SDG Media Zone - UNGA79 programme | United Nations (original) (raw)

Programme

Be part of the SDG Media Zone conversations!

Follow our live coverage

Tuesday 24 September Watch Live

Peacebuilding: the Path to Lasting Peace

11:10-11:20 EDT

Preventing conflict and sustaining peace lie at the heart of the Secretary-General’s efforts to reshape the organizations peace and security efforts, and central to those efforts is peacebuilding – the nexus between conflict response, and sustainable development. As the we confront an increasingly divided world, where countless lives are lost and trillions of dollars are spent on fighting and the consequences of violence, the Secretary-General continues to make a strong case for investing in peacebuilding as a tool for lasting peace.

Speaker:

Moderator: Andrew Roth, The Guardian

Securing Peace in a Fractured World

11:20 - 11:35 EDT

In 2023, the Secretary-General presented A New Agenda for Peace, outlining his vision for a more robust multilateral system, including a strengthened United Nations that can address the evolving threats to international peace and security today. Asif Khan talks about the importance of the Agenda and how it relates to the outcome of the Summit of the Future.

Speaker:

Moderator: Andrew Roth, The Guardian

Securing Lives, Building Peace

11:45 - 12:00 EDT

Documentary photographer Giles Duley was severely injured by a landmine in Afghanistan and was left a triple-amputee before he became a global advocate. He has become the voice of countless people injured during conflicts. He recently returned from Ukraine where his Legacy of War Foundation has delivered specialized aid including wheelchairs, medical equipment, and ambulances. Ukraine today has one of the highest landmine casualty rates in the world.

Speaker:

Moderator: John Haltiwanger, PBS GZero

AFRICA RENEWAL: Climate Financing for a Sustainable Future

12:00 - 12:20 EDT

Repositioning nature as an economic asset that can form the basis for sustainable development.

Speaker:

Moderator: Jean-Paul Adam, Director, Policy, Monitoring and Advocacy, UN Office of the Special Advisor on Africa

The Future is Now

12:30 - 12:45 EDT

Guy Ryder, the UN Lead on the Summit of the Future, will discuss the key outcomes from the Summit, focusing on the adoption of the Pact for the Future. This session will explore how the global initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation and address pressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and the advancement of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaker:

Moderator: Jonathan Munro, BBC News

Humanitarian Challenges: The Cost of Inaction for the People of Sudan

1:00 - 1:15 EDT

More than 17 months of conflict in Sudan have unleashed the world’s largest hunger crisis and displaced more than 10 million people. At a high-level ministerial event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly tomorrow (25 September), the UN and Member States will call for decisive action to scale up humanitarian access and stop the war. Edem Wosornu, the Director of Operations and Advocacy at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – which will co-host the event – speaks with reporter Andrew Roth from The Guardian about Sudan’s worsening crisis and the steps needed to end the suffering.

Speaker:

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

The Future of Peacekeeping

1:30 - 1:45 EDT

As global leaders address the General Assembly, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, discusses the evolving role of peace operations in supporting communities in some of the most challenging places in the world.

Speaker:

Moderator: Sao Phal Niseiy, Editor-in-Chief, Cambodianess and Bárbara Nóbrega, International News Editor at GloboNews, 2024 Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellows

For a Liveable Future: The Urgency of Climate Action

2:15 - 2:30 EDT

As records are shattered, and emissions continue to rise, UN Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, Selwin Hart will discuss the stark reality of our climate and the bold, concrete action governments – particularly the G20 – and businesses must take within the limited window of Time: left to save the planet and prevent the worst impacts of this crisis.

Speaker:

Moderator: Rachel Ramirez, CNN

SDGs at a Turning Point

2:30 - 2:50 EDT

The event will explore the synergy between media influence and sustainable development. The conversation will address how media can drive sustainable development aligned with climate action and a global shift to bolster a green economy and will feature the premiere of the "Turning Point" film series which spotlights the SDGs, while UN initiatives showcase innovative financing solutions in energy, climate action, social protection and jobs, digital connectivity and across all SDG transitions.

Speakers:

Moderator: Peter Glatzer, Co-Founder of SHFT

Youth Leadership at the Centre of Peace and Security Agenda: A Case from Japan

3:00 - 3:20 EDT

In the lead-up to the Summit of the Future, youth organizations in Japan organized a large-scale festival on nuclear disarmament and climate change, which successfully brought together 66,000 people on site and half a million viewers online as well as a youth awareness survey with almost 120,000 responses. TBS, one of the major private broadcasters based in Tokyo, has embarked on an immersive experiential project Action for Peace using cutting-edge technology in close consultation with interested youth from the planning stage. The session will explore key elements that ensure meaningful youth engagement based on good practices from Japan, with a multi-stakeholder approach.

Speakers:

Moderator: Kaoru Nemoto, Director, UN Information Centre-Tokyo

SIDS on the Frontline

3:30 - 3:45 EDT

Small island states are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, but they are also at the forefront of climate solutions. Many SIDS have made strong political commitments to a net-zero, climate-resilient future, including through ambitious national climate action plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and the Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the UN will discuss the outcomes of the recent SIDS conference held in Antigua and the commitments made.

Speakers:

Moderator: Rachel Ramirez, CNN

Restoring Trust in Science

3:50 - 4:00 EDT

Restoring trust in science requires engaging citizens, addressing misinformation, and promoting evidence-based thinking. The UN can play a key role by fostering transparent communication, facilitating dialogue between scientists and the public, and advancing science for the benefit of all, especially under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.

Speaker:

Moderator: Magdalena Skipper, Nature Magazine

Wednesday 25 September Watch Live

Shaping a Path to Inclusive Prosperity (Italian Language)

10:15-10:30 EDT

The world is off course, with rising inequalities in Human Development Index values threatening permanent losses in human development. Accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, economic uncertainty, and societal polarization are trapping communities in poverty. Our economic and social systems, rooted in injustice and inequality, need recalibration. Change can happen quickly if people make choices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Laura Pepe, a journalist with RAI, will conduct an interview in Italian with UN and Italian government representatives, and the private sector.

Speakers:

Moderator: Laura Pepe, RAI

Women Driving Change Through Sport

10:45-11:00 EDT

Lise, President of the Norway Football Association, is one of the few female leaders in sports governance, advocating for change and integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework. Ons, the highest-ranked African and Arab tennis player in WTA and ATP history, leverages her platforms to highlight key issues in the humanitarian and development field. This discussion will explore their pivotal roles in driving transformative change in a traditionally male-dominated sports landscape, highlighting the impact of female leadership in promoting inclusivity and progress within the industry.

Speakers:

Moderator: Adam Crafton, The Athletic

Mental Health Storytelling and Media

11:00-11:20 EDT

Paramount Global and Prospira Global join the Zone to explore the power of the media in influencing mental health globally. This influence can either be a powerful force for good, reducing stigma and increasing access to resources, or can create harm if not approached responsibly. Experts will outline how global entertainment, and its depiction of mental health on screen, influences viewers, highlighting how industry leaders – from studios, to producers and writers – are already shifting the narrative. The conversation will also explore how the industry is evolving and what role the entertainment industry has to play in better depicting mental health on screen going forward.

Speakers:

Moderator: Elisha London, CEO & Founder, Prospira Global

Improving International Responses to Complex Crises

11:30-11:50 EDT

From emerging conflicts, large-scale climatic and environmental disasters to major socio-economic disruptions, the world is facing an unprecedented rise of multiple and intersecting crises, which is challenging sustainable development progress. As part of the Pact for the Future, The UN Secretary-General proposed measures to strengthen international response to complex global shocks. This session will explore challenges of today’s emerging crises and share perspectives on the importance and benefits of a new platform that can effectively address today and tomorrow’s crises.

Speakers:

Moderator: Simon Bishop, BBC Media Action

AFRICA RENEWAL: Addressing the Dangers of Hate Speech

12:00-12:20 EDT

As we continue to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, we take a look at the dangers of hate speech in the context of the African continent, and the lessons the world can learn from Rwanda.

Speaker:

Moderator: Alice Nderitu, UN Under-Secretary-General, Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide

Towards Equitable Representation : An African Perspective

12:30- 12:45 EDT

A fireside chat with H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia, on UN Security Council reform.

Speaker:

Moderator: John Haltiwanger, PBS GZero

Addressing the Threats of Sea Level Rise

1:00-1:20 EDT

This event will be an opportunity for the panel to outline the threats of sea-level rise to Small Island Developing States, their economies, livelihoods and cultural heritage. The panelists will address both personal insight into this threat, and bring forward opportunities for concerted action on the international stage.

Speakers:

Moderator: Rachel Ramirez, CNN

Investing in Fashion Innovation

1:30-1:50 EDT

The fashion industry is at a crucial juncture where sustainability and innovation are no longer optional but essential for future growth and environmental stewardship. This panel will explore the pivotal role of investment in driving fashion innovation, highlighting successful case studies, discussing challenges, and identifying opportunities for future development.

Speakers:

Moderator: Patricia Zavala, Journalist and TV Host

Space Pollution: Sustainability, Peace and Security

2:00-2:20 EDT

Skyrocketing numbers of orbital launches and atmospheric reentries are bringing rapid and profound changes to the environments of low-Earth orbit and our upper atmosphere. Partly due to satellite “mega constellations,” the global launch industry may launch up to 50,000 new satellites into orbit by 2030. As low-Earth orbit becomes more crowded, major environmental problems grow: space-based hazards posed by probable increases in space junk and proliferation of mega constellations could interfere with scientific studies of the cosmos, dramatically boosting metallic pollution entering the stratosphere from the fiery reentry of spacecraft and debris and impacting global peace and security.

Speakers:

Moderator: Lee Billings, Scientific American

Renewable Energy - Powering a Safer Future

2:30-2:50 EDT

The energy sector accounts for nearly 75% of emissions, making the shift to clean, reliable, renewable energy sources critical to combating climate change. There has been great progress to date, with renewables already making up 30% of the world’s electricity supply and clean energy investments reaching a record high in 2023. Now, the world must seize this momentum and take action in three areas: NDCs, fossil fuel phase out, and finance. The renewable revolution is unstoppable, but leaders must take urgent action in each of these areas to ensure a truly just and inclusive transition. If they do, it will not only preserve our planet, it offers immense opportunity for advancing progress across the SDGs.

Speakers:

Moderator: Minlu Zhang, China Daily

Beyond GDP

3:30-3:50 EDT

As we approach the post-SDG era, it's time to rethink how we measure progress. GDP alone cannot capture the full scope of sustainable development. This session will explore the global shift to go 'Beyond GDP,' focusing on what truly matters: people’s well-being, equality, and the planet. Join thought leaders as they explore how rethinking progress can guide us toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. The session aims to foster a new shared language for development, introduce a broader set of metrics, and increase visibility on these crucial discussions at UNGA79.

Speakers:

Moderator: Ana Carbajosa, El País

Thursday 26 September Watch Live

Towards a Better Internet

10:00 - 10:15 EDT

This session highlights the urgent need for a more humane internet that protects human rights, information, and democratic values.

Speaker:

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

Misinformation and Changing Migration Narratives

10:15-10:30 EDT

Migration is central to global public discourse, intersecting political, social, cultural, and economic issues. Often driven by fear and prejudice, migration is frequently misrepresented in mainstream and social media. Post-pandemic, disinformation and misinformation about migration have surged, due to inadequate ethical reporting. This has led to increased persecution of migrants, reflected in rising xenophobia and hate speech. To counter these harmful narratives, it is essential to provide media professionals with training and leverage technologies like artificial intelligence to combat disinformation, misinformation, and xenophobia effectively.

Speakers:

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

Advertising and Information Integrity

10:35-10:55 EDT

The UN Global Principles for Information Integrity highlight the role of advertising in information integrity. They call on advertisers to demand transparency in digital advertising processes to ensure ad budgets do not inadvertently fund risks to information integrity such as mis/disinformation and hate speech. The Global Principles urge tech companies to innovate new business models that do not rely on programmatic advertising or prioritize engagement over human rights, privacy and safety.

Speakers:

Moderator: Charlotte Scaddan, Senior Advisor on Information Integrity, UN Department of Global Communications

Towards a Common Digital Future

11:00-11:15 EDT

This session will explore the adoption of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the future of digital cooperation. The GDC outlines commitments on connectivity, digital skills, inclusion in the digital economy, human rights, internet governance, data privacy, and AI governance. Led by Sweden and Zambia, the GDC's development involved over 5,000 participants and 6,000 contributions. The session will also feature the launch of the UN Secretary-General's High-level Advisory Body on AI's Final Report, "Governing AI for Humanity," which provides recommendations for global AI governance based on extensive consultations and submissions aimed at fostering equitable and inclusive outcomes.

Speaker:

Moderator: Mita Hosali, Deputy Director News and Content Branch, UN Department of Global Communications

Paving New Pathways for Women in Tech

11:20-11:35 EDT

In an era of rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence and digital platforms are reshaping our world in profound ways. This session brings together leaders from LinkedIn, Roblox and UN Women to explore how AI impacts different communities, particularly women and youth, and how we can design safer, more inclusive digital environments.

Speakers:

Moderator: Mita Hosali, Deputy Director News and Content Branch, UN Department of Global Communications

Under Attack: The Role of UNRWA in Delivering Humanitarian Aid to the People of Gaza

11:40-11:50 EDT

The people of Gaza are in the middle of an epic humanitarian catastrophe and urgently need aid. Gaza has, meanwhile, become the most dangerous place to be a humanitarian worker in. To date, 224 UNRWA team members have been killed, the largest loss ever recorded in the history of the UN. UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian operation. Early on when the war began, UNRWA turned most of its buildings to shelters. It provides food, primary health care, water, hygiene and psychological support to displaced communities.

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General for UNRWA, discusses why the world must stand united to support and safeguard UNRWA in the face of outrageous and relentless attacks.

Speaker:

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

AFRICA RENEWAL: Protecting the Rights of Africa's Women and Girls

12:00-12:20 EDT

According to UNFPA: “Globally, one in every five girls is formally married or in an informal union, before reaching age 18. In the least developed countries, that number almost doubles – 36 percent of girls are married before age 18, and 10 percent of girls are married before age 15. Child marriage threatens girls’ lives and health, and it limits their future prospects.” This panel will discuss the challenges around banning child marriage, and the example of Sierra Leone which recently banned child marriage in its own country.

Speakers:

Moderator: Kayode Akintemi, News Central

Information Integrity

12:30-12:45 EDT

The UN Department of Global Communications engages in far-reaching efforts to address mis- and disinformation and hate speech and also to promote free and independent media. In an era of global mistrust, the discussion will highlight solutions and initiatives to address misinformation as well as the risks and opportunities of AI for information integrity.

Speaker:

Moderator: John Haltiwanger, PBS GZero

The Power of Art for the 2030 Agenda

1:00-1:20 EDT

From raising awareness to inspiring action, art is a key instrument for the delivery of the 2030 Agenda. This session will dive into the contributions made by the art world to the SDGs. It will explore how different art forms, by providing new and exciting entry points for engagement with critical sustainable development challenges, can support the political processes seeking to overcome them and catalyze change at the community, national and international level.

Speakers:

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

Harnessing the Power of Music to Protect Our Planet

1:30-1:50 EDT

The innovative Sound Right music initiative is using the power of nature sounds and music to accelerate action on the SDGs, drive wide public engagement and raise royalties for conservation efforts.

Just 2 weeks after the April launch the new artist NATURE made it to the Top 1% of artists on Spotify, and now more musicians from across the globe are flocking to join.

In this session you will meet some of the people behind Sounds Right, meet one of the new musicians, and hear about the groundbreaking concept and the scale-up plans.

Speakers:

Moderator: Maher Nasser, Director, Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications

How to Engage the Private Sector in Advancing the SDGs

2:00-2:20 EDT

The private sector is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – by creating employment, building skills, encouraging innovation, providing essential infrastructure, supplying affordable goods and services and investing in capital. However, incorporating sustainability into business models is a complex process that companies may not be able to handle on their own. In this session, experts from the United Nations and entrepreneurs from global businesses will discuss how they can work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speakers:

Moderator: Yingqian Chen, Phoenix TV

How Sustainable Finance can Facilitate a Green and Prosperous Future for All

2:20-2:40 EDT

Greater investment is needed from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in sustainable development priorities, including climate change and biodiversity. A key part of this is to better align all financing with the environmental and social dimensions of development. This requires better managing risks, taking up opportunities that bring economic, social and environmental benefits and delivering greater accountability. In this session, experts from the United Nations will discuss how sustainable finance can facilitate sustainable development.

Speakers:

Moderator: Yingqian Chen, Phoenix TV

Winning the Climate Story: Communicating Hope and Solutions

3:00-3:20 EDT

As it becomes increasingly urgent to transition to renewable energy, organizations must work together to combat climate mis- and disinformation in the climate space. Only powered by the collaboration of partners in different sectors will we be able to overcome the might of the fossil fuel industry narratives. But what is an effective model for working together to build communications that can rise to this challenge?

Speakers:

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

Global Compact Report on GenAI and the Global Goals

3:30-3:50 EDT

UN Global Compact and Accenture’s recently released report, "Generative AI for the Global Goals: The Private Sector’s Guide to Accelerating Sustainable Development with Technology," urges business leaders to use generative AI for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. With only 17% of SDG targets currently on track, the report highlights AI's potential to boost efficiency, drive innovation, and improve sustainability reporting, while stressing the need for responsible AI governance, ethical oversight, and alignment with the UN’s Ten Principles for positive societal and environmental impact.

Speakers:

Moderator: Kayode Akintemi, News Central

Friday 27 September Watch Live

Empowering Economies: Women's Role in Sustainable Fashion Innovation

10:00 - 10:30 EDT

With women making up 70% of the global fashion workforce but holding fewer than 25% of leadership roles (ILO, McKinsey & Company), this conversation underscores the transformative potential of investing in women to create sustainable and inclusive economies. This dynamic discussion will explore the vital role of women-led fashion skills training programs in advancing education, youth employment, and sustainable development for future generations.

Speakers:

Moderator: Joan Michelson, Journalist, Forbes Women

EXPO 2025 People’s Living Lab with Youth

10:30-10:45 EDT

EXPO 2025 will open in Osaka, Kansai in Japan in 200 days, against the overall theme “Designing Future Societies for Our Lives”. 161 countries and 9 international organizations including the United Nations will participate to bring people and ideas together with cutting-edge technologies. Meaningful youth engagement will be one of the key ingredients for the success of EXPO 2025. Learn the latest on this global event taking place with just five years to go before the finish-line of the Sustainable Development Goals!

Speakers:

Moderator: Maher Nasser, Director, Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications

#ActNow for Our Common Future

10:45-11:00 EDT

Speakers:

Moderator: Nanette Braun, Director of Campaigns, UN Department of Global Communication

Art, Nature, Community and Photography

11:00-11:20 EDT

The talk will delve into PhotoVogue’s Global Open Call, “The Tree of Life: A Love Letter to Nature,” exploring the initiative’s aim to celebrate the beauty of nature through diverse photographic perspectives. Additionally, the talk will explain PhotoVogue’s mission, values, and community, showcasing how it fosters a global network of talented photographers. Attendees will gain insights into the theme’s inspiration, see standout submissions, and understand the significant role photography plays in promoting environmental awareness.

Speakers:

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

The Weather Kids: Mobilizing Global Climate Action

11:30-11:45 EDT

The UN Development Program in partnership with World Meteorological Organisation and the Weather Company disrupted global TV airwaves this year with a special weather forecast. Join us for an engaging discussion on the creative conception, execution and impact of this campaign where children took over the weather report on over 400 networks in more than 80 countries.

This session explores the critical role that civil society and the media must play in driving climate action, how they can become active participants in the fight against climate change and why their involvement is essential for achieving a sustainable future.

Speakers:

Moderator: Ella Nilsen, CNN

Leading Africa Into the Future: An Africa Youth Town Hall (Closed Session)

12:30-1:00 EDT

With the youngest population in the world, Africa's potential for growth and innovation is immense. The discussion will focus on how to harness the energy, creativity, and talent of young Africans to address pressing challenges and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development. The panel will also explore the importance of education, technology, and entrepreneurship in empowering the next generation to lead Africa's progress and shape its future.

Speakers:

Moderator: Waihiga Mwaura, BBC News

SDG Media Zone Closing

1:30 - 1:45 EDT

Speaker: