Murdoch University was proudly involved in the Global Citizen NOW: Perth action summit this week, contributing to important discussions on energy, climate and the clean energy transition as a supporting partner.

Murdoch University Professor of Practice Michael Wear was the guest speaker in the session “Reviving Ancient Trade, Restoring Our Oceans” at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 19, where he spoke about his Shark Bay sea cucumber business, Tidal Moon, and its relationship to his seagrass restoration project.

Tidal Moon is working to restore 100 hectares of seagrass in Malgana country through a landmark two-way science collaboration with Murdoch University.

“Sea cucumbers is a part of an ecosystem we are trying to build, to not only combat heatwaves but also to build human capital,” Professor Wear told the summit.

“So, for many of those who don’t know about the Tidal Moon story, in 2011-2012 there was a massive heatwave that hit Shark Bay and killed off a lot of seagrass, but at the same time we saw a symbiotic relationship occur which was that sea cucumbers grew in size.

“The natural thing was to figure out how you could use this trade-off to benefit restoration.”

“The other beautiful thing about sea cucumbers is that it is Australia’s first trade, so what we tried to do is reach into the past and pull out this old trade that was before colonisation and bring it into a post-colonised world as a small to medium enterprise.”

Global Citizen NOW brings together leaders from government, business, philanthropy, and the broader community to drive action on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The event aligns with Murdoch University’s commitment to research excellence, industry collaboration and meaningful contributions to climate action.

Executive Director Strategic Futures Siriana Nair moderated a conversation with former Washington Governor Jay Inslee on the challenges of climate action, as part of the summit.

Murdoch University also welcomed partners, speakers, delegates and key stakeholders from Global Citizen NOW: Perth for a post-summit discussion focused on turning shared ambition into practical collaboration.

Opening the event at Murdoch's landmark academic building Boola Katitjin, Deputy Vice Chancellor Global Engagement Professor Simon McKirdy said reliable, affordable and accessible clean energy underpins economic development, healthcare, education, digital continuity and resilient communities. He urged participants to build on the summit’s momentum and map out collective steps towards a brighter, more equitable future.

Professor McKirdy said Murdoch’s commitment to sustainability, Indigenous Knowledges and inclusion closely aligns with Global Citizen’s goal of lasting, equitable change. He highlighted the University’s Extractive Metallurgy Hub, which supports more sustainable metals production and the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the Algae Innovation Hub, which is advancing wastewater treatment, sustainable fuels and energy, and carbon sequestration.

He also emphasised the power of global partnerships to exchange knowledge across cultures, prepare students for an international workforce and amplify research impact.

With campuses in Perth, Singapore and Dubai, Murdoch aims to deepen values-driven relationships with community, industry and like-minded organisations locally and globally.

Professor McKirdy closed by inviting participants to use the day’s conversations to strengthen relationships, identify future opportunities and help deliver a future powered by clean, sustainable energy.