Initiated by Sustainia, the UN Global Compact and DNV GL, a group of Nordic corporations and institutions have invited a selected group of leaders from business, finance, cities and government to discuss how to fast track innovation against global climate challenge, at Climate Week NYC, on September 20.
Recent scientific reports have suggested that the opportunities to avoid catastrophic consequences of climate change are minimizing and that the next 1,000 days are pivotal in tackling the challenge and fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Events such as Harvey and Irma and the flooding in Southeast Asia have been a wake up call to this new global reality.
In response, the partners are collaborating on Global Opportunity Explorer initiative – an online platform showcasing hundreds of business solutions and opportunities addressing the SDGs and fueling a sustainable future. Not only does the platform provide answers to current global challenges, it also facilitates innovative collaborations across sectors and borders. The Global Opportunity Explorer will serve as the vehicle in the new 1,000 days venture.
Erik Rasmussen, founder and CEO of Sustainia, says: “It is our belief that we can already make important changes within 1,000 days. We have already mapped thousands of solutions that help reach the SDGs. Now it is a matter of connecting and scaling them, which takes a great and united effort. Yet it is doable, and we are committed to prove it.”
Rooted in over five years of research from 17,000 business leaders and 17 expert panels, the Global Opportunity Explorer connects the 300 solutions to a new sustainable market universe based on the Global Opportunity Reports, with 45 ripe market opportunities addressing the SDGs.
“The Global Opportunity Explorer brings all of these solutions into one dynamic place where companies, investors and entrepreneurs can connect and work together to bring these solutions to scale for real impact. I invite you to join this new platform and help us create the world we want by 2030,” says Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact.
Cities will be on the front lines of this new reality and are crucial in turning the global risks into new opportunities. Therefore, the event on September 20 will be kicked off with highlights from the newest annual edition of the Cities100 report, showcasing 100 of the world’s leading urban solutions for climate change.
