CAWSYD26 Opening Day Event
Monday 9 March from 8:30am to 12:30pm
The Opening Day of Climate Action Week Sydney will set the tone for a week of bold ideas, practical collaboration and climate leadership in action. Introducing the themes that will carry through the program, the day focuses on how Sydney — and Australia - can step confidently into a global leadership role.
Bringing together 150+ leaders from government, not-for-profits, research, start-ups, corporates and community organisations, the event will explore the power of optimism and alignment — and why courageous collaboration, from communities to nations, must define the road to COP31 and beyond.
The program will examine how Australia can align local action with global climate strategy — navigating energy transition, fossil fuel decline, and the pathway from COP30 to COP31 through coordinated leadership and cross-sector ambition.
Confirmed speakers include:
The Hon Chris Bowen MP
Minister Penny Sharpe
Lord Mayor Clover Moore
Mary Robinson (virtual)
David Hochschild (California Energy Commission)
Alongside The Hon Matt Kean (Climate Change Authority), Danny Kennedy (clean tech entrepreneur), Kate Williams (1% for the Planet), Christina Hobbs (Future Super), Gerbrand Haverkamp (World Benchmarking Alliance), Saul Griffith (Rewiring Australia), Megan Flynn (Polination), Tish King (Just Futures Collab), Eezu Tan (Climate Writers), Mary Jack (Pacific First Nations Elder & Vanuatu National Grassroots Women's Leader) with Jo Taranto as MC - and more speakers to be announced!
Tickets are limited. A catered morning tea by OzHarvest will be provided and is included in the ticket price.