Climate Week Engagements
Friday, September 20th: Professor Maria Ivanova spoke at a panel event “Systems Approaches to Long-Term Decision-Making for Sustainability.” Hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Science Council, Future of Climate Cooperation, and Future Generations Commissioner of Wales, the panel convened to talk about systems change for sustainability. Prof. Ivanova emphasized the role of small states as leaders in environmental multilateralism and drivers of impactful change.
Monday, September 23: Professor Maria Ivanova spoke at the NYC Green School Conference during Climate Week 2024 in NYC. Joining the session “Green Graduates for Greening Jobs,” Maria discussed policy strategies for enhancing sustainability in higher education. Prof. Ivanova was also awarded, for the second time, the International Green Mentor Award for individuals who have significantly contributed to greening education through mentorship and guidance.
Monday, September 23: Professor Maria Ivanova participated in Street Art for Mankind (SAM) and the UN Environment Programme’s Climate Action Outdoor Museum’ SAM and UNEP unveiled four iconic exterior murals created on buildings throughout the Hudson Yard neighborhood in New York City. The murals are intended to bring the conversation on climate to the streets, to get people discussing climate change and the necessary actions to solve it. The murals focus on urban and ocean ecosystem restoration and sustainable plastic and fashion production and consumption. Prof. Ivanova spoke on the importance of art as a driver for policymaking especially in regards to plastic. Art serves, she stated, as a bridge between policy and the people policy affects, it reminds us that change is closer than we think and that inspiration for action is all around us.
Tuesday, September 24: Professor Maria Ivanova spoke at Bridging the Gap Between Government and Business to Meet Global Climate Goals,”” an event at the UN Global Compact Leader’s occurring alongside the Summit of the Future. Co-hosted with the UN Science Policy Business Forum, the session explored public-private partnerships to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Prof. Ivanova explored the role of academic institutions as partners to enhance implementation of Paris commitments and how to balance research and policymaking.
