Melbourne Forum gives you access to the highest level of expertise and real-world lessons that our conversation leaders – all with a reputation for excellence – bring to the table under the Chatham House rule.
With varied formats (in-person or virtual; conversation leader or members engaging with each other in interest groups; learning from experts or exploring viewpoints) there are multiple ways to participate.

Events Search and Views Navigation
May 2022
Decarbonising The Built Environment – what actions can the industry take now?
There is mounting pressure on CEOs and boards to adopt and develop more sustainable business practices and the built environment - both new builds and existing portfolios - is no exception. The conversation will be guided by two Melbourne Forum members Peter Lamell, Non Executive…
Find out more »Transboundary animal diseases: next pandemic?
It seems that we are seeing more animal diseases in our media than ever before. From Japanese encephalitis detected across Australian piggeries and Avian flu detected in millions of Australian chickens to ‘Lumpy’ skin disease which infects cattle ‘on our nation’s doorstop’. Why is this…
Find out more »The Role of Universities in a Post-COVID world
The last two years have presented numerous challenges for Victoria’s universities, with COVID-19 affecting almost every area of their activity. The impact on revenue from international student enrolments has been well publicised, while universities have also had to grapple with how best to continue teaching,…
Find out more »Friday Imbibo series-federal election!
Election Day has been - do we have a result? Many members joined in the very entertaining online drinks sessions at 5pm on Fridays last year. Bring your beverages and nibbles for an online discussion. All opinions, gripes etc welcome! Our Friday election imbibo series…
Find out more »June 2022
RISING Festival – Melbourne Forum double-bill
A festival three years in the making! Put on your walking shoes and immerse yourself in a fabulous Rising 'double bill' for Melbourne Forum. Golden Square "art, empire, identity, spirituality overlap in China town". Four floors of the Golden Square car park is being activated…
Find out more »Chinese espionage tradecraft and covert action and why the US and its allies, including Australia, need to stay focussed
The People’s Republic of China's massive ‘whole-of-society’ approach to espionage is creating a new paradigm on how intelligence activities are conducted, viewed, and addressed by nations. In fact, a key element in the US-China trade war and downward spiral in relations is Washington’s demands that…
Find out more »Thriving
An innovation agenda for turning our biggest global societal challenges into opportunities to thrive. Whether you’re a board director, a business leader, an executive, a professional in the sustainability field, or someone who wants to be better informed about ways to take positive action, this…
Find out more »IPCC Sixth Assessment Report – lessons from the Australasia factsheet?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report, Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis, was published drawing on the contributions of hundreds of scientists from around the world. The report provides an assessment and synthesis of peer-reviewed literature on climate science and…
Find out more »July 2022
Two Lives, One Nation and Art Under Tyranny
This book group discussion takes us on a journey with Ai Weiwei - one of the world's most famous artists and activists - whose memoir tells a century-long epic tale of China through the story of his own extraordinary life and the legacy of his…
Find out more »Boardroom responses – opportunities and risks in a zero carbon, sustainable world.
Navigating the complexity and scale of moving towards zero carbon is a key focus for boards and directors while the momentum for sustainability is not abating. Expectations are increasing. Scrutiny from many directions and varied stakeholders is adding to the urgency of meaningful change. The…
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