From rhetoric to reality: Centering the meaningful participation of refugees

Keynote: Hugh de Kretser, President, Australian Human Rights Commission, 2025 Kaldor Conference

In a world fractured by fear and misinformation, how do we rebuild trust and advance refugee protection? Hugh de Kretser delivers a powerful closing keynote on bridging divides, through truth, empathy, and collective action. This is a call to move beyond rhetoric and create systems that work for refugees and communities alike. Closing keynote address recorded at the 2025 Kaldor Centre Conference, Building bridges: Advancing refugee protection in a divided world. Speaker Hugh de Kretser, President, Australian Human Rights Commission Why Listen *Learn why human rights frameworks remain essential for refugee protection in polarized times *Discover strategies to counter fear-driven narratives and misinformation about refugees *See how collaboration across sectors and communities can rebuild trust and deliver solutions *Be inspired by a vision for inclusive, rights-based systems that unite rather than divide

All together now: Mobilising whole-of-society responses to international protection

With governments stepping back, can civil society, businesses, academics—and refugees themselves—fill the protection gap? This session reveals “whole-of-society” strategies driving real change. The panel session was recorded at the 2025 Kaldor Centre Conference, Building bridges: Advancing refugee protection in a divided world. Speakers Chair: Daniel Ghezelbash, Professor of Law & Director, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law Dr Jeff Crisp, Visiting Research Fellow, Oxford; former UNHCR & global policy leader James Jegasothy, Deputy CEO, Multicultural NSW Professor Kate Ogg, ARC Fellow & Professor, Australian National University Hafsar Tameesuddin, Co-Secretary General, Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network Why Listen *Discover cross-sector coalitions stepping into protection deficits *Understand how legal advocacy and strategic litigation influence policy *Learn the power of grassroots and refugee-led networks in crisis responses *See what success can look like when refugees and civil society lead together

From rhetoric to reality: Centering the meaningful participation of refugees

Too often, refugee participation is symbolic. This panel flips that script—showcasing real-world leadership by refugees and how inclusive policies make systems stronger. This panel session was recorded at the 2025 Kaldor Centre Conference, Building bridges: Advancing refugee protection in a divided world. Speakers Chair: Frances Voon, Executive Manager, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law Dor Akech Achiek, Interim CEO, Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre Dr Renee Dixson, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Forcibly Displaced People Network Dr Tristan Harley, Senior Research Associate, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law Najeeba Wazefadost, Executive Director, Asia Pacific Network of Refugees Why Listen *Learn how refugees are moving from surface-level consultation to genuine collaboration *See how LGBTIQA+ voices and refugee-led networks strengthen inclusion *Explore practical models for shared decision-making in policy development *Witness innovative frameworks built by refugees, for refugees

Conversations across divides: Fostering constructive dialogue in the public square

In an era of misinformation, echo chambers, and rising polarisation, how can we bring people together for honest and respectful dialogue on refugee and migration issues? This session shines a light on proven strategies that cut through fear and foster unity, grounded in research, policy, and real-world practice. Recorded at the the 2025 Kaldor Centre Conference, Building Bridges: Advancing refugee protection in a divided world Speakers Chair: Professor Jane McAdam AO, Scientia Professor of Law, Founder & Director of the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law Basma Alawee, Deputy Executive Director, Community Sponsorship Hub Dr Sukhmani Khorana, Scientia Associate Professor, UNSW School of Arts & Media Kylea Tink, Former MP (North Sydney), seasoned leader and social advocate Saul Wodak, Behavioural Insights Advisor at BIT Sydney, expert in countering misinformation Why You Should Watch *Learn evidence-based techniques to bridge divides on contentious topics *Hear how communities have amplified refugee voices and built common ground *Discover ways to challenge misinformation and break through algorithmic biases

Building bridges: Advancing refugee protection in a divided world

Join us for the keynote address from the 2025 Kaldor Centre Conference, 'Building bridges: Advancing refugee protection in a divided world' held on 23 October 2025 at UNSW Sydney. Speakers Daniel Ghezelbash, Professor of Law & Director, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney Mohammed Naeem, Senior Director for Advocacy Strategy, Refugees International Timestamp 00:00 Opening remarks, Daniel Ghezelbash, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, 13:40 Daniel Ghezelbash introduces Mohammed Naeem 15:19 Keynote address, Mohammed Naeem, Refugees International 32:48 Audience Q&A with Mohammed Naeem and Daniel Ghezelbash in conversation during question time Why Listen *Understand why the Refugee Convention remains vital and why implementation, not the law itself, is failing. *Learn how polarization and misinformation threaten refugee protection and what works to rebuild trust. *Discover why imagination and community-driven solutions are key to designing inclusive, lasting systems. *Hear a powerful call to elevate refugee leadership and show that caring isn’t just moral, it works. Transcripts Daniel Ghezelbash opening remarks: https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2025/11/the-refugee-convention-is-under-threat--but-it-is-not-the-proble Mohammed Naeem keynote address: https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2025/11/mohammed-naeem-gives-keynote-address-at-the-2025-kaldor-centre-c