CLIMATE SESSIONS

The climate crisis disrupts the education of 40 million children each year. In this session, Education Cannot Wait and Global Citizen will discuss how the climate crisis, conflicts, and record-breaking displacement overlap, putting millions of young people’s futures at risk. We will explore inspiring case studies, funding models, and policy initiatives that showcase how businesses and governments can better collaborate to create policies that integrate climate resilience and education continuity while also building funding mechanisms that encourage private sector investment in climate-resilient education infrastructure. We will also explore how governments and the private sector can work together to develop innovative technologies that enhance remote learning and education continuity during climate-related disruptions. Please join us to unpack how these partnerships can not only enrich educational experiences but also cultivate a generation ready to lead the charge against climate challenges.

The world stands at a crossroads. As inequality and climate change threaten to undo a generation’s progress on extreme poverty, it is clear that the private sector and civil society must combine their expertise, resources, and influence to accelerate transformative action on a global scale. In this discussion, leaders from business and civil society will share case studies and initiatives where collaboration has led to significant positive outcomes, including emissions reduction, sustainable practices, and community engagement. We will explore specific examples of how unique partnerships between companies and civil society have unlocked innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and leveraged the use of technology to scale up climate projects. We will also address the challenges and barriers that may impede successful collaboration between the private sector and civil society and ways to overcome trust deficits, ensuring an inclusive and equitable approach to climate action. 

In an era where the global community faces unprecedented environmental challenges, the private sector has emerged as a critical force in shaping the trajectory of climate solutions and the transition to a green economy. While science-based targets, net zero commitments, and decarbonizing the global economy are a critical first step for the private sector, investment in sustainable infrastructure and resilient communities are an essential next step.  For example, we know that when the private sector invests in climate infrastructure, it also has the potential to create new jobs for youth and women, especially in countries most affected by climate change. The energy transition must not leave anyone behind as it creates major opportunities for green jobs and new industries. In this discussion we will explore what it really means to go beyond net zero targets and make transformative climate investments in the most vulnerable communities. This exclusive session brings together visionary leaders from the private sector, civil society and government to explore innovative strategies and opportunities that harness the power of business to combat climate change while fostering sustainable growth. 

12:20 PM

Fireside Chat: The Role of the United States in Addressing Rapid Climate Change

MODERATOR: Bill Nye
SPEAKER: Ali Zaidi

This will be a lightning conversation to discuss the state of United States leadership in addressing rapid climate change. Topics include the role of the US in cutting global emissions, how to build more climate resilient communities given the recent devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, and how the private sector can best ensure local communities, especially indigenous communities, are able to benefit from the voluntary carbon market.

Join fellow attendees for a robust and collaborative conversation reflecting on the three Global Citizen NOW: Climate Sessions panels. Your name tag has a color coded sticker which correlates to the table you have been assigned to.