New York
Innovation Forum for Sustainable Development

Youth for the SDGs

Emerging leaders, educators, innovators and international organizations highlight youth-led solutions advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Through keynotes and collaborative discussion, participants explore how education, innovation, entrepreneurship and civic engagement are equipping the next generation to take on global challenges. The session connects young leaders with policymakers, executives and international organizations committed to lasting impact.

Private High-Level Luncheon

Senior executives, policymakers, investors, philanthropists and international leaders gather for private conversation during General Assembly week. The setting is built for candid dialogue on where collaboration is possible, and for relationships that carry across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Leadership & Innovation Mastermind

The flagship program of the Forum. Leaders from business, government, technology, finance and international organizations examine how innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, sustainability and public-private partnership are shaping the future of global leadership. Keynotes, executive panels and fireside conversations are structured for exchanges that continue well beyond the room.

Featured speakers

• Dylan Welch CEO, Welch International
• Emilie McGlone Executive Director, Peace Boat US
• Thomas Toedling Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Foundation. Leadership, Antarctica & Patagonia conservation
• Sarah McCue Senior Advisor, United Nations. UN affairs & business
• Gregory Shepherd CEO, Startup Science. Entrepreneurship & innovation
• Peng Cau Siemens for Startups. Startup innovation & corporate partnerships
• Don Owens CEO, HNO International. Clean energy & hydrogen innovation
• Dylan Welch Closing conversation: leadership through strategic partnerships
• Jesse Cole Founder & CEO, Savannah Bananas. Closing keynote

Networking Reception

Speakers, delegates, sponsors, investors, entrepreneurs and invited guests continue the day's conversations in an informal setting built for authentic relationship building during one of the world's most influential weeks for international engagement.

Venue provided upon confirmation.

Land & Nature Conservation Forum

Conservation leaders, policymakers, scientists, investors and nonprofit organizations examine innovative approaches to protecting ecosystems, restoring biodiversity and advancing sustainable land management. The session focuses on practical strategies that balance environmental stewardship with economic development while supporting resilient communities.

Featured speakers

• Dylan Welch CEO, Welch International. Opening welcome
• Emilie McGlone Executive Director, Peace Boat US. Opening welcome
• Jason Seedall Director, Roosevelt Alliance. Keynote welcome presentation: leadership & public policy
• Henk Rogers Founder, Blue Planet Alliance. Philanthropy, renewable energy & the 100 Islands, 100% Renewable initiative
• Kneyone Murray Blue Planet Alliance. Accelerating island sustainability through the 100 Islands, 100% Renewable campaign

Private High-Level Luncheon

Family offices, institutional investors, philanthropists and senior executives convene for confidential discussion of impact investing, strategic partnerships and long term global initiatives. Attendance is limited to invited guests.

Leadership & Innovation Forum, Part 2

Executive presentations, workshops and interactive discussion on leadership in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, health technology, renewable energy and international collaboration. The afternoon showcases practical innovations already creating measurable impact across industries and communities.

Featured speakers

• Aimee Reiss CEO, Above The Grind. Leadership, executive development & high-performance teams
• Katie Hilborn Executive Director, Compass Rose International. Workshop & panel: humanitarian leadership, global philanthropy & community impact
• Richie Hosein CEO, Ashton. Workshop: health technology, innovation & the future of healthcare
• Khadija Stewart Rise UP. Offshore wind, renewable energy & sustainable maritime innovation
• Don Owens CEO, HNO International. Offshore wind, hydrogen & the future of clean energy
• Executive Panel Offshore wind & renewable energy. Industry leaders on clean energy technologies and public-private collaboration in the global energy transition

Additional panelists to be announced.

Cronkite Awards for Blue Economy

The Cronkite Awards recognize individuals and organizations advancing ocean conservation, sustainable maritime industry and innovation that supports the global blue economy. The ceremony honors leadership, collaboration and measurable achievement in protecting the ocean while fostering sustainable economic growth.

Sustainable Fashion Showcase

Designers, innovators and organizations redefining fashion through sustainability, ethical production and responsible innovation. Leaders from fashion, business, media and environmental organizations see how conscious design drives change across one of the world's largest industries.

Closing Networking Reception

The Forum concludes with an invitation-only reception bringing together speakers, delegates, investors, government officials, entrepreneurs and international organizations for a final opportunity to strengthen the relationships formed across the two days.

Venue provided upon confirmation.