The Change and Innovation cluster at the Vere Gordon Childe Centre, University of Sydney, will host a panel discussion exploring the role of cultural heritage in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

The panel consists of three speakers three speakers working across Australia, South Asia and Europe, in Sydney for the 22nd International Congress of Maritime Museums:

• Charlotte Jarvis, National Maritime Museum, Netherlands, and ODHN Early Career Ocean Professional, will introduce the UN Ocean Decade and the Cultural Heritage Framework Programme (CHFP), including the practicalities of applying for Ocean Decade accreditation.
• Amer Bazl Khan, founder and director of MaritimEA Research and ODHN Regional Representative for South Asia, will discuss underwater cultural heritage in South Asia and the Asia-Pacific, as well as ODHN’s regional work.
• Dr Andrew Viduka, Assistant Director of Underwater Cultural Heritage with the Australian Government and ODHN Board Member, will present GIRT Scientific Divers, an endorsed Ocean Decade Action involving volunteer divers in monitoring Australia’s underwater cultural heritage.

The panel will consider what the UN Ocean Decade means for heritage researchers and institutions, the role of cultural heritage in ocean science, policy and management, and how to get involved. The discussion will be chaired by Dr Natali Pearson, Senior Lecturer in Heritage Studies at the University of Sydney and co-lead of the Vere Gordon Childe Centre’s Change and Innovation cluster.

When: Tuesday 15 September 2026, 6.00–7.30 pm AEST
Where: Vere Gordon Childe Centre Boardroom, Darlington NSW, Australia

For more information and registration, please visit the event page.