Naarm (Melbourne) | April 2026
On the eve of Women Deliver 2026, the world’s largest gender equality gathering, leaders from across climate, policy, philanthropy, business, and civil society gathered at Cranlana in Naarm for an intimate event..
Hosted By Kerry Gardner AM, Deputy Chair of Climateworks Centre, in partnership with the Australian Chapter of Women Leading on Climate and the Myer Foundation, the event brought together a cross-sector group of leaders to reflect on what leadership looks like in this moment, and how we shape what comes next.
At the centre of the conversation was former Australian Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard AC alongside a panel of leaders working across climate, gender equality, and global advocacy.
The event opened with a welcome from Kerry Gardner AM and Sharan Burrow AC, followed by an Acknowledgement of Country from Kuruma Marthudunera woman Josie Alec, grounding the conversation on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.
There was a strong sense of connection to the broader moment unfolding across Naarm / Melbourne, with Josie Alec singing her river song, and with First Nations leaders gathering at Women Deliver pre-conference events in parallel. The Acknowledgement recognised both the place we were meeting, called in the Yarra River, as well as the leadership and knowledge systems that continue to shape care for Country.
In her discussion with Kerry Gardner AM, Hon. Julia Gillard AC reflected on the state of feminist movements globally and the importance of shaping a vision of gender equality that brings everyone with it. She spoke about how phrases like “toxic masculinity” and “the future is female” have, at times, contributed to the perception that gender equality is a zero-sum game — that progress for women comes at the expense of men.
Instead, she reminded the audience that a gender equal world would be a better world for everyone. Gender equality is not only a women’s issue; it is a collective project that requires men to feel included, engaged, and invested in the movement toward change.
As she noted, “the research shows, when we rise, we rise together.” A more equal world creates better outcomes not only for women, but for men, families, communities, and society as a whole.
Her remarks set the tone for the discussion that followed, pointing to the need for leadership that is collaborative, relational, and capable of navigating complexity.
The panel, moderated by Anna Skarbek AM (CEO, Climateworks Centre), brought together a diverse group of leaders working across climate, gender equality, and global advocacy.
Speakers included Josie Alec, a Kuruma Marthudunera woman and First Nations Lead at the Australian Conservation Foundation; Julia Bissinella, CEO of Champions of Change; PeiYao Chen, CEO of Global Fund for Women; and Nalini Singh, Executive Director of Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM).
Together they explored what leadership must look like in a time shaped by climate disruption and growing inequality. Across the world, leadership is falling short while women and gender-diverse leaders continue to be excluded from many decision-making spaces.
Several themes surfaced throughout the afternoon. PeiYao Chen spoke to the importance of resourcing and trusting grassroots movements emphasising that transformative change is already happening in communities and must be properly supported. Nalini Singh reflected on the reality of the “polycrisis” — the interconnected nature of climate breakdown, economic inequality, political instability, and rising health concerns — and the need for responses that recognise these crises as deeply linked.
Josie Alec grounded the conversation in the importance of protecting Country and communities reminding the audience that First Nations leadership and knowledge are critical to any just climate future. Julia Bissinella reflected on the role institutions and leaders must play in shifting cultures of power and creating systems where more diverse leadership can thrive.
Speakers shared an understanding that the solutions already exist within communities, movements, and relationships. The challenge ahead is whether institutions, governments and those in power are willing to listen, share power, and lead differently.
This event was one of many moments bringing people together around the Women Deliver 2026 Conference to bring greater global attention to the interconnected challenges of gender equality, climate change, and environmental justice.
These conversations will continue to inform how we think about leadership, policy, and action in the Australian context and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our partners for making the event possible.
The conversations that began at this event don’t end here.
The Australian Chapter of Women Leading on Climate is building a national network of women and gender-diverse leaders across sectors who are shaping Australia’s response to climate, nature, and just transitions. Connected to a growing global coalition, the network brings together leaders to strengthen relationships, share insight, and drive collective action.
As Australia prepares for a critical period of climate decision-making, including the lead-up to COP31, there is a clear need for stronger connection, collaboration, and leadership across sectors.
If you are in an executive, senior, or influential role and working to shape climate, environmental, or justice outcomes, we invite you to join the Australian Chapter of Women Leading on Climate here.
