CLAIR Forum 2026 (Currently accepting registrations)
CLAIR Sydney, in collaboration with the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), hosts the CLAIR Forum each year. This forum brings together local government professionals and community leaders from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand to share case studies and exchange perspectives on common challenges faced by local governments across the three countries.
Date: Wednesday, 2 December 2026
Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm (AEDT)
4:00pm to 7:00pm (NZDT)
Venue: University of Technology Sydney, Building 1, Level 22, Room 10 (Hybrid)
Address: 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007
*The CLAIR Forum 2026 will be held in person and livestreamed via Zoom.
Theme
Innovative and Creative Approaches to Local Government Challenges
Local governments in Japan, Australia and New Zealand face a range of complex challenges, including depopulation, low birth rates, climate pressures, rising costs of living and housing shortages. As community expectations continue to evolve, traditional approaches are often no longer sufficient, creating a growing need for innovative and forward-looking solutions. This forum will showcase practical initiatives from local governments in Japan and Australia, highlighting creative approaches to local challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences and discuss strategies for building resilient and sustainable communities.
Speakers
- Sho Kuwano (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Fukuoka Prefectural Government)
- Fumiya Nakatani (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Kurihara City Council, Miyagi Prefecture)
- Koki Akiyama (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Tokyo)
- Mayuri Ito (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
- Nathan Smith (CEO, Bower Reuse & Repair Centre) and Rachel McIntyre (Resource Recovery Planning Manager, Inner West Council)
- Nate Brown (Program Manager, Essential Worker Attraction Program at NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)
This event is free of charge and light refreshments will be provided to in-person attendees.
Registration
Register from the link below:
https://events.humanitix.com/clair-forum-2026-innovative-and-creative-approaches-to-local-government-challenges
(Select ‘Get Tickets’ for both the in-person and online options)
Please note that this forum will be conducted in English only.
