The University of Canterbury will host an international climate adaptation conference in 2025, featuring the world’s top scientists, indigenous scholars and policymakers.
The eighth Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025), which is part of the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP), is set to attract 1500 of the world’s leading scientists and practitioners, national, industry and community leaders, youth, educators and communicators to the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre from October 28 to November 2 2025.
Delegates will join AF2025 online and in person to discuss climate adaptation.
WASP secretariat head Maarten Kappelle announced the 2025 host at the Adaptation Futures conference in Montréal, Canada. It was followed by an official host handover led by representatives of the indigenous peoples 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.
University of Canterbury Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, 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,” University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey said.
“As a university committed to engagement, we work closely with our communities and our cities to impact research-informed decision-making. With thought leadership, community engagement and strong partnerships, we can adapt to overcome challenges and create sustainable solutions for generations to come,” she said.
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.
