Congress: BforPlanet

BForPlanet provides a platform for debate and engagement around the issues facing humanity in the coming years. The event aims to be a crucial cog not only in tackling climate change, but also in enabling a shift towards creating a sustainable, more rewarding economy to build strong relationships and partnerships. We’re calling on everyone who is willing to be part of the solution, not the problem, to join us and talk about the vital need to be active and fight for our increasingly threatened world. 

Humanity is facing the greatest challenge it has ever encountered in its short but proliferous history. The main lesson we can draw, from the current systemic crisis, is that we cannot continue living, collectively and individually, against nature. But what if the current climate crisis was an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and rethink our identity? How are nature-based solutions helping achieve this goal? Can we really relate to our environment in a much healthier and wise way?

We have entered into the Anthropocene, an era marked by the impacts of human activity on every aspect of the plant. This presents enormous challenges and opportunities for transformation. UNEP Champion of the Earth and Sustainability Provocateur Dr. Leyla Acaroglu will present a framework for using sustainability as a tool for leveraging change, advancing business solutions and designing a better future.

Companies can and should focus on reducing emissions by 1.5ºC, and commit to being net-zero, while still making higher profits. But what are the best ways to manage climate risks and at the same time explore their inherent opportunities? How can we address changes in the market and regulatory environment? And how do we speed up the low-carbon transition?

SDGs: 7,12,13,15,17

If there’s one thing the COVID-19 crisis has taught us, it’s that local problems need to be fought with global coordination. The 2030 Agenda is a blueprint for moving towards new and improved forms of international governance, focusing on the human aspects of growth, justice and well-being. We’re now at a crossroads of the next stage of human development – one that can only be by and for the many, not the few. Living together, deciding together.

SDGs: 1, 3, 8, 9, 11, 16, 17

Developing peaceful, inclusive societies is the key to successful sustainable development, but it hinges on major global partnerships: the private, public and social sectors need to join forces and make use of all the resources at their disposal. BforPlanet is a platform for creating and boosting these partnerships, bringing us closer to hitting the goals laid out in the 2030 Agenda.

SDGs: 16,17

Strategic alliances among all sectors and stakeholders are key to ensure that we collectively remain on track towards the objectives outlined in the Agenda 2030. Yet forging new multi-stakeholder partnerships and also novel partnership platforms requires new capacities to build back together after covid-19. How can these partnerships be articulated to be at the service of society?

SDGs: 16, 17

The traditional focus on shareholder value is changing, and fast. It’s no longer just about making money; corporate purpose is also a major game-changer. For most companies, however, that doesn’t go much further than a carefully crafted statement purpose. What should corporate purpose really be about? And what should be the principles guiding it?

SDGs: 7,8,9,12

These days, sustainable practices aren’t just the icing on the cake: they’re a recipe for growth and profit, letting companies mitigate risks, lower costs, and shape future markets matching consumers’ beliefs. So, how can business leaders hit the right balance between what they need in the short-term and what’s best in the long-term? Is there a winning formula for combining profitability with sustainability?

SDGs: 7,8,9,12

Amazon and Global Optimism joined forces in 2019 to launch The Climate Pledge, an initiative aimed at bringing together companies from all over the world to be net zero carbon across their business by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. Today, more than 100 companies are committed to implement decarbonization strategies by investing in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and nature-based solutions. Innovation is powering sustainability.

SDGs: 7,9,12,13,15,17

We need more than a recovery plan: we need to grab this once in a lifetime chance to emerge stronger from the pandemic, transform our economies, create opportunities and jobs for the Europe where we want to live. With the vision, the plan, and an agreed investment of 750 billion euros, we have everything we need to make it happen. It’s now time to get to work and make Europe greener, more digital and more resilient.

SDGs: 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17

European funds provide administrations with an exceptional opportunity to carry out projects that would not usually fit their budget. As such, the pandemic opens doors to structural changes with a lasting impact for the future. What are the most unique projects out there? Which are the most innovative, with the greatest impact and capacity to transform society? We’re looking for the initiatives that ensure the pandemic's legacy is a prosperous future.

SDGs: 7, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17

Closing remarks on the topics discussed and highlights of the day.

Barcelona is building up an economic strategy for the next decade based on innovation to achieve the SDG Goals and to make the city able to adapt to challenges such as the ecological and digital transitions which have been speeded up by the pandemic.

SDGs: 8,9,10,11,12,13

Innovation needs transformation. Before taking action, however, we need to improve skills and alter processes to create change of real value. How can technological innovation be made to serve sustainable development? What are the best practices and sustainable developments at the service of the 2030 Agenda?

SDGs: 6,7,9,11,12

COVID-19 has been the most intense economic crisis since the Great Depression. It has reversed many of the development gains of the past 3 decades, including in the fight against extreme poverty. What are the lessons learned and why is it vitally important to build upon them to create a more sustainable, equitable world, with opportunity for all? And what are the likely costs of inaction as we confront global risks on multiple fronts?

SDGs: 1, 3, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17

According to the World Health Organization, 1.1 billion people worldwide don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. This naturally leads to major health concerns around food, too. To solve this problem, we need the input of experts from across different industries and sectors. Beyond the social and health benefits, what’s the positive economic and environmental impact of ensuring safe food and water for all?

SDGs: 2,3,6,12,14

Beyond a huge social issue, gender inequality is a massive economic challenge. According to the EU, improving gender equality would increase the EU’s GDP per capita by 6.1 to 9.6%, create an additional 10.5 million jobs by 2050, and improve staff retention, access to talent, or opportunities for innovation. So how can we help close the gender gap and enable this economic growth?

SDGs: 4,5,8,10,16

Pollution is a major problem for our health. There have been efforts made to tackle it on various fronts: new forms of urban transport, clean energy, responsible consumption… but is it enough? What’s left to be done? What opportunities can be grabbed to make sure everyone has a clean environment?

SDGs: 7,9,11,12,13,15

Planting billions of trees worldwide has great potential to tackle the climate crisis, as it's one of the most efficient ways to capture CO2. In fact, one trillion trees could buy us up to 15 years to reduce our emissions to zero, while contributing to livelihoods and biodiversity. But is this feasible? How can we restore forests to keep temperature rise below 2Cº?

SDGs: 4, 13, 15

Our oceans give us food, well-being, materials, energy, and generate vast amounts of wealth – but the goods and services they provide will only be available as long as they’re in good health. Untold damage has been done in recent years, with around 50% of biodiversity lost. It’s time for the Blue Economy: a new industry where science, business and technology work together to restore the oceans, and an amazing growth opportunity in segments such as biotechnology, regenerative economy, and renewable energy.

SDGs: 2, 7, 13, 14

From Angel Investors to public financing and venture capitalists, a deep understanding of different financing opportunities is critical for startups at all stages in order to ensure they can grow and reach their potential. In this panel, we’ll discuss several sources of financing for sustainable startups with experts from different perspectives.

SDGs: 7,8,9,10,11,12,13

Startups@BforPlanet is the event’s platform to support the innovative companies that are promoting a more sustainable society and economy. In this edition it takes the form of a Pitch Competition co-organized with AticcoLab, giving finalists from our Call for Startups the chance to present their initiatives, gain visibility and win an aid package. An essential event to find out about the latest the sustainable projects!

SDGs: 7,8,9,10,11,12,13

We’re edging further along the path to a Circular Economy, and when we get there, we’ll find major benefits. As well as helping restore our natural systems, the CE also represents a potential global growth of USD 4.5 trillion by 2030. What opportunities to change business practices does this bring? And what circular business models can companies take advantage of to improve productivity while reducing costs?

SDGs: 6,7,11,12,13,15

Closing remarks on the topics discussed this year and highlights of the event.