Oceans of Hope

David Ritter | Aaron Fa’Aoso | Kal Glanznig | Rebecca Huntley

Australians are a proud oceanic people. None more so than Indigenous Australians who have always nourished Country and lived in balance with nature. But whether it’s swimming, surfing, snorkelling, fishing, exploring the tide pools, walking along the coastline or enjoying the view, Aussies love spending time in and around their big blue backyard.

With the signing of the Global Ocean Treaty, 2026 marks a turning point in protecting our oceans from the ongoing impacts of climate change, overfishing and pollution.

Join Greenpeace CEO David Ritter and Torres Strait Islander actor, screenwriter and producer Aaron Fa’Aoso with author and social researcher, Rebecca Huntley as host. This will be an evening of set talks and conversation that will inspire, motivate and outline a clear path forward for protecting our ocean home. There will also be a special guest appearance from Australia’s Youth Ocean Advocate for COP31 Kal Glanznig, beamed in specially. 

From David’s pitch for how Australia could have the best protected oceans on the planet, to Aaron’s lived experience and storytelling from the Torres Strait, to their conversation with Rebecca on collective action, one thing is already clear: there is an ocean of hope to help make change.

For more information about the event, the speakers and the venue, please visit the UNSW Centre for Ideas website.