Ready, Set, Action!
Climate Week is a global event that brings together leaders from business, government, civil society, and academia to discuss climate change and accelerate action. Climate Week NYC takes place annually alongside the United Nations General Assembly and this year’s special convening, the Summit of the Future. What follows is a summary of the week’s key events, with perspectives offered by some of Blue Planet Alliance’s Global Ambassadors.
Climate March: Sept. 20
Organized by Fridays for Future International, and supported by Blue Planet Alliance (an official Endorsing Organization), the march was part of a global strike to raise awareness of the need to transition away from fossil fuels and halt global warming.
Summit of the Future Action Days: Sept. 20 - 21
The Summit of the Future Action Days provided an opportunity for broad engagement and inclusion of stakeholders playing a key role in shaping the Pact for the Future. There was a dedicated youth-led program to begin the conference, which focused on three priority themes: digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing. The following day’s discussion included the same topics but highlighted how to achieve the objectives of the Pact for the Future for all.
Molly Rosaaen:
The opportunity to join the Summit of the Future Actions Days was incredibly impactful. Not only was it a once-in-a-lifetime convening, but we were able to see the Pact of the Future officially be confirmed by all Member States. The Pact will be a key reference point in future conversations on global governance, sustainability, and climate change as it sets a framework for international collaboration on these topics and outlines concrete actions moving forward. It is exciting to have witnessed this moment and I am looking forward to seeing the Pact be referenced in future conversations!
Summit of the Future Side Event: “Capacity-Building for Intergenerational Collaboration and SIDS Youth Empowerment on Ocean and Climate Action”
Blue Planet Alliance co-hosted an event entitled “Capacity Building for Intergenerational Collaboration and SIDS Youth Empowerment on Ocean and Climate Action.” The side event showcased the important role of youth in scaling up ocean action, particularly youth from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on the front lines of the ocean and climate crisis. The event looked toward further development and collaboration for empowerment and engagement of youth, including with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Other collaborators on this event included the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of Kiribati, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Lucia. The Global Ambassadors that spoke at this event included Kneyone Murray, from Trinidad and Tobago, and Ashley Lashley from Barbados.
Global Ambassador and Partnership Dinner: Sept. 24
The dinner brought together Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassadors along with official partners of BPA to foster conversation on sustainability and action for climate.
Islands Shaping the Future: Innovating for Resilience and Prosperity Science Summit: Sept. 25
Hosted by KINETIK and co-hosted by the Republic of Kiribati, the Kingdom of Tonga, Blue Planet Alliance, and Peace Boat US, this event highlighted islands facing unique threats and potential for sustainable development. The event also explored the global economic impact of island resources and addressed challenges of marginalization and science equity.
Many Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassadors spoke during the intergenerational segment on the programming. These discussions featured leaders sharing their vision for a sustainable future and the ways they make this happen in their home communities.
Ashley Lashley:
Reflecting on my time during Climate Week NYC and engaging in side events hosted by KINETIK, alongside partners like Kiribati, Tonga, and Blue Planet Alliance, I am reminded of the resilience and innovation driving Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the face of climate challenges. The interactive discussions highlighted how Indigenous communities, culture, and natural resources propel islands’ contributions to biodiversity and sustainable development.
Jody Coloma: Speaker on panel on ”Innovative Solutions for Thriving Marine and Coastal Ecosystems”
Lilan Dayananda: Speaker on panel titled “Revitalizing Agriculture, Bioeconomy, and Celebrating Native Biocultural Wisdom”
Ashley Lashley: Speaker on panel titled “Empowering the Future with Renewable Energy”
Island Partnerships Dinner: Sept. 26
Blue Planet Alliance’s Island Partnership Dinner was an intimate gathering to which we invited 30 of our closest partners — from the public sector, the private sector, and civil society — to truly focus on moving the needle on climate action. Guests came from all over the world, including islands in the Pacific, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.
One of our Global Ambassadors, Jody from CNMI, attended and spoke during the event.
BPA Global Ambassador Jody Coloma spoke at the Island Partnership Dinner.
Ashley Lashley:
The Global Ambassador and Partnership Dinner fostered meaningful exchanges on climate action and sustainability. Hearing from fellow ambassadors during the intergenerational segment underscored the impact of local efforts to create a sustainable future.
Cronkite Awards for Ocean Champions: Sept. 27
Blue Planet Alliance Founder, Henk Rogers, was the recipient of this year’s prestigious Cronkite Award for Ocean Champions 2024. Awarded by the Stone Soup Leadership Institute, the award celebrates the memory of its Honorary Chairperson, Walter Cronkite. Henk was selected for his visionary leadership and philanthropy with Blue Planet Alliance, particularly for the Global Ambassador Program and the Blue Planet Climate Agreements that have been signed with nine island nations and counting. [Editor’s note: since Climate Week NYC ended, Blue Planet Alliance signed Blue Planet Climate Agreements with two more islands, bringing the total up to 11.]
Jody, Lilan, and Mark attended the event and were recognized for their outstanding work as Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassadors.
Climate Impact Talks and Celebration: Sept. 27
Blue Planet Alliance’s flagship event, “Climate Impact Talks and Celebration,” took place at the Hard Rock Hotel, symbolizing the end of Climate Week NYC 2024. The event featured experts in the field of climate and sustainability, sharing their knowledge and experiences on the pressing issue of climate change. Also discussed was the latest research, innovative solutions, and practical steps to take to make a difference. We had a Global Ambassador panel highlighting Lilan, Jody, and Mark and the work that they do in their communities. A cocktail reception with music and art closed the event.
Mark Haver:
It’s always a pleasure to be involved in this signature event by Blue Planet Alliance at Climate Week. To have such a range of leaders be able to provide insight into how they’re contributing to the climate crisis is so inspiring. I felt honored to share the stage with Molly, Jody, and Lilan, who are such powerful examples of impactful youth leadership.
BPA Global Ambassador Mark Haver spoke at the Climate Impact Talks & Celebration event.
Lilan Dayananda:
It was an incredible opportunity to network with extraordinary changemakers within the Blue Planet Alliance community. The Global Ambassador Panel allowed me to emphasize the importance of climate adaptation through digital inclusion and the sustainable transition to renewable energy. It was a pleasure to listen to and learn from fellow ambassadors and members of the BPA community, whose insights further deepened my understanding and commitment to climate action.
BPA Global Ambassador Lilan Dayananda spoke at the Climate Impact Talks & Celebration event.
From left: Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassadors Lilan Dayananda, Mark Haver, Jody Coloma, and BPA Global Ambassador Program Coordinator Molly Rosaaen.
Final Remarks on Climate Week 2024
Molly Rosaaen:
Every year, Climate Week NYC unites individuals from diverse backgrounds to address the pressing issue of climate change. It offers a platform to share personal experiences, explore innovative solutions, and draw inspiration for building a sustainable future. This year was particularly uplifting, as Blue Planet Alliance organized and engaged in events both locally and on the global stage at the United Nations. Climate change must be tackled at local, national, and international levels, and Climate Week provided a valuable opportunity to examine various solutions across these dimensions.
Mark Haver:
Blue Planet Alliance, through its network and events, is a great example of the power of partnerships. Henk and the BPA team have done a great job of creating an ecosystem of people who are determined to advance climate action. It is this very spirit at in-person events that supercharges our commitments and ambitions to make a difference. I’m also thankful to have had moments with Henk during Climate Week where I was able to ask questions and learn from his leadership experience: in Henk’s famous words, “We are doing this!”
Lilan Dayananda:
As a Blue Planet Alliance Youth Ambassador, Climate Week NYC 2024 was an inspiring experience, from speaking on the panel “Revitalizing Agriculture, Bioeconomy, and Celebrating Native Biocultural Wisdom” at the “Islands Shaping the Future Science Summit” to attending the Cronkite Awards for Ocean Champions, where our founder Henk Rogers was honored. I was proud to represent Blue Planet Alliance and share my work empowering smallholder farmers with sustainable practices. Participating in the “Climate Impact Talks and Celebration” at the Hard Rock Hotel, I highlighted how marginalized communities can play a key role in building climate resilience. This week reinforced the importance of collective action in advancing global climate solutions.
