Dr Maria Armoudian gave an overview of challenges in the current media landscape, suggesting that the recent proliferation of visible platforms distributing misinformation around climate issues highlights the failure of communicating climate realities. To counter growing public distrust in science and academic institutions, Maria proposed to reinvigorate a unified effort from universities through global networks such as the International Universities Climate Alliance. Maria suggested that universities could work together to disseminate factual information through a shared media platform, in order to promote climate solutions. 

Dr Binod Dawadi highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries, such as Nepal. Binod emphasised that limited resources, lack of access to advanced technologies, and the constraints and challenges of the physical landscape in Nepal hinder climate resilience and adaptation. Furthermore, the Himalayas are warming faster than the global average, affecting agriculture, hydropower, and tourism. 

Amid these growing climate challenges, Binod called for stronger international collaboration among universities through global networks such as the International Universities Climate Alliance. Binod advocated for joint research, shared academic curricula, and capacity-building initiatives to bridge gaps between developed and developing regions. Highlighting Nepal as a natural laboratory for climate studies, he emphasised the importance of global partnerships with researchers and communities in vulnerable areas. Binod urged for urgent, collective action to advance global climate goals and foster inclusive, knowledge-driven solutions. 

Dr Robert Hortle introduced Tamar Valley Zero, a pilot project by the Tasmanian Policy Exchange (University of Tasmania) and CSIRO aimed at mapping scenarios that emerge from various strategies for transitioning the region toward a net-zero emissions future. Robert suggested that despite Tasmania’s clean energy legacy, a lack of holistic thinking and ineffective community engagement has hindered progress in recent times. A ‘qualitative systems map’ has been piloted to help businesses and the wider community understand and visualise complex synergies, trade-offs and impacts associated with different possible pathways towards a zero-emissions future, at a regional level. Robert told participants that the goal is to build public understanding and support as well as expanding the systems map through community consultation, aiming to foster inclusive, region-specific climate scenario planning.  

Robert also shared the Tasmanian Policy Exchange’s Policy in my Backyard (PIMBY) initiative, aiming to support more informed, evidence-based discussion of Tasmania's major policy challenges.

Prof. Tom Oliver emphasised the vital role universities play in addressing the climate crisis through climate research, including exploring climate impacts on society and strategies for climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as engaging with communities, businesses, and governments. Tom highlighted the importance of diverse disciplines working together – including those beyond the sciences such as the humanities and social sciences – to build real-world solutions. Tom also advocated for universities to work closely with governments, businesses, and civil society to define problems and meet evidence needs. 

Dr Fengshi Wu presented a case study on the complexity of energy transition in the context of resource-rich developing countries, drawing on Indonesia’s complex energy landscape as an example. Driven by national energy security concerns and geopolitical pressures, Indonesia has expanded coal mining, and increased coal use. At the same time, Indonesia has a growing role in supplying critical minerals for renewable technologies, globally. Fengshi called on universities to critically examine and communicate these nuanced, inconvenient truths to inform more realistic and inclusive climate action. Fengshi also noted the complexity of NGOs caught between opposing forces in this complex landscape.  

Dr Lone Sorensen presented on Oxford’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) policy, highlighting how poor communication and weak public trust can derail climate initiatives. Despite aiming to reduce emissions and improve wellbeing, the policy became a flashpoint for conspiracy theories, amplified by social media influencers.  Lone’s research shows how local situations can be shaped by global disinformation networks, turning climate policy into a site for mis/disinformation, and heightening local cultural divides. Lone emphasised the need for more effective community consultation and engagement, as well as improving digital literacy, in order to prevent such polarisation. 

Cara Carmichael shared CU Boulder’s renewed commitment to sustainability, supported by engaged leadership from the university’s new Chancellor. Building on a long-standing foundation of student and faculty initiatives, CU Boulder is now embedding sustainability into education, research, operations, and community engagement as a pan-institutional, integrated initiative. A major milestone is CU Boulder’s selection as host for the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, aiming to foster a global community of practice to learn from each other and collectively advance sustainability practices. Cara emphasised the importance of collective commitment, suggesting that sustainability must be central to higher education’s mission. 

Celia Davidson Francis shared insights from her journey at The University of the West Indies, beginning with founding the UWI STAT Ambassadorial Corps, a student leadership group that has been championing climate action across the Caribbean for 20 years. She emphasised adapting global models for small island climate vulnerabilities and realities, which led to the success of programmes such as the One UWI Responsible Futures Program (OURFP). Celia described how this ‘policy in action’ initiative embeds sustainability across university life—in teaching, operations, procurement, and student engagement. With strong leadership, policy, and student-driven action, UWI has become a model for institutional climate transformation. Celia highlighted that change is possible when leadership, governance, and student ambition align to build a culture of embedded ‘lived’ practices. This, Celia argues, increases the potential for sustainable attitudes to proliferate beyond the university, as students embody sustainable practices and take them into different contexts outside the university setting. 

Sandy Swanson presented a recently published framework by Monash University for mission-oriented research, emphasising that universities are uniquely positioned to help to answer real-world problems, with broad and deep expertise. Speaking from Climate Week in New York, Sandy emphasised the importance of shifting from competitive, siloed research to collaborative, challenge-led initiatives. Sharing the report, University-led Mission-Oriented Research and Innovation, Sandy highlighted key markers of ‘missions’ as: ambitious, goal-focused, solutions-oriented, time-bound, highly collaborative, and impact-driven. Drawing on 12 recent global case studies, the framework is built around seven key pillars that are essential to driving meaningful impact: research excellence and societal impact; transformational leadership; cultivating external relationships and consortia; embracing entrepreneurial spirit; having institutional support for innovation; using ‘tiger teams’ to deliver; and thinking and working politically. By sharing these insights and practical approaches, Monash invites universities globally to learn from its journey, adapt these principles, and accelerate their own mission-oriented research to create a more sustainable, equitable future.