If co-hosted by Australia and the Pacific in 2026, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) will be the largest climate event and diplomatic exercise held in Australia. More than 30,000 people from 200 countries are expected to attend at a critical moment for climate action. How can such a Conference give genuine voice to the needs, perspectives, and priorities of future generations? How can we get there? Join UNICEF Australia and a cross-sectoral, intergenerational group of leaders for a panel and networking event to address these very questions. Themes will include unpacking meaningful engagement, prioritising marginalised voices, building agency and momentum, and utilising the Conference's intricate processes/structures to best achieve inclusion.

Join us for an insightful panel discussion and Q&A session featuring climate leaders as they explore both the necessity of collaboration in driving climate action, and how to create new partnerships with unlikely allies. We’ll be covering how cross-sector collaboration can unlock innovative solutions and accelerate climate action, how large organisations are leveraging their resources and influence to drive sustainable change, as well as how the climate science community is collaborating with private and public partners to provide critical data, modelling and insights to inform effective climate action.

A panel discussion and audience Q&A full of practical advice to reduce gas and electricity bills by improving insulation and electrifying your home. Panelists will be: - Piroska Bisits-Bullen, Zapcat - Ken Enderby, Solar Citizens - Parramatta Council Sustainability Team (name TBC)

Joins us for a panel discussion follow by audience Q&A on how to cut your building's energy bills and emissions. Panelists: - Piroska Bisits-Bullen, Zapcat - Brent Clark, WattBlack - Parramatta Council Sustainability team (name TBD)

Join us for a panel discussion and audience Q&A on making streets in Western Sydney safer for kids, cyclists and pedestrians. Learn from success stories and practical advice to push for change in your neighbourhood. Panelists: - Sara Stace, Better Streets - Jennifer Kent, University of Sydney - Parramatta Council Transport team (person TBD)

The forum is for anyone who lives, works or studies in the LGA to find out what the council is doing to transition to net zero and to adapt to a changing climate. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion after the presentation.

As the world transitions away from a wasteful, extractive economy, circular business models are emerging as the key to building a more sustainable and resilient future. But what does it take to design a successful circular business? How do circular startups stand out against traditional, linear competitors? And what impact do they create for people and the planet? Boomerang Labs and Leila Alem invite you to a thought-provoking session during Sydney Climate Action Week, where we will explore how businesses are integrating circular economy principles to drive innovation, reduce waste, and unlock new market opportunities. The event will begin with two startup founders sharing their journeys in launching and scaling circular businesses. These speakers will discuss the challenges and opportunities of creating solutions that regenerate resources, extend product lifecycles, and create measurable environmental and economic benefits. Next, Boomerang Labs will present an overview of circular economy business models, highlighting key frameworks, successful case studies, and the broader impacts of transitioning to a circular system. This scenesetting will provide valuable context for the interactive workshop that follows. The second half of the event will be a facilitated workshop led by Boomerang Labs and Leila Alem. Attendees will work in small groups to analyse real-world circular business case studies and explore the circular opportunities for their own organisations to thrive. The workshop will include group discussions and exercises to: Identify the value proposition of each business and how it differs from linear competitors. Assess the efficiency and competitiveness of the circular model in terms of market demand, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. Explore the social and environmental impact, measuring how these businesses contribute to sustainability, climate action, and economic resilience. This session is designed to be highly interactive, offering hands-on learning opportunities for entrepreneurs, sustainability professionals, and business leaders. Whether you're already working in the circular economy or looking for ways to integrate sustainability into your business strategy, this event will provide actionable insights and a deeper understanding of circular innovation. Join us to connect with like-minded changemakers and discover how circular solutions can drive long-term success in a climate-conscious world.

Let’s round out the work week by diving into the power of our finances to shape a world that’s better for climate, nature and people - accompanied by good food and drink, of course! Ethical trading and shareholder activism startup SIX, together with leading ethical investment advisors Ethinvest are partnering up and would love you to join us. Here’s what to expect: - We’ll ease into the afternoon with nibbles, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options provided) and networking. - Enjoy a short and sweet panel discussion hosted by Blair Palese (Director of Philanthropy, Ethinvest) exploring how ethical investing and shareholder activism is for all of us, whatever amount of money you may have to play with! Blair will be joined by Adam Verwey (CEO and co-founder, SIX), Trevor Thomas (Managing Director, Ethinvest) and Christina Hobbs (co-founder of Verve Super). - We’re in talks with the Green Music Australia team to organise a musician to finish out the afternoon with a short performance. This event is open to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned ethical investor and/or shareholder activist, have just started dabbling in the space, or don’t know what it’s about but would like to learn. We hope you’ll step away from this conversation feeling inspired on how to use your money for good - and excited to be part of this big community of Ethinvest, SIX and many others using finance to create change.

Connect @ Tech Central brings together key decision makers, businesses, universities, investors, supporters, government and stakeholders to showcase activity from across the Tech Central Innovation precinct.