TEDxSydney 2025: Three Horizons – Ideas to Meet the Moment
TEDxSydney’s flagship event is fast approaching and will bring together Australia’s greatest minds to address our society’s current challenges with ideas to meet the moment.
As Australia’s leading platform for pioneering ideas, TEDxSydney will transform Sydney’s City Recital Hall into a platform of curiosity, discernment and intergenerational thinking on 9 May 2025, 12:30pm – 7:30pm.
This year’s theme, ‘Three Horizons’, offers a framework to navigate our complex, interconnected world. At a time when established systems are being questioned and reimagined, TEDxSydney 2025 creates a space to explore where we are at this point in time, which transitions are needed, and which new narratives for our futures we have the opportunity to create.
The flagship event will feature speakers at the forefront of our energy, economic, political, scientific, creative and knowledge systems who will share bold ideas at this critical juncture in human history. With talks structured around the Three Horizons approach; Triage (understanding our current context), Transition (bridging us to new ways of operating), and Transformation (envisioning emerging futures), attendees will engage with complex thoughts and ideas amidst a gathering of the curious and open minded.
“These are not ideas for the sake of ideas. These are ideas to meet the moment. This moment in time is a tiny blip in the arc of human history but it is of such significance,” says Eleanor Gammell, Executive & Creative Director of TEDxSydney 2025. “The Three Horizons approach gives us a simple but powerful framework to orient ideas in relationship with each other and navigate the complexity of the challenges we face. This year’s flagship bringstogether speakers who are not stuck in binary arguments or single-point solutions. They offer ideas which can meaningfully take us forward in our collective imagination: toward a shared future for life on this pale blue dot long after we’re gone.”
Vice-Chancellor and President of TEDxSydney’s Presenting Partner, the University of Sydney, Professor Mark Scott says, “the University of Sydney was founded 175 years ago on principles of merit and equity, principles that still inform our mission to share knowledge, empower our community and address some of the world’s most complex challenges. We’re delighted to once again partner with TEDxSydney to continue this mission, reflecting on the past and nurturing ideas that will help us shape a positive future together.”
To bring this vision to life, TEDxSydney 2025 presents a lineup of speakers from across disciplines—scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, advocates, and cultural leaders—each offering unique perspectives on how we can meet this moment of profound change.
SPEAKERS
Barry Irvin – Chair, Bega Group
Barry Irvin is Executive Chairman of the Bega Group, one of Australia’s largest dairy and food companies with revenues exceeding $3 billion. He will discuss the Bega Valley’s bold ambition to be Australia’s flagship circular economy by 2030, highlighting sustainable agricultural production and environmentally focused projects.
Isabelle Reinecke – Human Rights Lawyer
Isabelle Reinecke is the founding Executive Director of Grata Fund, a leading not-for-profit that campaigns, incubates litigation and funds people and communities challenging systemic gridlocks across human rights, climate injustice and democratic freedoms. She will explore how the legal system can be used to challenge systemic gridlocks and drive positive change across these critical areas.
Simon Holmes à Court – Climate Philanthropist
Simon Holmes à Court is an energy analyst, clean tech investor and climate philanthropist. He is the founder of Climate 200, the community crowdfunding initiative that helped to elect seven new community independents to the Australian Parliament during the 2022 federal election. Simon will explore how the community independents political movement can transform Australian politics for the better.
Aunty McRose Elu – Saibai Seisia Elder
Aunty McRose Elu is a Saibai Seisia Elder, a formidable leader and scholar. Since 1980, she has been drawing global attention to the impact of climate change on the Torres Strait, speaking at the UN and to business and political leaders. She brings deep cultural knowledge and guidance on protocols and Ailan Kustom. Her presentation will explore the importance of bringing Indigenous Knowledge Lore into our system of Law, and her work for climate justice for Indigenous communities.
Sarah Wilson – Author and Broadcaster
Sarah Wilson is a multi-New York Times and Amazon best-selling author, podcaster, social philosopher and renegade. She is the host of the podcast Wild with Sarah Wilson and writes the popular Substack newsletter This is Precious. Her talk will explore what a former climate activist does in the face of collapse.
Corey Bradshaw – Professor of Global Ecology
Professor Corey Bradshaw is the Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology and Director of the Global Ecology Laboratory. His talk will examine the study of human population over time and Earth’s true carrying capacity, exploring how many humans can truly live on a thriving planet.
Ruby Rodgers – Young Advocate, Singer-songwriter
At just 15 years old, Ruby Rodgers is making waves as a singer, songwriter, musician, and climate change warrior. Recently featured in Damon Gameau’s documentary film, Future Council, Ruby brings her unique perspective as a youth advocate for climate action. Her talk will explore why young people should be at the heart of any planning for the future—especially when thinking about the climate and environment—and the powerful role of music in giving young people a voice in making the future a better place for all.
Gina Chick – Rewilding Adventurer & Writer
Gina Chick is a rewilding facilitator, adventurer, writer and speaker. She was the winner of the first series of Alone Australia after surviving 67 days in the wilderness. Her bestselling memoir, We Are the Stars, explores themes of love, connection and the power of letting go. Gina will discuss finding ways to connect to nature and each other as a key to unlocking a better future.
Tanya Latty – Insect Ecologist
Associate Professor Tanya Latty is an insect ecologist at the University of Sydney with broad interests in insect behaviour and ecology. Her lab motto is ‘Saving the world with insects (and other invertebrates)’. Her talk will highlight how urban pollinators are the unsung heroes of our cities and the importance of citizen science in conservation efforts.
Tim Buckley – Climate Finance Advocate
As director of Climate Energy Finance Australasia, Tim Buckley brings 35 years of financial markets experience to his analysis of the global energy transition. He has published over 100 reports on the topic and provides crucial insights into sustainable energy futures. His talk will reveal Australia’s untapped global economic potential in the clean energy transition.
PERFORMERS
Jessica Chapnik Kahn – Performer, Poet
Jessica Chapnik Kahn is an Argentinian-Australian creative artist working across multiple disciplines. She has released two solo albums as Appleonia and contributed to the ARIA-nominated soundtrack for the Australian film “The Square.” Her literary works include the co-authored biography “A Repurposed Life,” children’s book “Lenny and the Ants,” and poetry collection “MADRE.” Her collaborative work with composer Anna Hirst Friedman transforms her poetry into choral performances, with their commission “The Fire Always Says Yes” set to debut at the Sydney Opera House in 2025.
Luke O’Shea – Singer-Songwriter
Luke O’Shea is an Australian singer-songwriter with a 25-year career in music. His achievements include 17 Golden Guitar awards, 2 APRA/AMCOS Songs of the Year, and induction into the Galaxy of Stars for significant contributions to Australian music. Alongside his musical career, O’Shea has maintained a 30-year teaching practice. His work has been incorporated into national tertiary and secondary school curricula, reflecting his commitment to education through artistic expression.
What: TEDxSydney 2025: Three Horizons
When: 9 May 2025 (12:30 PM – 7:30 PM)
Where: City Recital Hall, Sydney
Tickets: General Admission – $322 | Concession – $262
Register: Secure your seat HERE