An international climate adaptation conference will bring together the world’s top scientists, Indigenous scholars and policymakers in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand in 2025. Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) will host the 8th Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025) in 2025, which is part of the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP). The conference is set to convene 1,500 delegates at AF2025 online and in person to discuss climate adaptation. WASP Secretariat head Maarten Kappelle announced the 2025 winning bid to host at the Adaptation Futures conference in Montréal, Canada, 2-6 October. His announcement was followed by an official host handover led by representatives of the Indigenous People of Canada and mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri from New Zealand. Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Lisa Tumahai and deputy high commissioner of New Zealand to Canada Kirsty Pelenur formally accepted the host handover of the conference. Tumahai acknowledged the vital role of inclusive approaches to climate-resilient development, which AF2025 will recognise by drawing on Indigenous and local knowledge and special relationships with mana whenua, to advance a fairer, more liveable, and sustainable future for all. UC distinguished professor Steven Ratuva and professor Bronwyn Hayward and professor Shaun Ogilvie played a vital role in securing the bid for this conference and are co-convenors of AF2025. “We look forward to hosting this important conference alongside our partners,” says UC Tumu Whakarae | vice-chancellor professor Cheryl de la Rey. Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy added: “Hosting conferences is a key part of Tourism New Zealand’s strategy to attract high-quality visitors who positively contribute to our environment, communities, culture and economy.” The conference will be held at Te Pae Christchurch which holds environmental Toitū Gold standard and New Zealand Qualmark accreditations. Ali Adams, chief executive of ChristchurchNZ says, “I am delighted that Ōtautahi Christchurch will welcome the WASP community here in 2025. For a place deeply connected to the natural environment, we are thrilled that such future focused delegates will be able to experience all our revitalised city has to offer.” AF2025 includes six special events to showcase and advance knowledge in:
- Indigenous innovation: Indigenous leadership and knowledge for transformation
- Cities: Climate-resilient development solutions for urban governments and communities
- Biodiversity and food: Ecosystem health and agricultural innovation for food-water-energy nexus
- Arts: The role of performance and creative arts for adaptation
- Youth: Global Talanoa connecting high-school students, teachers and young activists
- Capacity building: Early career development workshops for researchers and practitioners
Find out more about AF2025 here. Photo: UC distinguished professor Steven Ratuva, professor Bronwyn Hayward and profesor Shaun Ogilvie, co-convenors of AF2025
