The global community has faced numerous crises in recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic and climate disasters to rapid changes in work and escalating conflicts. These challenges underscore the urgent need for transforming politics, society, and the economy to support equality and justice. 

The 2024 ADI Conference, titled ‘Remaking Futures: Justice, Equality and Global Flourishing’, held on 25-26 November at the Burwood Corporate Centre, brought together leading experts to tackle these issues. The conference highlighted the critical role of HASS research in shaping well-informed policy responses. 

Delivered by Professor Loretta Baldassar on Monday 25 November, this keynote explored the intersection of migration and ageing. Professor Baldassar highlighted the increasing longevity and diversity of Australia’s ageing population, noting that one-third of those over 65 were born overseas. She emphasised the need for a social revolution in how we perceive and prepare for ageing, advocating for the concept of “ageing futures.” 

The keynote underscored the critical link between migration and aged care, pointing out that older migrants often access services later and in poorer health, with a significant gap in culturally appropriate care, especially for dementia. Additionally, the aged care workforce, heavily reliant on migrant workers, faces low job satisfaction and retention rates. Professor Baldassar called for a reimagining of care systems to address these challenges, particularly in the context of transnational families and temporary migration pathways. 

On day two of the conference, Tuesday 26 November, Professor Pam Nilan delivered an insightful keynote on the role of religious faith in amplifying youth activism in the Global South. Focusing on young Muslims and Christians in Indonesia, she highlighted how these activists use their theological traditions to drive positive social and environmental change. By embracing principles of divine harmony and interconnectedness, they aim to reshape their world for greater viability. 

Professor Nilan enriched the discussion with concepts from Ghassan Hage (2011) and Jeffrey and Dyson (2022), introducing the ideas of recursion and immanence. She explained how these young activists expand their perspectives and implement strategies to create a more viable future, directly experiencing the divine in everyday events and the material world.