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Summit Opening Address and Welcome to Country
Keynote Address: Stan Grant

We are thrilled to announce Stan Grant as a keynote speaker for this year’s Annual Summit.

A renowned journalist, author, and thought leader, Stan brings a wealth of knowledge on global affairs, Indigenous rights, and the challenges of modern democracy.

His keynote will offer valuable insights that draw on a range of diverse beliefs for navigating the transitions of today’s world, making this a must-attend session. We look forward to hearing his unique perspective as we explore solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future.

  • Stan Grant (Renowned journalist, author, moral philosopher, thinker, film maker and communicator)

    Stan Grant

    Renowned journalist, author, moral philosopher, thinker, film maker and communicator
Video Address: Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, Treasurer of Australia
Keynote Address: Rod Sims AO, Chair, The Superpower Institute

Join Rod Sims — Chair of The Superpower Institute — as he addresses the accelerating but complicated path to net zero, exploring examples like the tensions over China's affordable solar panels and electric vehicles, and the implications of the USA's Inflation Reduction Act. With no universally accepted global carbon price, nations are charting their own unique “green” paths, each with its own rationale.

In his keynote, Rod will examine different ways of looking at a Future Made in Australia, where the logic described in Treasury’s National Interest Framework is stronger than ever. He’ll also explain why it’s crucial for both the government and investors to focus on and support it to ensure Australia fulfils its role in achieving global net zero goals.

  • Rod Sims AO (Chair at The Superpower Institute)

    Rod Sims AO

    Chair at The Superpower Institute
Panel: Who's Winning the Policy Race: International Policy and Best Practice
Rod Sims AO•Sonya Sawtell-Rickson•Zoe Whitton•Guy Debelle•Nathan Fabian•Manuel Coeslier

The global climate solutions market is booming, with substantial capital available for investment gravitating towards regions with robust policies, as seen in the US, Japan, and Europe. For Australia to remain competitive and avoid jeopardising its economic stability and energy security, it must attract investment and prevent capital flight.

Is Australia's current policy framework strong enough to draw in global capital and retain domestic investment?

This panel will focus on international policy strategies and global best practices and examine how Australia can enhance its policy environment to stay competitive in the international climate solutions market.

Designed for: government relations & policy teams, policymakers, regulators, chief investment officers, strategists, macro economists.

Session Sponsor: Mirova

  • Rod Sims AO (Chair at The Superpower Institute)

    Rod Sims AO

    Chair at The Superpower Institute
  • Sonya Sawtell-Rickson (Chief Investment Officer at HESTA)

    Sonya Sawtell-Rickson

    Chief Investment Officer at HESTA
  • Zoe Whitton (Managing Director, Head of Strategy and Impact at Pollination)

    Zoe Whitton

    Managing Director, Head of Strategy and Impact at Pollination
  • Guy Debelle (Investment Committee Adviser at Australian Retirement Trust)

    Guy Debelle

    Investment Committee Adviser at Australian Retirement Trust
  • Nathan Fabian (Chief Sustainable Systems Officer at PRI)

    Nathan Fabian

    Chief Sustainable Systems Officer at PRI
  • Manuel Coeslier (Lead Expert, Climate at Mirova)

    Manuel Coeslier

    Lead Expert, Climate at Mirova
Morning Tea
Panel: Corporate Climate Engagement: Emerging Challenges and How to Address Them
David Russell•Sasha Courville•Alison Ewings•Alison George

Investor engagement in recent years has contributed to better corporate climate governance, target setting, and disclosure. The focus is now on driving significant decarbonisation. Many investors are strengthening stewardship teams and enhancing internal capabilities to implement effective engagement strategies.

However, challenges remain, including navigating an evolving policy and regulatory landscape, overcoming political and internal pushback, and acquiring the necessary technical and scientific knowledge across multiple sectors and companies.

This panel will explore how investors of different sizes can overcome these challenges and resource their teams effectively, examining strategies such as hiring or upskilling, joining collaborative initiatives, conducting research, and developing data capabilities for impactful climate engagement.

Designed for: Chief Investment Officers, Chief Strategy Officers, Company Directors.

Session sponsor: Australian Ethical Investment

  • David Russell (Chair at Transition Pathway Initiative - TPI)

    David Russell

    Chair at Transition Pathway Initiative - TPI
  • Sasha Courville (Chairperson at Aluminium Stewardship Initiative)

    Sasha Courville

    Chairperson at Aluminium Stewardship Initiative
  • Alison Ewings (General Manager, ESG at QIC)

    Alison Ewings

    General Manager, ESG at QIC
  • Alison George (Head of Impact & Ethics at Australian Ethical Investment)

    Alison George

    Head of Impact & Ethics at Australian Ethical Investment
Panel: The Era of Early Warnings is Over: What Boards Need to Know About the Next Wave of Climate Litigation
Graeme Barry•Jillian Button•Jaqueline Peel•Fergus Pitt

This year has seen significant activity in climate litigation and legal risks, with experts predicting continued complexity here and abroad. Litigation and regulatory prosecutions are now board-level concerns, as cases pose major risks, reshape operating models, and consume resources. Consequences include reputational damage, hefty fines, and a growing risk of directors being held personally accountable.

This panel will examine how the climate litigation landscape has evolved over the past 18 months, its expected trajectory, and the strategies trustees and senior decision-makers need to navigate this shifting legal terrain.

Designed for: chief risk officers, general counsels, trustees, c-suite, senior decision makers.

  • Graeme Barry (Special Counsel, Regulatory and Sustainable Investments at Australian Retirement Trust)

    Graeme Barry

    Special Counsel, Regulatory and Sustainable Investments at Australian Retirement Trust
  • Jillian Button (Partner at Allens)

    Jillian Button

    Partner at Allens
  • Jaqueline Peel (Director, Melbourne Climate Futures of The University of Melbourne)

    Jaqueline Peel

    Director, Melbourne Climate Futures of The University of Melbourne
  • Fergus Pitt (Director - Media and Communications of Investor Group on Climate Change)

    Fergus Pitt

    Director - Media and Communications of Investor Group on Climate Change
Lunch
Panel: Decision Makers: Driving Climate Leadership
Angus Whiteley•Rebecca Mikula-Wright•Tyrone O'Neill•Cate Wood

As the global community works to limit global warming to 1.5°C, executive teams play a crucial role in steering this transition. They are now at the forefront of climate leadership; the decisions made in boardrooms today will shape the planet’s future. Effective climate leadership will not only mitigate environmental impact, but also ensure long-term business resilience and profitability in a rapidly changing world.

What does climate leadership look like, and how can executive teams guide their organisations to make the decisions needed for a successful transition? This panel will explore real-world examples of climate transformations and highlight visionary leaders driving the climate agenda.

Designed for: C-Suite, Trustees and their advisors.

Session sponsor: Stafford Capital Partners

  • Angus Whiteley (CEO of Stafford Capital Partners)

    Angus Whiteley

    CEO of Stafford Capital Partners
  • Rebecca Mikula-Wright (Chief Executive Officer at Investor Group on Climate Change)

    Rebecca Mikula-Wright

    Chief Executive Officer at Investor Group on Climate Change
  • Tyrone O'Neill (Chief Strategy & Corporate Affairs Officer at Rest)

    Tyrone O'Neill

    Chief Strategy & Corporate Affairs Officer at Rest
  • Cate Wood (Chair & Board Member at NFP & Government Boards)

    Cate Wood

    Chair & Board Member at NFP & Government Boards
Keynote Address: The Hon. Matt Kean: Chair, Climate Change Authority: Sector Plans as Roadmaps for Economic Development and Achieving the Highest Possible Level of Ambition

The Australian Government will soon announce a new 2035 emissions target and detailed sector-by-sector decarbonisation plans to achieve it. The Climate Change Authority is the key independent statuary body advising the Government on this target and plan.

The Government’s target and plans will guide capital across the economy. Policies will touch every sector and asset class.

What action from government, business, investors and the community are needed to achieve an orderly transition to net zero emissions?

The Chair of the Climate Change Authority will outline the recent advice to the Australian Parliament on its recommended targets, sector policies and actions are needed.

  • Matt Kean (Chair, Climate Change Authority, Former State Member for Hornsby, Former NSW Treasurer & Energy Minister, Director Regulatory Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, Wollemi Capital of Climate Change Authority & Wollemi Capital)

    Matt Kean

    Chair, Climate Change Authority, Former State Member for Hornsby, Former NSW Treasurer & Energy Minister, Director Regulatory Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, Wollemi Capital of Climate Change Authority & Wollemi Capital
Afternoon Tea
Panel: The Next Nexus: A Story of Nature-related Risks and Opportunities
Estelle Parker•Mark Rogers•Nathan Blundell•Marina Wang•Kuldeep Yadav

While climate risks have become mainstream in business and investment, 'nature' is emerging as a key investment consideration. Many Australian trading partners are enacting policies that will affect businesses exposed to high levels of nature risk. Nature-related investment risk is where climate risk was five to eight years ago but is progressing more rapidly.

With 30-40% of Australia’s economy facing moderate to high exposure to nature risk, including clean water, air, and soil, new global policies will incentivise Australian companies to adopt nature-positive practices. This panel will explore how investors can address these challenges to remain competitive while safeguarding Australia’s environment.

Designed for: senior investment strategists, trustees, senior economists.

Session sponsor: New Forest, Windlab and MSCI

  • Estelle Parker (Co-CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA))

    Estelle Parker

    Co-CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA)
  • Mark Rogers (CEO of New Forests)

    Mark Rogers

    CEO of New Forests
  • Nathan Blundell (Chief Development Officer at Windlab)

    Nathan Blundell

    Chief Development Officer at Windlab
  • Marina Wang (Senior Investment Analyst at UniSuper)

    Marina Wang

    Senior Investment Analyst at UniSuper
  • Kuldeep Yadav (Head of ESG & Climate Research, Australia and New Zealand at MSCI)

    Kuldeep Yadav

    Head of ESG & Climate Research, Australia and New Zealand at MSCI
Fireside Chat: Carbon Markets: The Development of a New Asset Class
John Connor•Sharona Coutts•Greg Sharenow

As economies transition to net zero, well-regulated carbon markets are essential for efficient capital allocation, especially in sectors with limited mitigation opportunities. Compliance-driven markets are also providing new opportunities for investors to explore an emerging asset class.

With COP 29 in Azerbaijan approaching, this fireside chat will delve into how Australian investors can utilise carbon markets to balance opportunities and risks while contributing to real-world emissions reductions. Led by experts in global and domestic carbon markets, the discussion will cover evolving regulatory settings, the importance of transparency, and the need for carbon markets to deliver high-quality outcomes.


Designed for: Senior investment strategists and allocators, business decision-makers, senior policymakers and advisers, senior economists.

Session sponsor: PIMCO

  • John Connor (CEO of Carbon Market Institute)

    John Connor

    CEO of Carbon Market Institute
  • Sharona Coutts (Head of Legal & Policy (APAC) at Viridios Capital)

    Sharona Coutts

    Head of Legal & Policy (APAC) at Viridios Capital
  • Greg Sharenow (Managing Director, Portfolio Manager – Commodities and Real Assets of PIMCO)

    Greg Sharenow

    Managing Director, Portfolio Manager – Commodities and Real Assets of PIMCO
Cocktail Reception
Climate Leaders Dinner and Awards
Day 2 Welcome
Panel: Energy Transition to Net Zero: Achieving Australia's Superpower Status
Monique Miller•Sam Heithersay•Marghanita Johnson•Ian Lieblich•Tsen Wong

By harnessing ultra low-cost renewables, Australia can drive decarbonisation solutions for green metals and critical minerals, exporting embedded green energy to the world. This will stimulate domestic economic growth through investment, job creation, and productivity gains, and help other countries decarbonise their energy systems and supply chains.

For investors to confidently allocate capital to develop new green industries, they need assurance of strong market demand and an ample supply of renewable energy.
This panel will discuss the impact of the Future Made in Australia agenda, and the changing dynamic between industry, energy and trade in the transition to net zero.

Sessions sponsors: Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Fidelity

  • Monique Miller (Chief Investment Officer – Renewables and Sustainable Finance at Clean Energy Finance Corporation)

    Monique Miller

    Chief Investment Officer – Renewables and Sustainable Finance at Clean Energy Finance Corporation
  • Sam Heithersay (Investment Analyst at Fidelity International)

    Sam Heithersay

    Investment Analyst at Fidelity International
  • Marghanita Johnson (CEO of Australian Aluminium Council)

    Marghanita Johnson

    CEO of Australian Aluminium Council
  • Ian Lieblich (Head of ESG at EG Funds)

    Ian Lieblich

    Head of ESG at EG Funds
  • Tsen Wong (Head of Energy Transition - REI Australia at ANZ)

    Tsen Wong

    Head of Energy Transition - REI Australia at ANZ
Keynote Panel: Independent Perspectives on Climate Policy and Politics in Australia
Zoe Daniel MP•Dr Monique Ryan MP•Michael Bones

Since the 2022 federal election, the 'Teal' community independents have contributed to reshaping climate politics and policy in Australia. If some pollsters’ predictions are right, any major party may need to negotiate with them to form government in 2025.

This Keynote Panel – featuring independent MPs Zoe Daniel and Dr Monique Ryan – will explore how Australia’s federal climate policy and politics changed during the 47th Parliament and where they are headed in 2025 and beyond. It also examines what investors can expect on climate policy if community independents hold the balance of power in 2025.

Designed for: Senior investment strategists and allocators, business decision-makers, senior policymakers and advisers, senior economists.

  • Zoe Daniel MP (Independent Member for Goldstein at Parliament of Australia)

    Zoe Daniel MP

    Independent Member for Goldstein at Parliament of Australia
  • Dr Monique Ryan MP (Independent Member for Kooyong at Parliament of Australia)

    Dr Monique Ryan MP

    Independent Member for Kooyong at Parliament of Australia
  • Michael Bones (Senior Manager at Investor Group on Climate Change)

    Michael Bones

    Senior Manager at Investor Group on Climate Change
Panel: A Climate of Transparency: Credibility and Competitive Advantage
April Mackenzie•Tony Campos•Claire LaBouchardiere•Carl Prins•Sarah Gallard

Investors are under growing pressure to be transparent about their climate practices, driven by recent regulatory developments in Australia and New Zealand, including mandatory reporting and greenwashing controls. These regulations push for higher standards of accountability, essential for maintaining the credibility of the climate investment sector and the broader goal of achieving climate targets.

This panel will address how investors can navigate regulatory requirements while balancing transparency and ambition in the face of the climate emergency. Discussions will cover the latest developments in Australia’s regulatory environment, insights and best practices from New Zealand, innovative solutions for leading in transparency, and examples of how investors are effectively communicating their climate goals.

Designed for: Policymakers and regulators, Chief Investment Officers, strategists/macro economists, and government relations/policy teams.

Session sponsor: FTSE Russell and Pathzero

  • April Mackenzie (Chief Executive at External Reporting Board)

    April Mackenzie

    Chief Executive at External Reporting Board
  • Tony Campos (Head of Sustainable Investment, Index Investments Group at FTSE Russell)

    Tony Campos

    Head of Sustainable Investment, Index Investments Group at FTSE Russell
  • Claire LaBouchardiere (Senior Executive Leader, Companies and Small Business at Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC))

    Claire LaBouchardiere

    Senior Executive Leader, Companies and Small Business at Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
  • Carl Prins (CoFounder & CEO of Pathzero)

    Carl Prins

    CoFounder & CEO of Pathzero
  • Sarah Gallard (Senior Manager, Responsible Investments at State Super)

    Sarah Gallard

    Senior Manager, Responsible Investments at State Super
Morning Tea
Panel: Investing in Resilience: The Next $100bn Opportunity
Nicolette Botha•Olivia Kember•Rena Pulido•Andrew Sellick

As climate-related damage and disruption escalate, the impact on Australia’s economy will rise. Increased awareness of physical risks in businesses and investment portfolios could, at some point, cause significant capital flight from vulnerable regions and industries, echoing trends in insurance and banking.

Drawing on new research by IGCC and Energetics, this panel will examine the dynamics for exposed regions and industries, and the actions investors and policymakers can take to get private capital flowing for resilience and adaptation.


Designed for: Banking, insurance, investment professionals, policy decision makers, mayors from exposed regions, agriculture industry, strategists, chief investment officers, risk officers.

Session sponsors: IFM Investors, ERM Energetics and Zurich Resilience Solutions

  • Nicolette Botha (Head of Climate Resilience Services APAC at Zurich Resilience Solutions)

    Nicolette Botha

    Head of Climate Resilience Services APAC at Zurich Resilience Solutions
  • Olivia Kember (Principal Consultant at ERM Energetics)

    Olivia Kember

    Principal Consultant at ERM Energetics
  • Rena Pulido (Head of Sustainable Investment, Australia at IFM Investors)

    Rena Pulido

    Head of Sustainable Investment, Australia at IFM Investors
  • Andrew Sellick (Senior Principal at QIC)

    Andrew Sellick

    Senior Principal at QIC
Panel: The Biggest Investment Mega Trend in History: The Net Zero Transition
Tim Buckley•Alexis Cheang•Persephone Fraser•Alan Hsu

The transition to net zero is the largest economic shift since the industrial revolution, with COP28 calling for a tripling of global renewable energy investment. Achieving this will require a whole-of-economy transformation, unlocking vast investment opportunities, fostering new businesses, and reshaping Australia’s economy. Success will see new projects thrive and investors rewarded, while failure to meet decarbonisation targets could lead to serious consequences for investors and their beneficiaries.

This panel will explore how different investors are approaching the opportunities from the net zero transition, examining challenges and successes at different levels of the investment supply chain.

Designed for: Early-stage investors, all participants in the investment lifecycle.

Session Sponsor: Wellington Management

  • Tim Buckley (Director of Climate Energy Finance)

    Tim Buckley

    Director of Climate Energy Finance
  • Alexis Cheang (Head of Investment Stewardship at NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp))

    Alexis Cheang

    Head of Investment Stewardship at NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp)
  • Persephone Fraser (Ethical Stewardship Lead (Acting) at Australian Ethical Investment)

    Persephone Fraser

    Ethical Stewardship Lead (Acting) at Australian Ethical Investment
  • Alan Hsu (Equity Portfolio Manager at Wellington Management)

    Alan Hsu

    Equity Portfolio Manager at Wellington Management
Lunch
Keynote Address: Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Federal Government is implementing and developing policies that will materially impact on the ability of investors to allocate capital to transformational emissions reductions and adaptation. Investor needs are at the heart of these considerations.

Australia’s Net Zero Australia Plan – 2035 target and sector-by-sector plans – and National Adaptation Plan will be finalised in the coming months. Both are economy-wide plans to ensure Australia remains prosperous and resilient in the decades ahead.

What are the Government’s key priorities in the Net Zero Australia Plan and National Adaptation Plan and what role do investors having in shaping these policies?

The Minister responsible for the delivery of Australia’s net zero and adaptation policies will provide an update on policy development, the Government’s priorities and how investors can influence policy outcomes in line with the best financial interest duty.

Panel: Australia's Next Top Exports: Delivering Green Iron and Steel
James Choi•Tanya Hodgson•Daniela Jaramillo•Frank Jotzo•Rachel Storrs

As the world transitions to a net zero economy, demand for fossil fuels will decline - what is Australia’s next top export? Australia’s economy currently relies on the export of fossil fuels and iron ore. However, with fossil fuels set to decline and steel makers looking for iron ore that can be used to produce green steel, how will Australia retain its position as a key global exporter in a decarbonised economy?

This panel will explore the consequences to our economy if Australia can no longer rely on exporting fossil fuels and high emissions iron/iron ore, and how it can maintain a foothold in the global steel industry by supplying green iron.

Designed for: ESG staff, business decision-makers, senior policymakers and advisors, economists, investment strategists.

  • James Choi (Honorary Ambassador for Foreign Investment Promotion, Korean Ministry of Trade Industry and Energy, Managing Director at J2 Advisory)

    James Choi

    Honorary Ambassador for Foreign Investment Promotion, Korean Ministry of Trade Industry and Energy, Managing Director at J2 Advisory
  • Tanya Hodgson (Manager Business Development and Transactions at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA))

    Tanya Hodgson

    Manager Business Development and Transactions at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
  • Daniela Jaramillo (Head of Sustainable Investing, Australia at Fidelity International)

    Daniela Jaramillo

    Head of Sustainable Investing, Australia at Fidelity International
  • Frank Jotzo (Lead for Australia’s Carbon Leakage Review, Head of Energy, at Australian National University)

    Frank Jotzo

    Lead for Australia’s Carbon Leakage Review, Head of Energy, at Australian National University
  • Rachel Storrs (General Manager - Climate Policy and Advocacy at Rio Tinto)

    Rachel Storrs

    General Manager - Climate Policy and Advocacy at Rio Tinto
Afternoon Tea
Panel: Delivering a Fair and Fast Transition: Investor Expectations on Corporate Just Transition Planning
Natasha Morris•Amanda Cahill•Felicity Ryan•Chris Newton

Companies’ just transition planning is essential for managing social risks during the energy transition. It’s a key element of corporate climate action. But what's needed to enable a just transition in Australia?

This panel discussion will feature recent insights from the Climate Action 100+ regional thematic initiative, offering guidelines for Australian investor engagement on corporate just transition planning. Our panellists will offer diverse perspectives on key considerations, sectoral and regional differences, investor engagement, company responses, and the current policy context.

Designed for: asset owners, corporates, industry bodies, policy makers, community organisations.

Session sponsor: Adamantem Capital

  • Natasha Morris (Managing Director Responsibility and Impact of Adamantem Capital)

    Natasha Morris

    Managing Director Responsibility and Impact of Adamantem Capital
  • Amanda Cahill (Chief Executive Officer at The Next Economy)

    Amanda Cahill

    Chief Executive Officer at The Next Economy
  • Felicity Ryan (A/g First Assistant Secretary, Industry and Investment Division at Net Zero Economy Authority)

    Felicity Ryan

    A/g First Assistant Secretary, Industry and Investment Division at Net Zero Economy Authority
  • Chris Newton (Director - ESG Advisory of Stakeholder Capital)

    Chris Newton

    Director - ESG Advisory of Stakeholder Capital