Future Right Now Symposium, Australian Museum, July 2026
Young people have led climate action for decades – yet institutions remain slow to respond. Join advocates, researchers, journalists and parliamentarians for a day of keynote talks, panel discussions and open conversation exploring what a truly inclusive democracy looks like.
2025 was the third hottest year since records commenced – following 2023 and 2024, which were the hottest ever. For decades young people in Australia have been at the forefront of efforts to secure environmental justice and address climate change. In the last 20 years they have organised and mobilised at levels never seen before – and in doing so have claimed the right to be seen and have a say.
Yet institutions have been slow to respond, and young people continue to be excluded from spaces of deliberation and decision-making. This limits their influence on government and institutional responses to climate change, to the detriment of human and non-human communities.
Join us at the Australian Museum for a dynamic exhibition of young people’s participation in Australian democracy, video presentations, keynote addresses and panel discussions and take part in a Democracy Café, with guided conversations between the public and young advocates, activists, writers, artists, designers and researchers. Hear from public intellectuals, journalists, elected members of parliament and young people at the forefront of campaigns and organisations shaping Australia’s democratic future.
Along with a day of talks, there will be light food and beverage refreshments offered.
Tuesday 14 July: 9am – 5pm
Australian Museum
UG, Theatre (enter via Crystal Hall)
Bookings