New York, New York... Here we go!

The Green Economy Coalition (GEC) is headed to New York City, and we've got a jam-packed agenda across the Pre-Summit of the Future activities, Action Days, Summit of the Future, the 79^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and New York Climate Week! It's the place to be as we hit the first major milestone in delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – with just five years left to make it happen.

It’s all about climate action, environmental protection, a just transition, defending democracy, creating transparent and inclusive economic governance frameworks, ending poverty, and reducing inequalities. The challenges are global, the actions are local and global – which is why partnerships are key.

What are we up to?

The Green Economy Coalition is proud to be part of the International Financial Architecture Reform and Financing for Development Impact Coalition, co-led by the Club de Madrid and the Global Public Investment Network. Part of the Summit of the Future Outcome Package, the Coalition was established during the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, with a clear goal: to shape global discussions on enhancing financing for development and climate action, while positively influencing the political outcomes of the Summit of the Future and beyond. Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for the 4^th Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in 2025 and we’re ready to make a lasting impact (and see you in Sevilla!)

• Saturday, September 21st, 13:00-14:15 EST: As part of the official UN Action Days, I will be moderating a high-level panel titled “Pact for the Future and Beyond: Towards the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.” The panel will feature representatives from Brazil, Spain, South Africa, Uruguay, UN and members of the Coalition, among others. You can find all the details here.

We’re also co-organizing an event with our friends and partners: Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE), Switch to Green, Green Fiscal Policies Network and Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP).

• Monday, September 23rd, 17.00 to 19.30 EST. High-level panel followed by reception. "Green and Circular – Can it Be Fair? Joining Forces for a Just Transition," I will be a panellist, make sure to tune in! (Location: 304 E 45^th St, FF-Building, Doha Room, 11^th Fl.)

Energy is key to achieving the SDGs and the Paris Agreement goals. The SDG7 Action Forum 2024 will be in person, connecting decision-makers and practitioners on real solutions for a just and inclusive energy transition toward net-zero—building on outcomes from COP28. And GEC will be there.

• On Wednesday, September 25th,13:30-15:00 EST, I will moderate the panel on “Sustainable Energy and Water: Supporting Women’s Empowerment and Economic Development”. It will bring representatives from civil society, International organizations, private sector and UN. Don’t miss it and register here.

As part of our GEC/IIED Europe collaboration with Club de Madrid, I will join the in-person working group for the second phase of the Leadership for Net-Zero initiative, alongside President Alvarado and others. Stay tuned for updates on the second phase of this exciting initiative, as the first virtual meeting of the Working Groups took place on Monday September 9th. I will also participate in the Club de Madrid Action Lab on Financing for Sustainable Development. This year’s Club de Madrid Annual Policy Dialogue will focus on international financing for sustainable development. Titled “Driving Sustainable Futures for All,” the dialogue will bring together three working groups, with GEC participating in the group discussing “Scaling Up Financing and Reforming Financial Institutions”. During this high-level in-person meeting, I will be contributing to a closed-door discussion on Friday, September 27th. We are very excited about this work that, under the leadership of Club de Madrid, brings together key important stakeholders.

That’s not all, folks!

GEC, together Earth4All and Wellbeing Economy Alliance is hosting an after-Summit of the Future Gathering, you can find more information here.

Plus I have been invited to attend several events, such as:

• High-Level Pre-Summit of the Future Event, organised by UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). We recently joined the Network (global and European), and we’re super excited to collaborate with all the amazing partners involved!
• There are several other events, such as Resilience Day, the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance event, the launch of the Global Citizens’ Assembly for People and Planet and several others organized by Brazilian partners, Philanthropies and other friends, covering key topics like finance, critical raw materials, or the role of philanthropies. Many of these events are about building bridges between climate, environment and development, mobilising finance and connecting G20, COP29, and COP30. I personally can’t wait to dive in!

Last, but not least, in preparation for the FfD4 we are working on inputs for the Elements paper on Financing for Development alongside our network, as well as with our partners at our Research Network with UNIRSD. If you want to contribute or get more info, feel do reach out to me.

Looking forward to meeting old and new friends! If you’re in New York (or for a catch up later), please do get in touch (Sofía)

Please reach out to us and join the Green Economy Coalition—we’re stronger together! And stay tuned for more updates...