NYC Climate Week: all for one
The energy in New York City during Climate Week is always electric, but this year, the urgency felt different. With COP30 on the horizon and the 2030 deadline for many global goals rapidly approaching, the focus shifted from mere discussion to concrete, scalable action. This pivotal moment reaffirmed that achieving our climate goals requires a unified front, recognizing that all parts of the world must succeed together.
Our mission was to ensure that island nations, the world’s most powerful laboratories for climate solutions, were at the center of every conversation. Through strategic events and powerful collaborations, we made sure the message of a 100% renewable future was heard loud and clear. Our work is driven by the conviction that global climate success is inseparable from supporting its most vulnerable and innovative communities.
Here is a day-by-day look at our week in NYC.
Monday, September 22: Bridging the Gap from Ocean to Climate
We kicked off the week by tackling a critical policy disconnect: the gap between ocean conservation and global climate governance.
At a high-level luncheon held at 777 United Nations Plaza, "From UNOC to Belém," we joined forces with Peace Boat US and RISE UP. The room was filled with diplomats, policymakers, and ocean advocates, all united by a single purpose: ensuring ocean priorities are firmly embedded in the climate agenda leading up to COP30 in Brazil.
Our message was simple: You cannot solve the climate crisis without protecting the ocean, and you cannot protect the ocean without listening to Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This essential, interconnected truth confirms that the well-being of the ocean, the islands, and the planet are bound together.
Tuesday & Wednesday, September 23-24: Strategic Alliances & Global Leadership
On Tuesday our team was present at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2025 Annual Meeting, connecting with global changemakers on how to scale island-proven solutions. Later that afternoon, we joined our partners at Peace Boat US at the Debevoise & Plimpton offices in Hudson Yards for a deep dive into "Inner Sustainability and Climate Resilience," reinforcing that the fight for our planet requires resilient leadership.
That evening, we concluded our day of collaboration by gathering for the Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassador and Partner Dinner at The Smith to celebrate our shared commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.
Wednesday began with our engagement at "Who Will Lead," The Climate Reality Project’s signature event. The forum centered on the urgency of bold leadership from all sectors. For Blue Planet Alliance, this event provided a critical platform to advocate for the global adoption of 100% renewable energy mandates.
During the event, a highlight of the week took place off-stage: a private, one-on-one meeting between former Vice President Al Gore and Blue Planet Alliance Founder Henk Rogers, along with a selection of BPA Global Ambassadors from Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. This high-level exchange reaffirmed the shared commitment of both leaders to a livable future.
The exchange underscored a vital truth: achieving global climate success is inseparable from supporting the most vulnerable and innovative communities. This pivotal conversation was a powerful catalyst for our strategy heading into COP30, reinforcing the need for political will, public engagement, and increased investment to build a clean energy economy worldwide.
The momentum of our island-proven solutions continued as we proudly powered the Future of Living Systems Summit, co-hosted by The Solomon Islands and The Kingdom of Tonga. The Summit was designed as a convergence point where science, culture, and capital met to explore the bioeconomic potential of biocritical regions.
The 5-hour event featured leading ministers, scientists, investors, and creatives, with highlights including:
A Historic Keynote where the Solomon Islands Ministry unveiled the largest coral colony ever recorded.
An Immersive Sound Experience with artist Nefur.
A data-driven discussion on Science Meets Consciousness.
The event culminated in a one-hour BPA workshop designed to move from dialogue to actionable co-creation. The stage was set by introducing BPA's 100% renewable energy goal and challenging the four participating nations to co-design bioeconomy pipelines that combine renewable energy, regenerative supply chains, and nature-backed ventures. Participants then divided into four groups, using a Bioeconomy Pipeline Canvas to brainstorm bold ideas, practical next steps, and necessary partners for each of the three key pillars.
The Summit reinforced that the focus is not just on climate, but on using capital, culture, and co-creation to root the next global economy in life itself.
Later we ferried over to Governors Island to support the "Island(ing) Adaptations" event at the New York Climate Exchange. Seeing data and design come together to protect island communities was a powerful reminder of why our work is so necessary. At the same time, BPA representatives were engaging with private sector leaders at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, advocating for the financing needed to make renewable energy grids a reality for islands worldwide.
Thursday, September 25: Youth Innovation Takes the Lead
Thursday was all about the next generation. We were proud to partner with Peace Boat US, the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator, and Close the Loop Caribbean for the "Youth for the SDGs" showcase.
The highlight was seeing Kerese Elliot, a Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassador from St. Kitts and Nevis, command the room. She embodied the spirit of island resilience, sharing her perspective on the urgent need for climate action.
The event also marked the exciting launch of the "Tides of Innovation" project, a perfect example of the solutions we champion: Caribbean youth turning sargassum seaweed from a coastal crisis into an opportunity for renewable energy and sustainable materials.
Capping off the evening was the Island Partnership Dinner, a special gathering to strengthen the bonds between our dedicated staff, crucial partners, and tireless collaborators across the globe. Inspired by the intimate, structured dialogue model of a Jeffersonian Dinner, the event was designed to move beyond typical networking and delve into the deep "why" behind our shared mission.
What emerged was a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of our work. The technical experts understood the need for human-centric policy, and the advocates gained insight into the complexities of infrastructure and supply chains. By the time the evening concluded, every participant had not only shared a piece of their story but had also internalized the diverse perspectives surrounding our unified goal. The dinner served as a powerful reminder that while technology and policy are the engine of the energy transition, trust and shared understanding are the fuel.
We look forward to translating the powerful connections and insights gained from this dinner into tangible, accelerated action across all our island initiatives.
Friday, September 26: Celebrating Climate Impact
To cap off a whirlwind week, we co-hosted the "Climate Talks and Celebration" with Peace Boat US at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel New York.
This wasn't just a party; it was a gathering of minds focused on "actionable steps for a sustainable future." The evening featured expert panels bringing together private sector leaders, UN partners, and passionate youth advocates. The conversation centered on the practicalities of achieving a 100% renewable energy mandate—what’s working, what’s not, and how we can scale successful models globally.
Looking Ahead: The Momentum Continues
As Climate Week concluded, we didn't slow down. On September 30, we joined Peace Boat US in announcing their upcoming arrival in NYC in mid-October for a Blue Innovation Reception onboard.
Climate Week NYC 2025 reaffirmed what we already knew: the solutions exist, the leadership is there, and the time for a 100% renewable world is now. The entire week was a powerful demonstration of the collective, united effort necessary to translate these vital solutions into global action.