Programme

Monday 22 September Watch Live

Welcome to the SDG Media Zone

10:30 AM - 10:35 AM EDT

Join the opening of the SDG Media Zone as we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations featuring a video message from the UN Secretary-General. This dynamic space brings the voices of young people, innovators, and changemakers into the global conversation, spotlighting solutions under the Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout the week, there will be engaging discussions on peace and security, gender equality, press freedom, climate, health, and more.

Speakers:

• António Guterres, UN Secretary General (video statement)
• Melissa Fleming, UN Under Secretary-General, Department of Global Communications

Resilient Voices: From Poetry to Peace

10:35 AM - 10:50 AM EDT

Maryam Bukar Hassan, Nigerian spoken word artist and poet, has been named the first United Nations Global Advocate for Peace—a groundbreaking role that recognizes the power of youth voices in shaping peace and security. “Peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of understanding,” she writes, capturing the essence of her vision for a more just and inclusive world. Drawing on her lived experience with conflict, Maryam brings resilience and creativity to peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts. In conversation with Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, she will highlight the vital contributions of women and youth in formal peace processes, decision-making, and leadership within their communities.

Speaker:

• Maryam Bukar, UN Global Advocate for Peace

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

Better Together: Marking 80 Years of the United Nations

10:50 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, under the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” comes at a pivotal moment to renew global commitment to multilateralism, solidarity and collective action. President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock will reflect on the UN’s eight decades of achievements while addressing urgent global challenges. This year’s high-level week highlights the need to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthen peace, advance human rights, and ensure the Organization remains fit for purpose to meet the needs of people and planet.

Speaker:

• Annalena Baerbock, President of Eightieth Session of the UN General Assembly

Moderator: Janelle Dumalaon, US Correspondent, Deutsche Welle

Women Pioneering Global Leadership

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM EDT

Three women share an uncommon experience: standing as candidates to lead the United Nations. Having witnessed the Secretary-General selection process from within, they now come together in an intergenerational conversation to explain the complexities of the UNSG election process. With the 2026 race on the horizon and global pressure mounting, this conversation goes beyond reflection. It will unpack the barriers that remain and the dynamics of the current race — drawing on lived experience to chart a path forward and ensure this pivotal moment does not pass without scrutiny, pressure and vision.

Speakers:

• Susana Malcorra, President, Global Women Leaders (GWL) Voices
• Helen Clark, Member, Global Women Leaders (GWL) Voices
• Irina Bokova, Member, Global Women Leaders (GWL) Voices

Moderator: Raj Kumar, Founding President & Editor-in-Chief, Devex

Shining a Spotlight: Cecilia Suárez in Conversation

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM EDT

Join award-winning actress and UN Global Advocate for Spotlight Initiative, Cecilia Suárez, for an intimate conversation on her advocacy to end violence against women and girls. Since her appointment in 2020, Ms. Suárez has used her platform to amplify the voices of survivors and changemakers. Most recently, she travelled to Ecuador, where she met with survivors, activists, government leaders, and UN partners working to create a safer world for women and girls. In this one-on-one session, Cecilia reflects on her journey, the stories that moved her, and the power of art and advocacy to drive change.

Speaker:

• Cecilia Suárez, Actress and UN Global Advocate for Spotlight Initiative

Moderator: Irisaida Mendez Iriarte, Executive Director, Univision Foundation

Inside the Climate Summit

12:30 PM - 12:45 PM EDT

On 24 September, the UN Secretary-General will host a Climate Summit, as a platform for world leaders to present new national climate plans and accelerate momentum, ahead of COP30. These new plans must reflect bold action for the next decade, unlocking a just, resilient and low-carbon future. Selwin Hart, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Climate Action, will share insights on the Summit’s goals, assess global progress, and chart the path to COP30.

Speaker:

• Selwin Hart, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action

Moderator: Danielle Mulder, Director of Sustainability, BBC

Taking Forward the Promise of FFD4

Time: 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM EDT

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) was formally recognized for its catalytic role in development finance in the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4). Building on this milestone, the discussion in the SDG Media Zone will spotlight how UNCDF is turning that commitment into action—showcasing partnerships and initiatives that mobilize investment, unlock potential, and advance sustainable development in underserved markets.

Speakers:

• H.E. Dr. Agnes Mary Chimbiri-Molande, Permanent Representative to the UN, Malawi
• Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Secretary, UN Capital Development Fund
• H.E. Ms. Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Government of Sierra Leone

Moderator: Elissa Miolene, Global Development Reporter, Devex

Turning Climate Stories into Global Action

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM EDT

Join actor and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and YouTuber and UNDP India Youth Climate Champion Prajakta Koli as they explore how celebrities and influencers are using their platforms to transform climate stories into global action. The session will spotlight filming of UNDP climate programs in India for season two of Nikolaj’s Bloomberg TV series “An Optimist’s Guide to the Planet,” premiering in October. Prajakta will share how she uses digital influence to inspire action. Moderated by Teen Vogue’s Alyssa Hardy, the conversation will highlight challenges, breakthroughs and UNDP’s critical role in driving climate initiatives worldwide.

Speakers:

• Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador
• Prajakta Koli, UNDP India Youth Climate Champion

Moderator: Alyssa Hardy, Style Director, Teen Vogue

Investing in Peace: Rethinking Global Security in an Era of Rising Military Spending

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM EDT

Global military spending is rising significantly across all regions driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, conflicts and perceived security threats. The Secretary-General’s new report, as requested by UN Member States in the 2024 Pact for the Future, examines the difficult trade-offs presented by the increasing global military spending, making a powerful case for investing in peace and in people's futures. It proposes a shift towards a human-centered and multidimensional approach to security, one that prioritizes diplomacy, cooperation, sustainable development and disarmament over military build ups.

Speakers:

• Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
• Haoliang Xu, Acting Administrator, UN Development Programme

Moderator: Toshiyuki Inaba, New York Correspondent, Kyodo News

The Manosphere: Understanding and Countering Online Misogyny

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM EDT

The manosphere – an online network of men’s rights activists, incels, and other misogynist groups – poses a growing global threat. By spreading disinformation and normalizing gender-based violence, its influence extends from digital spaces to offline harms, from harassment to femicide. This panel will examine how the manosphere undermines gender equality, drawing on perspectives from Latin America, Africa and global research. Speakers will define its narratives, explore regional impacts and share strategies for response – from policy and tech accountability to grassroots advocacy – while highlighting how men can be allies in challenging misogyny and reshaping norms.

Speakers:

• Gary Barker, CEO, Equimundo
• Ljubica Fuentes, Founder, ‘Ciudadanas del Mundo’
• Jaha Durureh, UN Women Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa
• Tarana Burke, Founder, MeToo Movement

Moderator: Janelle Dumalaon, US Correspondent, Deutsche Welle

Investing in Rural People in Africa and Beyond

3:30 PM - 3:50 PM EDT

Rural people are the backbone of food systems worldwide, yet they continue to face persistent challenges — from climate shocks to structural barriers that limit opportunity. Across Africa, investing in rural people — especially women — holds enormous potential to drive food security, reduce poverty, and advance gender equality. This conversation will highlight IFAD’s approach to investing in rural communities in Africa and beyond.

Speaker: Alvaro Lario, President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Moderator: Monicah W. Ndung'u, Chief of Corporate Affairs, Marketing & Partnerships Office, Nation Media Group

Tuesday 23 September Watch Live

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—and too often deadly—profession. 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:

• Jodie Ginsberg, Chief Executive, Committee to Protect Journalists
• Biesan Abu-Kwaik, AlJazeera UN Correspondent 

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:

• Diene Keïta, 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—and 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

Moderator: Ian Philips, Director, News and Media Division, UN Department of Global Communications

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 18–30 who are confronting the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges. At this special award ceremony, three global winners — chosen through a rigorous international process — will receive trophies and a $20,000 cash prize. The event features a panel with UNEP Director of Communications Daniel Cooney, climate technology leader Christopher Kemper, and the winners themselves, with a spotlight on each Champion’s transformative project.

Speakers:

• Chris Kemper, Co-Founder, Planet A
• Daniel Cooney, Director of Communications, UNEP
• Young Champions

Special Guest:

• Amber Valletta, Model and Actress

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

Wednesday 24 September Watch Live

The Future of Work in the Age of AI- A town hall with BBC News Africa

A BBC News Town Hall in partnership with the United Nations brought together ministers, policymakers, and youth leaders to discuss The Future of Work in the Age of AI.

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 Chairman, 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 — 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—focusing on disaster risk insurance, nature-based solutions, and health in cities—launched 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—and 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—if 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:

• Bjørg Sandkjær, 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 López, 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
• João 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 António 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

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

Turning Promises into Progress: Intergenerational Leadership for Climate Justice and a Sustainable Future

4:00 PM - 4:20 PM EDT

The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time and without urgent action it will continue to accelerate. It is our collective responsibility to leave behind a world that is safe and livable for future generations. But there is still reason to have hope: climate solutions are now readily available and cost-effective to implement. The world can solve climate change through global cooperation and inclusive leadership across generations to tackle systemic barriers and deploy the  solutions at the speed and scale needed.

Meaningful youth engagement is a fundamental human right and a non-negotiable strategy to raise climate ambition. From grassroots campaigns to global advocacy, youth-led movements are sparking hope, driving recognition of urgent realities, and transforming calls for climate justice into action. This intergenerational conversation will explore why it is essential to elevate young and diverse voices in the fight for the future of people and the planet.

Speakers: 

• Charitie Ropati, UN Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, indigenous climate justice advocate, and water engineer
• Mary Robinson, member of the Elders and former chair, first woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Russell Reed, Climate Activist, We Are Family Foundation Lead Delegate & Co-Architect of the NDC Youth Clause Campaign

Moderator: Justin Worland, senior correspondent, TIME

Thursday 25 September Watch Live

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:

• Oumar Sylla, Director for the Regional Office for Africa of UN-Habitat 
• Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group 
• Valerie Plante, Mayor of Montreal

Moderator: Maeve Campbell, Climate Journalist 

A New Vision for Health Financing in Africa

11:30-11:50 AM EDT

Africa’s health security is at a turning point: donor funding is declining just as populations grow and demand for care rises. With half of sub-Saharan countries reliant on external support, ONE is advancing a vision for sustainable, Africa-led financing: governments leading for Africans, health as a driver of growth, and an ecosystem approach that makes basic care a right for all. Yet persistent data gaps undermine decisions and accountability. To help close this gap, ONE Data has launched ‘The ONE Data Agent,’ an AI-powered platform delivering fast, clear data on health financing.
 

Speakers:

• Ndidi Nwuneli, CEO, ONE Campaign

Moderator: Bernard Akede, Lead Correspondent, Nigeria News Central

Financing Nature, Inspiring Action: Storytelling for Change

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM EDT

Nature is not only the foundation of life on our planet – it’s also essential to our wellbeing, mental health, and economies. Open Planet Studio’s new feature documentary, How to Live on Earth, explores why protecting and financing nature is critical for our collective future. In this session, Emily Renshaw-Smith, along with Marco Lambertini, Convener of the Nature Positive Initiative and Andrea Egan from the Nature Team at UNDP, will share how impactful storytelling can drive real climate action.

Speakers:

• Emily Renshaw-Smith, Managing Director at Open Planet
• Andrea Egan, UNDP Nature Team 
• Marco Lambertini, Nature Positive

Moderator: Erika Pastrana, Vice President of the Nature Research Journals, Springer Nature

Peace Circle at UNGA80

12:40 – 1:15 PM EDT

At the heart of the UN's new youth and peace campaign, Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World, are Peace Circles. These inclusive, youth-led dialogues offer a vital platform to share lived experiences, listen deeply, and gather solutions for our shared future. The Peace Circle at UNGA80 will convene young leaders and elders for a meaningful conversation on how to tackle today’s escalating global challenges.

Speakers: [Peace Circle participants]

• Veronika Novotná, European Union Youth Delegates to the UN 
• Renata Koch Alvarenga, Founder, EmpoderaClima
• Prajakta Koli, Youth Climate Champion, UN Development Programme
• Anes Demirović, Founder, Hadje Together  
• Mary Maker, Goodwill Ambassador, UN Refugee Agency 
• Ricardo Partida, Photographer and Educator, Bronx Documentary Centre

Elders:

• Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General, Global Communications
• Martha Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General, Africa, UN Peace and Security PIllar
• Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General, UN Peacebuilding

Moderator: Melissa Mahtani, Moderator and International Journalist

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 – if designed in ways that work for people and planet – 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
• Máximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, FAO

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 Vaʼinga Tōnē, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations
• H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
• Mr. Lorant Czaran, Chief, Space Applications Programme, UNOOSA

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—partnering 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, speakers will showcase how transdisciplinary and multisector partnerships exemplify the kind of cross-sector collaboration cities and communities need to accelerate the SDGs. The SDG Challenge Miami represents the commitment of several local, regional and global entities to  advance the United Nations 2030 Agenda and cultivate the next generation of sustainability leaders driving  systemic change across sectors.

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 Méndez Iriarte, Executive Director, Univisión 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 unparalleled reach and the power to advance the SDGs. This discussion will bring together legends of Liverpool FC with Soccer Forward, the foundation of the US Soccer federation responsible for the social impact legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US. Panelists will showcase how football can be a force for positive change, exploring initiatives promoting good health and well-being, quality education, social inclusion and more. The conversation will highlight how football drives progress on the SDGs locally and shapes global action for people and the planet.

Speakers:

• Lex Chalat, Executive Director, Soccer Forward
• Rishi Jain, Director of Impact, Liverpool Football Club
• Robbie Fowler, Former Liverpool Football Club and England forward

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, Artist and Television Host

Moderator: Nanette Braun, Director, Campaigns Services, CCOD, UN Department of Global Communications