Climate Week 2026 will take place in New York City from September 20-27, coinciding with the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81). Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together over 900 events and activities across the city – in person, hybrid and online. Each year, business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers and civil society representatives of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world, gather to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening.
New York Innovation Forum for Sustainable Development
A Multi-Stakeholder engagement for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
September 21-22
Please see event details here
On September 21-22, Peace Boat US and the Intelligence Report will collaborate to together host the New York Innovation Forum, uniting leaders from business, technology, finance, sustainability, the United Nations, civil society, and policy to drive solutions to create a more sustainable future.
Peace Boat is an international organization working towards education for the UN Sustainable Development Goals and holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, sailing as a flagship for the SDGs.
Sailing for the UN Ocean Decade: Peace Boat partnerships for SDG14
Monday, September 21
10:00-11:30 am
777 United Nations Plaza, 2nd floor Conference room
RSVP: https://Sailing-for-UN-Ocean-Decade.eventbrite.com
We invite you to join us for this important event during the United Nations General Assembly to highlight the role of youth engagement for the UN Ocean Decade as we work towards a more sustainable future for our shared ocean.
Peace Boat US is proud to be a recognized contributor to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development through our Youth for the SDGs programs and other ocean-related initiatives.
Youth for the SDGs Programs
Endorsed by IOC UNESCO, our programs create experiential learning opportunities for youth activists and community leaders from around the world who are advocating for the SDGs. These programs are conducted onboard Peace Boat and we invite you to learn about our upcoming program next June from Latin America to Alaska, learning about the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the UNESCO Decade of the Cryosphere. The UN General Assembly has declared 2025–2034 as the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences to advance climate science, strengthen international collaboration, and raise global awareness about the vital role of Earth’s frozen regions. By working together, we can slow the loss of glaciers and permafrost, reduce the risks of sea-level rise and water scarcity, and support communities in adapting to a changing climate.
Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassadors will also present their work for youth engagement with SDG 7 for Renewable Energy, including partnerships with island nations and governments creating a movement to reach a 100% renewable energy future by the year 2045. Peace Boat will present Ecoship, a decarbonization model for maritime transportation and a vessel that will sail for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
New York Climate Week: On the Road to COP31
Monday, September 21
12:00-2:00 pm
RSVP (invitation required)
As momentum builds towards UNFCCC COP31 in Antalya, New York Climate Week will be a key moment for advancing the ocean and climate agenda ahead of the UNFCCC climate negotiations. This year’s COP31 mascot, Caretta caretta the loggerhead sea turtle, symbolizes the strong connections between climate action, biodiversity and healthy oceans, reinforcing the need to keep the ocean at the heart of climate discussions.
Save the Date: On 21 September 2026 (12:00–2:00 PM), RISE UP for the Ocean and Peace Boat US will host their annual High-Level Luncheon at 777 United Nations Plaza, New York City, bringing together ocean and climate leaders, governments, community representatives and partners to discuss how to turn global commitments into meaningful action ahead of COP31.
Business & Innovation Panel
Monday, September 21
2:30-5:30 pm
RSVP (invitation required)
The Business & Innovation event within the New York Innovation Forum will focus on what it takes to move bold ideas from concept to scale. Bringing together founders, entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, technology innovators, policymakers, and public-sector leaders, the program will explore how stronger collaboration across sectors can unlock capital, accelerate growth, navigate complex markets, and turn innovation into measurable impact. By connecting the people building solutions with those who shape policy, deploy capital, develop technology, and open new markets, the Forum aims to create the partnerships founders need to scale, and ensure that promising ideas have a pathway to real-world implementation.
New York Innovation Forum Networking Reception
Monday, September 21
7:00-10:00 pm
Bar Lola, New York City
RSVP (invitation required)
The evening networking reception provides a unique opportunity for speakers, delegates, United Nations delegates, government leaders, sponsors, investors, entrepreneurs, and invited guests to continue conversations in a more informal setting. Designed to encourage authentic relationship building, the reception brings together leaders from across industries to develop new partnerships and collaborations towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals during one of the world’s most influential weeks for international engagement.
Nature Conservation Forum for a Renewable Energy Future
Tuesday, September 22
10:00-11:30 am
777 United Nations Plaza, New York City
RSVP: https://Land-Nature-Conservation-Forum.eventbrite.com
The Nature Conservation Forum explores innovative solutions for protecting ecosystems, restoring biodiversity, promoting renewable energy, the electrification of cities and advancing sustainable land management. Bringing together conservation leaders, policymakers, scientists, renewable energy experts, investors, and nonprofit organizations, the session focuses on practical strategies that balance environmental stewardship with economic development while supporting resilient communities around the world.
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
- Gianni Chianetta – CEO of Greening the Islands
- Kneyone Murray – Blue Planet Alliance | Accelerating Island Sustainability Through the 100 Islands, 100% Renewable Campaign
NY Climate Week Family Office Forum
Tuesday, September 22
12:00-1:00 pm
777 United Nations Plaza New York, NY
RSVP (invitation required)
This invitation-only Impact Investor high-level luncheon brings together senior executives, policymakers, investors, philanthropists, and international leaders for private conversations during United Nations General Assembly week. Designed to foster meaningful dialogue and strategic partnerships, the luncheon provides a unique environment for decision-makers to discuss opportunities for collaboration while building relationships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Join us for this invite-only event for United Nations partners, Family Offices, Investors and colleagues working towards the UN SDGs
Ocean, Energy and Communities: Shaping a Just Energy Transition
Tuesday, September 22
2:00-3:00 pm
777 United Nations Plaza, New York City
Convened by: RISE UP for the Ocean
RSVP (invitation required)
Keeping 1.5°C within reach requires a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels. But the transition cannot be considered just if it protects the climate while placing new pressures on the ocean or excluding the communities whose livelihoods, rights and identities are tied to it.
This Climate Week NYC dialogue will explore what an ocean-centred just transition should look like for Small Island Developing States and coastal communities. The discussion will focus on protecting marine ecosystems, supporting livelihoods, respecting community rights and ensuring that those most affected have meaningful influence over the decisions shaping their future.
Convened by RISE UP for the Ocean in collaboration with Peace Boat US, the session will bring together government representatives, community leaders, civil society and partners to examine how climate ambition can be advanced without reproducing existing inequalities or creating new pressures on ocean-dependent communities. It will also consider what high-level political commitment, long-term vision and practical implementation must look like to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and support equitable renewable energy pathways.