru Prasetyo
Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia
Atty. Rachel Anne Herrera
Climate Change Commission, Republic of the Philippines
Panel 1: Climate Justice, Education, Law and Civil Society
Dr Justin See
Lecturer in Development Studies, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Melbourne
Dr Liberty Pascua de Rivera
Vice-Chancellor Research Fellow, Faculty of Education, Southern Cross University; Lead Author, IPCC Seventh Assessment Report (AR7)
Dr Nina Araneta-Alana
ARC Laureate Research Fellow, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne
Dave Rubite
Master of Environment, The University of Melbourne | Youth Climate Researcher & Organiser, Climate Writers
Panel 2: Climate Crisis, Media and Popular Culture
Dr Jason Telles
Executive Director, Southeast Asian Media Studies Association (SEAMSA)
Dr Wendi Li
Monash Climate Communication Hub, Monash University
Film Screening
Dr Lisa Palmer
Professor in Environmental Studies, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne | Director, Culture, Country and Carbon: An Exchange Across the Timor Sea
Agenda
- 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Registration and Welcome Coffee
- 9:00 am - 9:03 am
Acknowledgement of Country
- 9:04 am - 9:30 am
Climate Connection Exchange — Structured Networking
- 9:35 am - 9:50 am
Welcome Remarks
- 9:50 am - 10:55 am
Panel 1: Climate Justice, Education, Law and Civil Society
- 10:55 am - 11:10 am
Morning Tea and Networking
- 11:10 am - 12:00 pm
Panel 2: Climate Crisis, Media and Popular Culture
- 12:00 pm - 12:18 pm
Film Screening: Culture, Country and Carbon: An Exchange Across the Timor Sea
- 12:18 pm - 12:25 pm
Film Q&A, Discussion and Reflection
- 12:25 am - 12:30 pm
Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
