Human existence has always been bound with the health of our natural world. What can we learn from how a changing climate has already, for centuries, dramatically shaped the development and demise of civilisations across time? In the 2024 Gandhi Oration, renowned historian and author Peter Frankopan unraveled the historical narrative, framing the natural environment as the crucial factor impacting humankind. ABOUT THE GANDHI ORATION Since 2012, UNSW Sydney has hosted the annual Gandhi Oration celebrating the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi as a champion of human rights. The Oration features discussions on the significant human rights issues of our time. Past speakers have included Senator Pat Dodson, Peter Greste, Pat Anderson, Shoma Chaudhury, Reverend Tim Costello, Rosie Batty and Shen Narayanasamy. Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, and supported by Adelaide Writers’ Week and The Wheeler Centre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This third session of the Accountability in crisis: the rise of impunity as a challenge to human rights explores how to restore public faith in the values and structures underpinning representative government and the role of key stakeholder groups such as business, media and civil society in resisting impunity, reclaiming accountability and reinforcing human rights. Moderator: Natasha Mitchell, host of the ABC Radio National's flagship live events program and podcast Big Ideas​​​​​​​ Speakers: Ed Coper, author, Facts & Other Lies Andrea Durbach, Emeritus Professor and former Director of the Australian Human Rights Centre (now Institute) Helen Haines MP, independent Federal Member for Indi in the state of Victoria Simon Holmes à Court, founder, Climate 200 Shireen Morris, constitutional lawyer, senior lecturer and director of the Radical Centre Reform Lab at Macquarie University Law School​​​​​​​ Presented by the Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this opening session of the 2023 Australian Human Rights Institute conference, Accountability in crisis: the rise of impunity as a challenge to human rights, the panel considers the key conference theme of the elevation of impunity over accountability and the consequences for national democratic institutions and global stability. Accountability and its corrosion is explored through the lens of government, business, media and civil society. The discussion considers whether checks, balances and human rights are seen as obstacles to the exercise of power rather than principles of good governance. Speakers: Jeremy Heimans (moderator), co-founder and Chairman, Purpose Chris Sidoti, international human rights consultant Lenore Taylor, Editor, Guardian Australia Saffron Zomer, Executive Director, Australian Democracy Network Presented by Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This second session of the 2023 Australian Human Rights Institute conference, Accountability in crisis: the rise of impunity as a challenge to human rights, explores the decline of accountability, and the methods employed to protect human rights both in Australia and internationally. Unlike democratically-elected governments, businesses have unprecedented influence which raises the question of whether they should be taking the lead on issues of social significance. Are the media and social media complicit in the erosion of accountability or can they play a role in restoring political and public life? How can individuals and NGOs work together to enhance or recreate effective democratic institutions? Speakers: Justine Nolan (moderator), Director, Australian Human Rights Institute Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, CEO, GetUp! Brynn O'Brien, Executive Director, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) Lizzie O'Shea, Founder and Chair, Digital Rights Watch Siobhan Toohill, Chief Sustainability Officer, Westpac Christopher Warren, media correspondent, Crikey Presented by the Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has the patriarchy always prevailed? We tend to see gendered oppression as a universal truth, but in her radical book, The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule, Angela Saini argues that the history of this deep-rooted hierarchy is a little more complicated… In conversation with UNSW Sydney legal expert Rosalind Dixon, journalist Angela Saini takes us on a journey through time, tracing back through the complex history of the patriarchy – from its origins in the world's earliest human settlements to its global spread across diverse societies. Drawing on the latest research findings in science, archaeology, and cultural studies, Saini dismantles the status quo to reveal how the patriarchy varies from country to country, and culture to culture. Embrace a radical vision for tomorrow with Angela Saini as she looks to a future emancipated from the shackles of inequality. Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and supported by The Wheeler Centre and Canberra Writers Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As our climate continues to change, reducing our carbon emissions and environmental footprint has become the moral imperative of our generation. To achieve this, the Australian Government has set a target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030 and has set a legislated target to achieve net zero by 2050. But what is the role of fossil fuels in this transition? What part can coal and gas play? And how can we build out the infrastructure we need, while keeping the carbon costs low? Speakers: -Host: Dani Alexander, CEO of the UNSW Energy Institute -Dr Kerry Schott AO, Chair of the Carbon Market Institute -Amy Kean, Director of Stride Renewables & Advisory Board Member of the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub -Professor John Fletcher, Director of the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute -Professor Iain MacGill, Co-Director of the UNSW Collaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets Presented by UNSW Engineering and the UNSW Energy Institute as part of the Engineering the Future series, join our expert panellists for a thought-provoking discussion on the rocky road to net zero. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear renowned globally recognised leader in AI and Co-Founder of Coursera, Andrew Ng, in a thought-provoking dialogue with UNSW AI Institute’s Chief Scientist Scientia Professor Toby Walsh, shedding light on the latest trends, challenges, and the future of AI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this first conversation, Creative Disruptions, Vince Frost of Frost*collective is joined by neuroscientist and founder of Future Minds Lab Professor Joel Pearson, intellectual property specialist and Director of Simpsons Jules Munro and Kartini Ludwig Director and founder of digital design and innovation studio Kopi Su. The panel unpack current developments in AI technology exploring what challenges these developments pose for creative practitioners. Presented by the Innovation Hub, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2023 the Judith Neilson lecture was given by Professor Briony Rogers. Australia is at a time of reckoning. Fires, floods, droughts, heat, cyclones – we have realised that business-as-usual is not enough to grow the climate resilience needed for communities, cities and Country. Professor Briony Rogers reveals her pioneering initiatives and rethinks our approach to strengthen Australia’s climate resilience. Presented by the School of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, Sean Turnell was held for 650 days in Myanmar’s terrifying Insein Prison on the trumped-up charge of being a spy. His improbable story as an optimistic economics professor unfolds in his book, An Unlikely Prisoner, where he recounts how he survived his traumatic incarceration. In conversation with Melissa Crouch, a UNSW Sydney Professor who was part of the team advocating for his freedom, Sean shares how he not only survived his lengthy and traumatic incarceration, but also left with his sense of humour intact, his spirit unbroken and love in his heart. Sean's unique perspective coupled with his expertise on Myanmar offers broader insights into the plight of the people and the political prisoners under Myanmar’s newest dictators, and the many human rights issues at play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good theatre holds a mirror up to society, forcing audiences to shine a light on the darkest corners and recesses of society. In these tumultuous times, it’s easy to wonder where is our world headed, and how we might navigate the new obstacles that arise when we get there? Fortunately, British playwright Sir David Hare, is no stranger to pondering these mind bending questions. During his illustrious career he has written over 30 plays often examining the machinations of British politics and institutions, and its these plays that have seen him named, “the premier political dramatist writing in English” by The Washington Post. So how has writing shaped Sir David Hare’s vision for where society is headed? And how might creativity unlock a way to adapt to what the future holds? In discussion with theatre producer Jo Dyer, David Hare speaks about his remarkable career as a playwright, and his creative plans for the future. This event is presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and supported by the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture and Adelaide Writers’ Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world inundated with deep fakes, fake news and misinformation, is it possible to see beyond the tall tales and reach the truth?  Evolutionary biologist Carl Bergstrom believes we can. His book, Calling Bullshit: The Art of Scepticism in a Data-Driven World, serves as a vital tool to unblur the line between fact and fiction in our fast-paced digital age. With provoking insights and analytical prowess, Bergstrom equips us with the critical thinking tools needed to navigate the labyrinth of information flooding our lives. Hear Carl Bergstrom in conversation with UNSW Scientia Professor Rob Brooks as they uncover how to question the reliability of sources, dissect the credibility of data, and hone your ability to discern fact from fiction in our technologically-driven world. Wielding the power of scepticism and a bullsh*t detector as a force for good may be society’s greatest asset and greatest challenge. Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Science. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BioNTech founders Professor Uğur Şahin, M.D. and Professor Özlem Türeci, M.D., in an exclusive conversation with UNSW Provost, Professor Vlado Perkovic, discuss how to translate science into survival by combining fundamental research and operational excellence to develop new immunotherapies. Together with its partner Pfizer, BioNTech led the global COVID-19 vaccine effort with the successful development of the first approved mRNA vaccine, known today as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. But, what’s next? Can mRNA technology change individualised cancer medicine or cure infectious disease? How can scientists evaluate next generation diagnostics and medicines? What type of ecosystem will enable next generation clinical trials at scale? Is it possible to accelerate access to precision medicine for Australians who need it? Hear how these global leaders want to improve the health of people worldwide and their efforts to make it a reality. Presented by UNSW Medicine & Health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From being the second woman appointed to the US Supreme Court until her passing, Ruth Bader Ginsburg's inspiring journey through the legal realm was characterised by her fierce advocacy for gender equality and justice, and provided the backdrop for an evening of conversation about the work, RBG: Of Many, One. Step into the captivating world of theatre and law as we bring together three remarkable women – playwright and legal luminary, Suzie Miller, and acclaimed actor Heather Mitchell in conversation with producer Jo Dyer – who have left an indelible mark on the stage and beyond. Hear them draw back the curtain on the alchemy that gave life to the mesmerising RBG. An engaging conversation that unites their unique perspectives, unveiling the delicate interplay of literary finesse and theatrical brilliance. Presented by UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and Sydney Theatre Company. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2018 Egyptian-Australian writer Lamisse Hamouda had moved to Egypt to study when her life was turned upside down. Her father Hazem, on his way to visit her, was arrested by authorities, accused of sympathising with a terrorist organisation, and sent to prison without charge or evidence for 433 days. In conversation with UNSW Middle East expert Lana Tatour, Lamisse delved into her book, The Shape of Dust, and her experience fighting against the Egyptian prison system as an Australian citizen. Together, they unpack what support the Australian Government provides dual citizens abroad (surprisingly minimal), what cultural identity means for individuals stuck between two cultural worlds, and how trauma can fragment memory, bringing unexpected challenges to the writing process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The way we consume news is changing and traditional media is struggling to keep up with our forever online lifestyles. The Daily Aus is changing that – and fast. With unstoppable co-founders Sam Koslowski and Zara Seidler at the helm, The Daily Aus has cracked the code on resonating with young people, distilling the big news stories of the day into accessible, bite sized pieces. From fearless journalists to savvy entrepreneurs, witness the rise of a new generation that's leaving a lasting imprint. Hear from Zara Seidler and Sam Koslowski in conversation with editor and podcaster Clare Stephens, as they unpack the big business of youth-focused news and reveal how digital platforms are transforming the news landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the treacherous battlegrounds of Afghanistan to the frontlines of the Federal Court, the 110-day defamation trial of Ben Roberts-Smith emerged as a monumental test case, examining the very essence of truth as defence in an Australian defamation trial. This trial marked the first time an Australian court scrutinised allegations of war crimes committed by Australian troops, and highlighted the financial and emotional costs of pursuing an uncomfortable truth in the newspaper. But what comes next? Hear from investigative journalist Chris Masters, UNSW Sydney legal experts Douglas Guilfoyle and Daniel Joyce and host Geraldine Doogue as they unravel the remarkable story of Ben Roberts-Smith examining the highly anticipated trial of the century and unpacking what it means for journalism and justice in Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians love cuddling up to a koala, and spotting a bilby or platypus in the wild. But our sunburnt country has borne witness to the disappearance of scores of native species over the past hundred years – earning us the nickname ‘extinction central’. From the golden bandicoots in the Strzelecki Desert to the platypuses in the Royal National Park, can we save our endangered species through rewilding? Hear from UNSW Sydney’s Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, Professor Richard Kingsford, Principal Ecologist for the Wild Deserts project Dr Rebecca West, Scientia Fellow and Associate Professor Katherine Moseby and Lead Researcher for the Platypus Conservation Initiative Dr Gilad Bino, for a lively panel discussion chaired by ABC journalist Ann Jones as they emphasise the urgency to break free from the confines of traditional conservation approaches to landcare, and highlight the power of rewilding our fragile ecosystems – all before it’s too late. Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Science as a part of National Science Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could psychedelics unlock the answers to managing complex mental health issues? Once associated with cults and hippies, psychedelics are now becoming an evidence-based treatment for psychiatric disorders. In Australia there are numerous psychedelic trials taking place and as of July 2023, psilocybin and MDMA have been made available for prescription by authorised psychiatrists for the first time. This is on the back of ketamine recently being approved for severe depression. Who will get access to psychedelics, and what are the ethical considerations of these treatments? Could new psychedelic treatments revolutionise the way the psychiatrists treat mental health, or has the Therapeutic Goods Administration jumped the gun? Hear from UNSW research fellow and psychiatrist Dr Adam Bayes, Professor Colleen Loo, and Emeritus Professor Wayne Hall as they unpack the stigma, the myths, the benefits, and the path forward in a conversation chaired by Norman Swan. Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, UNSW Medicine & Health and UNSW Science as a part of National Science Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we grapple with a cost of living crisis and increasing individual isolation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, disconnected and downcast. But what if the secrets to unlocking a happier life were right in front of you, and not that far out of reach? Over a remarkable 85 years, the Harvard Study of Adult Development has conducted an unprecedented investigation on happiness. Through this extensive research, led by distinguished Harvard researcher (and TED talk celebrity) Robert Waldinger, the study unearthed a profound truth: the key to a fulfilled life lies not in financial wealth or our work, but rather in the power of our relationships. Hear from Robert Waldinger as he discusses his remarkable study with Dr Stephanie Ward (expert geriatrician on the ABC’s Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds and Teenagers) as they uncover the recipe for a happier life. Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Medicine & Health as a part of National Science Week, and supported by Byron Writers Festival and Brisbane Powerhouse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.