The forum will be held in Melbourne on 8 August and here we preview important highlights of the program sessions and expert speakers. Set aside the day to join your peers for an insightful day at Australia's largest climate event for directors - bringing together leaders, experts, policymakers and investors to strengthen governance capabilities, better understand climate risks and unlock strategic value from the net zero transition. Secure your in-person or virtual ticket today. Register now for the Climate Governance Forum 2025.
Climate governance is a central focus for many Australian boards. As climate risks become increasingly visible and the transition accelerates, directors are engaging more deeply with strategy, disclosure and long-term planning.
The Climate Governance Forum 2025 will bring together experienced directors, regulators and experts to explore how boards are responding – enhancing oversight, meeting rising expectations and positioning their organisations for sustainable growth.
Program highlights
This year’s forum focuses on translating ambition into action. Through keynote addresses and sector-specific panels, you’ll gain practical insights into how boards are strengthening climate governance, advancing reporting maturity and aligning organisational strategy with investor and stakeholder expectations.
Tom Pockett MAICD, Chair of IAG and Stockland, will open the day with insights on navigating climate complexity across insurance, property and financial services – and what effective board leadership looks like in this shifting environment.
In a flagship panel, The Hon Matt Kean (Climate Change Authority), Vanessa Sullivan GAICD (AGL Energy and CSIRO), and Geoff Summerhayes GAICD (Zurich Australia and Heartland Bank) will examine how boards are turning climate ambition into strategy, and where new expectations are emerging from global capital markets.
Insights to support your oversight role
- Mandatory climate reporting – Gain practical insights from directors and legal experts on year one of implementation, featuring perspectives from Rebecca McGrath AM FAICD (Macquarie Group), Kate O'Rourke (ASIC), Tim Stutt (Herbert Smith Freehills) and Rebekah Cheney GAICD (Deloitte).
- Financing the transition – A high-calibre panel that includes Penny Bingham-Hall FAICD (Fortescue), Michael Ullmer AO FAICD (Westpac), and Zoe Whitton (Pollination) will explore how organisations are aligning decarbonisation strategies with financial performance and investor engagement.
- Scientific literacy for directors – Professor Emeritus David Karoly will provide a focused briefing on climate science - tipping points, thresholds and physical risks most relevant to Australian organisations and their supply chains.
New sectors, fresh perspectives
The forum will also examine how climate governance is being embedded in Australian sport, from the grassroots to the major professional leagues. Hear from Andrew Fraser GAICD (Motorsport Australia; Brisbane Broncos), Tom Campbell (Footy for Climate), and Kate Roffey AM GAICD (State Sport Centres Trust) as they discuss strategy, operations and community engagement in this high-profile sector.
And in a forward-looking discussion, Barry Sterland PSM (Productivity Commission), Tony Wood MAICD (Grattan Institute) and Jeremy Cooper (MinterEllison) will explore how climate strategy can drive innovation, productivity and growth.
The Climate Governance Forum is Australia's only event dedicated to climate strategy and oversight for directors.
In person (Melbourne): Engage directly with panellists and fellow directors and experts
Virtual: Join online with full access to sessions and interactive Q&A
Equip your board with the insights and tools needed to lead through the transition Register today for the Climate Governance Forum 2025.
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