From left to right: Stephen Keppel, President at PVBLIC Foundation, Thomas Debass, Deputy Special Representative for Global Partnerships at the U.S. Department of State, and Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation.
On November 14, 2024, the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with PVBLIC Foundation, and NVIDIA, hosted the Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE) Showcase and Networking Event at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Bringing together climate-focused entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, the event underscored the pivotal role of innovation and partnerships in addressing global environmental challenges.
The Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship, known for advancing sustainable innovation, used this event as a unique platform for cross-sector collaboration, showcasing transformative climate solutions.
Held at the U.S. Center in the Blue Zone, the event opened with remarks from Thomas Debass, Deputy Special Representative for Global Partnerships at the U.S. Department of State, and Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation. In his remarks, Fernandez de Cordova emphasized the critical role of partnerships and collaborative action in driving climate solutions across the Americas. He also highlighted the importance of scaling these partnerships to advance sustainable development goals worldwide.
Thomas Debass, Deputy Special Representative for Global Partnerships at the U.S. Department of State.
Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation.
The centerpiece of the event featured presentations from four pioneering startups—each at the forefront of addressing climate issues with innovative solutions:
Forest Hero, led by Dana Shukirbayeva, showcased transformative reforestation initiatives.
FortyGuard, represented by Jay Sadiq, introduced cutting-edge urban heat mitigation strategies.
Boomitra, presented by Aadith Moorthy, discussed scalable carbon sequestration technologies.
Tomorrow.io, led by Rei Goffer, revealed advances in climate analytics for proactive decision-making.
The evening concluded with a keynote from Dr. Aubrey Paris, Senior Policy Advisor for Gender, Climate Change, and Innovation, who emphasized the need for inclusive approaches to climate action. An informal networking session followed, creating opportunities for attendees to connect and explore potential collaborations.
This event also highlighted the work of the CCE Hub Latin America network, powered by PVBLIC Foundation and CleantechHUB with support from the U.S. Department of State. By fostering early-stage climate solutions in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, the coalition is empowering local entrepreneurs to become vital contributors to climate resilience and economic development.
As the world confronts the pressing realities of climate change, initiatives like the CCE Showcase are invaluable in catalyzing cross-sector partnerships and driving sustainable innovation.
About the Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE)
The Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE) is a public-private partnership designed to catalyze climate innovation in developing economies by nurturing emerging and market-viable climate solutions. The U.S. Department of State works with CCE partners, including academia, accelerators, investors, nonprofits, and corporations, to support climate-focused startups and bolster sustainable investment to confront climate change and advance economic security.
Through the CCE Hubs Latin America network, powered by PVBLIC Foundation and CleantechHUB, with the support of the U.S. Department of State, created to boost early-stage climate solutions and sustainable entrepreneurship in the Americas—starting from Colombia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala—the coalition seeks to empower local entrepreneurs to become key players in mitigating climate change.
For more information on CCE Hubs programs and how to get involved, visit:
• CleanTechHub: www.cleantechhub.net
• PVBLIC Foundation: www.pvblic.org/cce-hub
• CCE Hub Latin America: www.ccehublatam.org
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