Planet Aid Touches Down in NYC for the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.
The annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) happens on the third Tuesday of September at the UN Headquarters in New York. This year's 79th session of the UNGA was themed “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”
The meeting also coincided with Climate Week in New York City, also known as Climate Week NYC. Both events are pivotal times for organizations like Planet Aid to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and learn.
Over 600 organizations hosted events in New York City during the week welcoming diverse global leaders to discuss the most effective strategies to tackle the toughest issues and challenges from health to the environment.
Planet Aid’s Office of Global Partnerships team, led by Director Marie Lichtenberg attended several significant events, including the UN Summit of the Future, the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, and the 14th Concordia Annual Summit. It is critical for Planet Aid’s Office of Global Partnerships to gain insight and share information with our international partners to expand funding sources, resources, and collaborations that will drive progress and foster multilateral solutions toward a sustainable future.
UN Summit of the Future
Held on September 22-23, the UN Summit of the Future is a high-level event of the UNGA. During the session, world leaders adopted a 'Pact for the Future,' which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations with chapters on sustainable development and financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology and innovation, digital cooperation, youth and future generations, and transforming global governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the summit on September 23, emphasizing the importance of multilateral solutions for global challenges. For Planet Aid, attending this summit was an invaluable opportunity to understand and contribute to international efforts aimed at creating a sustainable and secure future.
Africa Union Education Program Side Event
In addition to the Summit of the Future, Planet Aid's Executive Director of Global Partnerships and Humana People to People Chairman and Humana People India CEO, Snorre Westgaard attended several side events. The Africa Union Education Program side event, “Education and Development: Positioning Skills Development as a Priority for Africa."
Westgaard talked about the impact of investing in the future of the next generation of young Africans, saying, Focused on TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) the event showcased how the private sector, in collaboration with nonprofits, can drive a new era of sustainable and equitable development by investing in skills education in Africa. Westgaard addressed the meeting's attendees.
In a social media post, Westgaard said the subject was close to his heart. He stated: "Humana’s experiences in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, and Guinea Bissau have shown how solid vocational training can change the lives of young people as well as their communities. Having a skill gives you greater access to well-paying jobs, especially when the training institutions have good connections with private industry that provide internship places. It can also inspire entrepreneurship, with young people gaining the confidence to create a livelihood and income for themselves even in situations where no employment is available."
Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting
The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) community convened on September 23-24 for its 2024 Annual Meeting in New York City. CGI brings together leaders from business, government, and civil society to drive progress on key issues such as climate resilience, inclusive economic growth and recovery, health equity, the full participation of women and girls, and humanitarian response efforts.
For Planet Aid, participating in the CGI Annual Meeting is a chance to explore innovative solutions and build partnerships that can enhance our impact on climate resilience and sustainable development.
The 14th Concordia Annual Summit: Navigating a New Era
"Navigating a New Era," is the theme for the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit. The event is happening from September 23-25 and will address the critical juncture the world faces today. With geopolitical fragmentation, shifting socioeconomic developments, and immense technological advancements, the summit aims to provide a forum for the private sector to collaborate with other stakeholders.
The event's goal is to equip attendees with the tools and partnerships needed to address today's unique challenges and opportunities. For Planet Aid, the Concordia Annual Summit is an essential platform to engage with diverse perspectives and foster collaborations that can drive meaningful change.
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Meeting Our UNGA and Climate Week Goals
Planet Aid's participation in this year's UNGA and Climate Week events underscores our commitment to learning from and contributing to global efforts to promote sustainable development. Engaging with other changemakers sharpens our resolve, enhances our strategies, and helps us forge new partnerships to drive progress toward a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.
We are eager to share our experiences and collaborate on innovative solutions. Together, we can make a considerable impact and imagine a better world for future generations.