Programme
SDG Media Zone @UNGA80: Better together – for peace, development and human rights
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
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, Climate Justice Activist
- Prajakta Koli, Youth Climate Champion, UN Development Programme
- Anes Demirović, Peace Advocate
- Mary Maker, Goodwill Ambassador, UN Refugees
- Ricardo Partida, Photographer, filmmaker and educator
Elders:
- Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General, Global Communications
- Diene Keita, Executive Director, UN Population Fund (TBC)
- Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General, UN Peacebuilding
Moderator: Melissa Mahtani, CBS News
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
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. 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—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, Musician, Model & Host
Moderator: Nanette Braun, Director, Campaigns Services, CCOD, UN Department of Global Communications
Friday 26 September Watch Live
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—the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI—described 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
Josh Groban: The Case for Arts Education in Youth Empowerment [pre-record]
11 AM -11:20 AM EDT
With education central to the 2030 Agenda of leaving no one behind, the role of the arts in reducing inequality is overlooked and underfunded. Multi-platinum artist and Grammy nominee Josh Groban joins Talking Foreign Affairs founder Adil Cader to urge governments and schools to invest in arts education.
Groban reflects on how the arts give him confidence and draws on his role as Find Your Light Foundation Founder which has supported over 300,000 students from underserved communities. He shares evidence that arts programs boost graduation rates, build leadership in at-risk youth, strengthen job skills and foster social inclusion.
Speaker:
- Josh Groban, Multi-Platinum Artist; Actor; Founder of Find Your Light Foundation
Moderator: Adil Cader, Founder of Talking Foreign Affairs; Celebrity Diplomacy & Advocacy Consultant
Safeguarding Mental Health for Future Generations in the Digital Age
12:30-12:50
AI and digital platforms are increasingly influencing how children and young people learn, connect, and experience the world. This panel explores how we can safeguard the mental health of young people while advancing technology that upholds children's rights and well-being. The discussion will address opportunities and risks of AI in shaping online well-being, highlight strategies for protecting and promoting youth mental health, and consider how global commitments, such as the UN’s Declaration for Future Generations, can ensure safe, inclusive, and resilient digital spaces for generations to come.
Speakers:
- Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs
- Michael Preston, Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop
- Joanna Lai, Health Specialist, UNICEF NYHQ
Moderator: TBC
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