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Tuesday 23 September

Protecting Press Freedom: The Risks of Reporting in Gaza and Beyond

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM EDT

Journalism is essential to human rights and democracy, yet it can be a dangerous¡ªand too often deadly¡ªprofession. Since 2023, there has been an unprecedented surge in the killing of journalists and media workers, with over 240 Palestinian journalists losing their lives in Gaza alone. With restrictions to international media access in Gaza, Palestinian journalists have become the eyes and ears of the world, documenting critical truths at great personal risk. Targeting journalists is a clear violation of international law. This session will emphasize the urgent need to protect journalists reporting from conflict zones, advocate for press freedom, and call for accountability for those who silence or marginalize the voices of the press.

Speakers:

• Wajd Waqfi, Correspondent, Al Jazeera Arabic
• Jodie Ginsberg, Chief Executive, Committee to Protect Journalists

Moderator:

• Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary General for Global Communications

Stronger Africa, Stronger World: Advancing Health Amid Global Funding Challenges

12:00 AM - 12:20 AM EDT

Africa has made major progress in public health, with expanded immunization, reduced maternal and child mortality, stronger health systems, and effective epidemic responses. This success reflects domestic leadership, community action, and international support. The African Union has advanced continental strategies, fostered cross-border cooperation, and mobilized political will. Yet, gains are threatened by shrinking aid due to financial constraints and shifting donor priorities. Still, partners like UNFPA are expanding sexual and reproductive health programs, while African leaders have committed to accelerating local vaccine production and financing reforms. The lesson is clear: investing in African health systems is imperative for global health security, economic stability, and shared prosperity.

Speakers:

• H.E. Amb Amma A. Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development 
• Diene Ke?ta, Executive Director, UNFPA 

Moderator:

• Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Nigeria News Central TV

Bearing Witness: A Journalist¡¯s Perspective in Conflict Zones

12:30 PM - 12:50 PM EDT

This session explores the vital role of credible journalism in conflict zones, offering firsthand narratives and insights from journalists and photojournalists who have reported from the front lines. Through personal anecdotes and vivid imagery, participants will highlight their experiences on the ground, share the challenges faced, and stress the critical importance of authenticity in an age of rising disinformation. The session offers a unique opportunity to hear personal narratives illuminating the human side of conflict reporting¡ªand underscore why truth matters more than ever in global media.

Speakers:

• Motaz Azaiza, Photojournalist
• Giles Clarke, Photojournalist
• Valeriia Bezpala, Head of Foreign Co-operation, Suspilne Ukraine

Moderator: Simon Bishop, Chief Executive Officer, BBC Media Action 

A Legacy Under Threat: The Resurgence of Landmines

1:30 PM - 1:50 PM EDT

In 1997, international efforts that led to the creation of the Mine Ban Treaty, were recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize. Over the years, more countries stopped the production and use of landmines and joined the treaty - which is considered the largest civil society led movement to protect civilians. Ongoing wars, however, are reversing the momentum of the historic success, tragically reviving the use of landmines and once again putting countless civilians at risk.

Today, the war on Ukraine has triggered a series of countries to withdraw from the treaty in the face of security threats.

Speaker:

• Tamar Gabelnick, Director, International Campaign to Ban Landmines-Cluster Munition Coalitions

Moderator:

• Janelle Dumalaon, US Correspondent, Deutsche Welle

Unprecedented Hunger: Twin Famines in Gaza and Sudan

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM EDT

For the first time famine has been confirmed in two different parts of the world at the same time - the first ever famine in the Middle East, in Gaza, and in Sudan, where famine has persisted for over a year amid the largest hunger and displacement crisis on the planet. In this session panelists will discuss how experts determine when a famine is taking place, and what urgent actions are now needed from world leaders to save lives in Gaza and Sudan.

Speaker:

• Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General 
• Carl Skau, WFP Deputy Executive Director  
• Edem Wosornu, OCHA Director Operations and Advocacy

Fashion's Role in a Global Circular Economy

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM EDT

The United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network is a global initiative hosted by the UN Office for Partnerships, the Fashion Impact Fund and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, uniting more than 370 members in 139 countries to champion sustainability, transparency and inclusivity. This session spotlights how fashion leaders are reshaping the industry through circular models such as resale, responsible consumption and community engagement. By highlighting innovative business models, policy advocacy and consumer empowerment, the conversation will explore how resale platforms can reduce environmental impact, extend product life cycles and shift industry norms.

Speakers:

• [Welcome Remarks] Kerry Bannigan, Co-Founder, UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network, President of the Board, PVBLIC Foundation
• Samina Virk, Chief Marketing Officer and US CEO, Vestiaire Collective
• Mara Hoffman, Artist
• Sarah Teresinski, Founder, Redeux Style
• Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, Sectoral Engagement Lead, UN Climate Change

Moderator: Joan Kennedy, Correspondent, Business of Fashion

Celebrating Youth Environmental Leadership: Unveiling the 2025 UN Young Champions of the Earth

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM EDT

The Young Champions of the Earth is UNEP¡¯s flagship youth initiative, honoring bold innovators aged 18¨C30 who are confronting the planet¡¯s most urgent environmental challenges. At this special award ceremony, three global winners ¡ª chosen through a rigorous international process ¡ª will receive trophies and a $20,000 cash prize. The event features a panel with UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, climate technology leader Christopher Kemper, and the winners themselves, with a spotlight on each Champion¡¯s transformative project.

Speakers:

• Inger Andersen, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
• Chris Kemper, Co-Founder, Planet A
• Young Champions

Special Guest:

• Amber Valletta, Model and Actress

Moderator: Prajakta Koli, UNDP Youth Climate Champion, YouTuber and Actress

Wednesday 24 September

Creating Jobs, Generating Revenue - And Saving Lives

12 PM-12:20 PM EDT

As part of its strategic collaboration with UNICEF and Children¡¯s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) under the Child Nutrition Fund, the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) issued a $2.5 million loan to food manufacturer Ariel Foods FZE, for the construction and development of a facility in Nigeria where lifesaving therapeutic foods for children will be produced using locally sourced groundnuts, instead of relying on overseas import. The project and partnership illustrate how an investment in a humanitarian supply chain can deliver financial returns while saving more child lives at a lower cost and providing a significant boost to the local rural economy.

Speakers:

• Dhiren Chandaria, Founder and Managing Director, Ariel Foods FZE 
• Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Nutrition and Public Health Advocate, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Nigeria 
• Charles Wetherill, Programme Development Advisor, UNCDF

Moderator: Damilola Banjo, Investigative Journalist, PassBlue

Renewable Energy: A Moment of Opportunity

12:30 PM - 12:50 PM EDT

Wind and solar power are the cheapest sources of new energy globally. And they provide clean energy. Expanding access to wind and solar isn¡¯t just a way to solve the climate crisis ¡ª it¡¯s an opportunity to strengthen communities, improve public health, create jobs, grow economies, and give more power (literally) to the people. This discussion will focus on the benefits and momentum of wind and solar power, with representatives of Sun Day - a day of action and campaign to celebrate and accelerate the global boom in solar. 

Speakers:

• Jamie Henn, Executive Director, Fossil Free Media; Spokesperson for Sun Day
• Antonique Smith, Activist, Actress, Singer; Global Ambassador for Sun Day
• Emerson Clark, Growth and Partnerships Director, Global Wind Energy Council

Moderator: Melina Walling, climate reporter, the Associated Press

The Invisible Billion: Bridging the Global Identity Divide

1:00 PM - 1:20 PM EDT

Imagine losing not just your home, but your very name in the eyes of the world. For nearly a billion people, displacement through conflict, climate disaster, or instability erases the formal identity that grants access to education, healthcare, work, and protection. Without it, participation in society becomes impossible. This session will highlight new pioneering work on universal, human-centric digital identity, designed to reduce inequalities and strengthen all other SDGs.Panelists will explore how restoring identity can restore dignity, opportunity, and hope for the world¡¯s most vulnerable.

Speakers:

• Colin Walsh, Founder, Civitas ID
• Amit Sharma, Head of Digital Strategy, IDEMIA
• Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Head of Digital & AI Programmes, UNDP

Moderator: Ana Carcani Rold, CEO and Founder, Diplomatic Courier

Accelerating Impact: Tackling the Climate and Development Crises Together

1:25 PM - 1:40 PM EDT

The 2025 Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies, quantifies the global benefits of tackling the climate crisis and sustainable development together. It draws on insights from three thematic reports¡ªfocusing on disaster risk insurance, nature-based solutions, and health in cities¡ªlaunched during the 2025 High-Level Political Forum in July. With climate targets and the Sustainable Development Goals off track, these recommendations come at a crucial time to accelerate progress and deliver real impact. Join leading experts and UN officials to explore how synergistic approaches are accelerating tangible, cross-cutting solutions for the SDGs.

Speakers:

• Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)
• Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Kantuta Diana Conde, Member of the UN Secretary-General¡¯s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

Moderator: Julians Amboko, Business Editor, Nation Media Group

Rewriting a Gender-Equal Future: Data, Tech, and the 2030 Deadline

Time: 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM EDT

With just five years left to deliver the 2030 Agenda, the clock is ticking¡ªand gender equality is slipping backward. The Gender Snapshot 2025, by UN Women and UN DESA, sounds the alarm: new tech once hailed as a game-changer is now weaponized against women, with generative AI threatening their jobs at nearly double the rate of men¡¯s. Yet closing the gender digital divide could lift 30 million women out of poverty and add $1.5 trillion to global GDP by 2030. The ¡°Rewriting a Gender-Equal Future: Data, Tech, and the 2030 Deadline¡± panel unites data experts, policymakers, and youth innovators to show how technology can still accelerate equality¡ªif we act now. This is not just about reclaiming lost ground, it is about rewriting the future, and ensuring it is gender equal for all women and girls.

Speakers:

• Bj?rg Sandkj?r, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)
• Sarah Hendriks, Director of Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Division (UN Women, 
• Anoushka Sinha, Founder & Director of Anupam Foundation, Human Rights Activist & Forbes 30 Under 30
• Roya Mahboob, Founder of the Digital Citizen Fund

Moderator:

• Elaine Reyes, News Anchor UN insider & Americas Now Show, CGTN America

From Radium Girls to Planetary Health: Stories for a Livable Future

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM EDT

This session explores advancing planetary health through storytelling to mobilize public will and financing. Drawing parallels between the Radium Girls¡¯ fight for justice and today¡¯s movement for environmental equity, this session shows how narratives can transform awareness into resources and policy change. Through film, research, and community engagement, the speakers will spotlight the interconnected health of people and the planet andshare solutions for impactful and actionable storytelling.

Speakers:

• Lydia Dean Pilcher, Founder and President, Cine Mosaic; Founder and Chair, PGA Green; Member, UNFCCC Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action Film & TV Steering Committee
• Jessica Kronstadt, Program Director, Planetary Health Alliance, Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health 
• William Nix, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, StoryWave Media 

Moderator: Debora B. Freitas L¨®pez, Executive Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Strengthening Information Integrity for Climate Action

3:00 PM -3:20 PM EDT

Deliberate and coordinated disinformation campaigns are hindering global progress on climate change, ranging from outright denial to greenwashing to harassment of climate scientists and activists. This session will present an overview of the evolution of these efforts and their impact on different areas of climate action, from the necessary transition to renewable energy, to public policy and activism by civil society organizations. Panelists and experts will also discuss the different tools and approaches taken to identify and counter these tactics.

Speakers:

• Charlotte Scaddan, UN Senior Adviser on Information Integrity
• Jo?o Brant, Secretary of Digital Policies, Secretariat of Social Communications of the Presidency of Brazil
• Kate Cell, Senior Campaign Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists 

Moderator: Mark Gongloff, Bloomberg Opinion editor & columnist

The Case for Decarbonizing Advertising

3:30 PM - 3:50 PM EDT

As governments and businesses implement climate transition plans to align with net zero goals, fossil fuel companies continue to spend billions of dollars each year in advertising. UN Secretary-General Ant¨®nio Guterres has urged countries to ban advertising from fossil fuel companies, and news media and tech companies to stop taking fossil fuel advertising. Experts and practitioners will showcase real examples proving that phasing out fossil fuel advertising is not only viable, but brings powerful benefits for people and the planet.

Speakers:

• Steve Sachs, Managing Director, The Guardian US
• Lameya Chaudhury, Head of Social Impact, Lucky Generals
• Dr. Edward Maibach, Global Climate and Health Alliance
• Jackie Nganga, Climate Justice Leader, Buni Media and Kick Polluters Out

Moderator: Florencia Lujani, Co-Founder and Strategy Director, ACT Climate Labs

Thursday 25 September

Storytelling as a Catalyst for Cultural and Community Transformation

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM EDT

In an era when stories travel faster than policies, the work of documentary filmmakers extends far beyond the screen. This session will explore how documentary filmmaking can accelerate progress on the SDGs by turning urgent global challenges into stories that mobilize awareness, financing, and action. Through diverse examples spanning environmental innovation, economic justice, youth leadership and human rights, speakers will highlight how filmmakers leverage global streaming platforms to reach millions.

Speakers:

• Farhoud Meybodi, Founder/Filmmaker, Ritual Arts
• Tobias Deml, Director, Gaming Wall St on HBO Max
• Sarah Kuck, Director, 100 Ways to Catch Wind

Moderator: William Nix, Co-Executive Director, SIE (Social Impact Entertainment) Society

Cities on the Frontlines: Local Solutions Driving Action

11:00 PM - 11:20 PM EDT

Cities and regions are on the front lines of the climate crisis, exposed to increasing extremes such as heatwaves, flooding, storms and droughts. This session will focus on the role of cities and regions in addressing the impacts of climate change, the challenges and benefits of local initiatives, and the opportunities to scale up local solutions to global action. 

Speakers:

• Anacl¨¢udia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN Habitat 
• Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group 
• Mariana Mazzucato, Prof. in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London 
• Valerie Plante, Mayor of Montreal

Humans + AI: Accelerating Solutions for the SDGs

1:30 PM - 1:50 AM EDT

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will require faster learning, smarter collaboration, and scaling what works across contexts. This session will explore how human-AI teaming can be a force multiplier for that mission. Jacob Taylor (Brookings Institution) and Ambika Samarthya-Howard (Solutions Insights Lab) will share recent efforts pairing multistakeholder teams with customized AI tools to strengthen collective intelligence for SDG problem-solving. In a conversation moderated by Rest of World, they¡¯ll explore how AI ¨C if designed in ways that work for people and planet ¨C could help diverse teams surface proven solutions, adapt them to local contexts, and replicate them globally, accelerating progress toward 2030 targets.

Speakers:

• Jacob Taylor, Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development, Brookings Institute
• Ambika Samarthya-Howard, Chief Innovation Officer, Solutions Journalism Network

Moderator: Michael Zelenko, Executive Editor, Rest of World

Fueling the Future: Hoops, Agrifood Systems & Youth-driven Change 

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM EDT

The world's agrifood systems stand at a crossroads. With approximately 1.3 billion young people aged 15 to 24 globally, the future of food, livelihoods, and economic resilience depends on their participation in agrifood systems. At the same time, we need youth to drive productivity, innovation, and sustainability in agrifood systems. Pulling from FAO¡¯s report, ¡°The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems¡±, this session highlights the potential youth have to be catalysts for broader agrifood systems transformation, and dives into concrete actions that need to be taken to empower them and ensure that they thrive alongside our agrifood systems.

Speakers:

• Brawley ¡°CHEESE¡± Chisholm, The Harlem Globetrotters & FAO Goodwill Ambassadors 
• Latif JET Rivers, The Harlem Globetrotters & FAO Goodwill Ambassadors 
• Monique Coleman, actress, dancer, entrepreneur and youth advocate

Moderator:

• Melissa Jun Rowley, Columnist, Rolling Stone, Founder, Climate Mic Drop Summit 

Data from Space to Shores - Geospatial Solutions Accelerating Resilience for SIDS

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM EDT

The panel discussion will showcase how integrated geospatial, Earth observation, and statistical data can strengthen climate, economic, and disaster resilience for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Ambassadors and experts will discuss practical country use-cases, including hazard mapping, coastal and marine planning, early-warning systems, and resilient infrastructure siting. The session highlights interoperable data platforms and governance frameworks to enhance decision-making and investment readiness. Panellists will signal alignment with ABAS, UN?IGIF/GSGF, and EW4All priorities, and commit to follow-on technical work, emphasizing international collaboration and actionable, data-driven strategies for sustainable island resilience.

Speakers:

• H.E. Mr. Viliami Va?inga T¨­n¨¥, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations
• H.E. Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN

Moderator: Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist and Climate Change Lead, ABC News

Cultivating Young Leaders for a Regenerative, Inclusive Future

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM EDT

In alignment with the UN Declaration on Future Generations, Accountable Impact leads the SDG Challenge Miami¡ªpartnering with top South Florida universities to cultivate future sustainability leaders. As the first U.S. city to host this global program, the Challenge mobilizes students, governments, companies, and nonprofits to accelerate the SDGs. In this panel discussion, youth speakers will highlight the connection between inner development and sustainable development, drawing on contemplative, faith-based, and Indigenous practices to foster resilience and showcase the importance of collaborations as a model for inclusive, regenerative, and community-rooted sustainable change.

Speakers:

• Scarlett Lanzas, Founder & CEO, Accountable Impact (NGO)
• Rodrick Miller, President & CEO, Miami-Dade Beacon Council, SDG Challenge Miami 2024 winner
• Alexandra Escobar, SDG Challenge Miami 2024 winner
• Juliana, UNICEF Youth Advocate from Brazil

Moderator: Irisaida M¨¦ndez Iriarte, Executive Director, Univisi¨®n Foundation

Beyond the Game: How Football Powers Social and Environmental Impact

3:30 PM - 3:50 PM EDT

Football is the world¡¯s most popular sport, with the power to unite communities, inspire action, and reach billions. This discussion brings together legends of Liverpool FC and Manchester United with the Soccer Forward, the foundation of the US Soccer federation responsible for the social impact legacy of the 2026 World Cup in the US. Panelists will highlight initiatives on countering hate speech and racism, advancing environmental sustainability and climate advocacy, and plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup social impact legacy. Panelists will explore how football drives progress on the SDGs locally while shaping global action for people and the planet.

Speakers:

• Lex Chalat, Executive Director, Soccer Forward
• Rishi Jain, Director of Impact, Liverpool Football Club
• Mika?l Silvestre, Former professional football player for French national team & Manchester United, Co-founder Planet Sporting Club

Moderator: Christine Cupo, Soccer Analyst, Host, CBS Sports

Speaking Up for Change: From Local Action to Global Impact

4:00 PM - 4:20 PM EDT

Speaking up is one of the most powerful tools we have to spark progress and demand accountability. In our increasingly interconnected world, every voice matters and has the potential to create a ripple effect that can grow into a global movement. Organized under the United Nations¡¯ ActNow campaign, this discussion will explore how individual action, grassroots movements, and collective advocacy can drive systemic change at the local, national, and global levels. Bringing together activists, influencers, and experts, the discussion will highlight the vital role people play in shifting mindsets, influencing decision-makers, and shaping policies that deliver a more just, sustainable, and livable future.

Speakers:

• Alessandro Armillotta, CEO and Co-Founder, AWorld
• Jeremy Jones, Professional Snowboarder & Founder and President of Protect Our Winters
• Patricia Zavala, Musician, Model & Host

Moderator: 

Friday 26 September

Global Cooperation on AI for the Benefit of Humanity

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM EDT

Join UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies Amandeep Singh Gill for a timely discussion on the United Nations¡¯ new AI governance mechanisms¡ªthe Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI¡ªdescribed by the Secretary-General as a ¡°pathbreaking milestone.¡± The discussion will explore how these initiatives seek to balance AI¡¯s transformative potential with societal risks, foster inclusive multilateral debate, and connect scientific insight with policymaking. The session will also reflect on the Secretary-General¡¯s report on innovative financing options for AI capacity-building and on how these efforts advance the Global Digital Compact as part of the Pact for the Future¡¯s vision for responsible, human-centered AI and a more equitable digital world.

Speaker:

• Amandeep Singh Gill, Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies

Moderator:

• Redi Tlhabi, International Broadcaster/Journalist

Solutions Journalism: Telling the Whole Story

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EDT

In an era of disinformation and media fatigue, this panel explores how solutions journalism can deepen public understanding of complex issues, rebuild trust in news, and drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Instead of focusing solely on problems, this approach highlights effective responses, offering a more constructive - and accurate - narrative of what¡¯s happening in the world.Through case studies spanning science, corporate responsibility, social impact, global news, and peacebuilding, the panel demonstrates how diverse sectors are leveraging solutions journalism to promote informed dialogue, strengthen accountability, and surface insights that can guide responses to global challenges.

Speakers:

• Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Nigeria News Central
• David Bornstein, Co-founder & CEO, Solution Journalism Network
• Sandra Coutinho, US Foreign Correspondent, TV Globo
• Catherine Cheney, Senior Editor for Special Coverage, Devex
• David M. Ewalt, Editor-in-Chief, Scientific American
• Mark Hertsgaard, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Covering Climate Now
• Caroline Sugg, Director of Strategy & Policy, BBC Media Action
• Kyota Tanaka, New York/United Nations Correspondent, The Asahi Shimbun

Moderator: Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary General for the Global Communications