INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM

A Global Dialogue on Lakes, Rivers and Communities –And a Local Perspective from Brisbane’s Waterscapes in a Changing World

Date: Monday 21 July 2025 13:00 - 17:00 AEST (Online and In-Person)

Water connects us all—across cities, nations, and the globe. This special forum brings together government agencies, international organizations, researchers, and citizens to explore pressing water challenges and solutions.

What to Expect

★ Global & Local Perspectives on Water Resilience – Understanding how climate change affects global lakes and Brisbane’s water security.

★”Source to Sea“ Approach –Insights from global and local experts on interconnected water systems, Indigenous knowledge, and community-driven water management.

★Interactive Dialogue – A platform for community members to share experiences and discuss solutions.

How to join

★ If you are attending the conference you can add this to your registration during the registration process (either virtually or in person)

★ If you cannot attend in person you can select virtual only access.

★ Government & Policy Leaders – Gain insights on water governance, climate adaptation, and international cooperation.

★ International Organizations & Experts – Share knowledge, foster collaborations, and connect global initiatives to local actions.

★ Citizens & Community Voices – Engage in discussions, share experiences, and contribute to shaping a resilient water future.

Program (tentative)

1. Opening Keynote – Global & Local Perspectives

This segment will introduce the overarching water challenges at both the global and Brisbane (Southeast Queensland) scales.

  • International Expert (Global Climate Change & Lakes)

    • Predicted water stresses on lakes across the globe under climate change scenarios.

  • Local Expert (Brisbane’s Water Resilience)

    • How might similar climate-related stresses (droughts, extreme weather) affect the Brisbane River and its dams?

    • What can Brisbane contribute to global climate adaptation discussions (provides a complementary Brisbane-based view on climate resilience and water management)

2. Panel Discussion – Global and Local Water Challenges

Theme: "From Source to Sea: Linking Global and Local Water Challenges"

Invited international speakers and local experts will anchor the panel discussion. Panel Composition:

  • International Expert 1: Source-to-Sea Approach (Linking lakes, rivers, and coasts)

  • International Expert 2: Disaster Risk Reduction & Lakes

  • International Expert 3: Bilateral & Multilateral Cooperation for Water Management

  • Brisbane-based Expert: Water Security & Reservoirs in the Brisbane River Basin First Peoples’ Representative: Water stewardship and Traditional Knowledge in Australia

3. Interactive Dialogue – Citizen Voices & Global Solutions

Theme: "What Can We Learn from Brisbane’s Waterways?"

  • A moderated dialogue inviting all attendees to:

    • Share their concerns and observations about water issues in the Brisbane River Basin.

    • Discuss how local experiences connect with global water challenges.

    • Reflect on insights from international experts and what they mean for Brisbane.

• Structured as a Q&A or short group discussion.

4. Closing Reflections – Global Perspectives, Local Actions

  • Summary of key takeaways from both global and Brisbane perspectives.

  • What lessons from Brisbane’s lakes and rivers can contribute to international discussions at the World Lake Conference?

  • Call to action: How citizens, scientists, and policymakers can engage in future water sustainability efforts.

  • Can’t attend in person? Select Virtual Attendance only for access.

  • In-person attendance is limited to the first 100 participants.