As COP29 approaches, PVBLIC Foundation is proud to announce its continued commitment to advancing sustainable development and climate resilience by joining global leaders and changemakers at this pivotal climate event. COP29, set to take place under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from November 11th to the 22th in Baku, Azerbaijan, promises to be a vital platform for addressing global climate challenges. This year, COP29 will prioritize topics like data-driven climate action, inclusive financing for climate resilience, and innovative partnerships—all of which align with PVBLIC Foundation’s core mission.
At COP29, PVBLIC Foundation will spotlight several groundbreaking initiatives that are helping to reshape how we address climate action and sustainable development on a global scale:
The SDG Data Alliance – Using geospatial data, mapping, and advanced technology to support progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the SDG Data Alliance enables communities and nations, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS), to track their progress in achieving sustainability benchmarks.
From left to right: Stephen Keppel, President, PVBLIC Foundation, Dr. Greg Scott, Executive Director, SDG Data Alliance, and Alix Cantave, Senior Program Officer, W.K. Kellog Foundation
Family Offices for Sustainable Development (FOSD) – FOSD unites family offices to mobilize private capital for sustainable investments, fostering collective impact on climate resilience and sustainable economies.
From left to right: Laurence Kalinsky, Head of Private Sector Initiatives, PVBLIC Foundation, Kasper Svarrer, Managing Partner, Maj Invest, Michael Bühlmann, FOSD Scandinavia, CEO, Rosetree Group, and Angelica Fuentes, Founder, Mission Moms.
Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP) – The DBRP works to build innovative financing pathways that empower communities, especially vulnerable ones, to access the resources they need for climate adaptation and economic resilience.
Image: Dr. Gene Leon, Executive Director, Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP).
The Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE) Hubs Latin America – As collaborative hubs, the CCE Hubs bring together cross-sector partners and foster scalable solutions to climate challenges. They empower early-stage entrepreneurs and foster innovations that address climate impact in developing countries.
From left to right: Dorothy McAuliffe, Special Representative for Global Partnerships, U.S. Department of State, Stephen Keppel, President, PVBLIC Foundation, Gideon Blaauw, Regional Lead, CleantechHUB.
Each of these programs plays a vital role in advancing sustainable development and empowering communities worldwide. PVBLIC is excited to bring them to the forefront at COP29 as we work together toward a more resilient, equitable future.
Reflecting on COP28: Building the Foundation for Lasting Impact
COP28 in Dubai set the stage for PVBLIC Foundation’s climate-driven initiatives. This conference provided a collaborative platform where global leaders established climate targets and mobilized resources to aid the most affected communities. For PVBLIC, COP28 strengthened alliances, particularly through the SDG Data Alliance and the SIDS Global Data Hub, an effort that gained momentum during the 78th UN General Assembly earlier in 2023.
In 2023, during the Family Offices for Sustainable Development Reception at the UN General Assembly, PVBLIC, in partnership with Antigua and Barbuda and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a SIDS Global Data Hub. This agreement enables SIDS to leverage data, technology, and analytics to achieve SDG progress, monitor development goals, and attract international funding. The Data Hub underscores the importance of data-driven solutions for vulnerable communities, especially those disproportionately affected by climate change.
MOU Signing between the Alliance of Small Islands States (AOSIS), the government of Antigua and Barbuda and PVBLIC Foundation representatives.
During COP28, PVBLIC showcased its dedication to advancing climate innovation, with a particular focus on supporting SIDS and enhancing data-driven initiatives. Here’s a look at some of the standout moments and achievements of PVBLIC Foundation at COP28:
Key Events and Achievements at COP28
Highlighting the Global Data Hub for SIDS
On December 2nd, PVBLIC, in partnership with Antigua and Barbuda, AOSIS, and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), celebrated the progress of the SIDS Global Data Hub. PVBLIC Executive Chairman Sergio Fernandez de Cordova and President Stephen Keppel joined forces with influential leaders, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, to spotlight this transformative initiative. This event underscored the impact of data-driven solutions for SIDS, providing them with tools to manage development goals effectively.
From left to right: Simona Marinescu, Senior Adviser for Small Island Developing States at UNOPS, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda and Sergio Fernández de Córdova, Executive Chairman for PVBLIC Foundation.
Youth Action for the UN Ocean Decade
In a press conference on December 5th, PVBLIC President Stephen Keppel discussed the SDG Data Alliance’s commitment to data and mapping, essential for climate resilience in island communities. Small islands contribute just 0.2% of global emissions, yet they face significant climate risks. Highlighting initiatives such as the SDG Data Alliance and SIDS Global Data Hub, Keppel emphasized that data is an “equalizer” for addressing the unique challenges of small island nations, aligning with the mission of the UN Ocean Decade.
Stephen Keppel, President of PVBLIC Foundation at the press conference hosted and organized by Peace Boat US, amid the COP28 sessions in Dubai, Dec. 2023.
Launch of the CCE Hub Latin America
A notable achievement at COP28 was the launch of CCE Hubs Latin America, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and CleantechHUB. Announced on December 6, the Latin American hub has been empowering green entrepreneurship across South America and the Caribbean by providing ideation, incubation, and acceleration services to climate-focused startups. The hub exemplifies PVBLIC’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusive climate solutions, helping emerging entrepreneurs shape a more sustainable future.
From left to right: Laurence Kalinsky, Private Partnerships, PVBLIC Foundation, Dorothy McAuliffe, Special Representative for Global Partnerships, U.S. Department of State, Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman, PVBLIC Foundation, Stephen Keppel, President, PVBLIC Foundation
Following our engagements at COP28, PVBLIC became the official conference manager and lead program partner for the SIDS Center of Excellence and the SIDS Global Data Hub. Moreover, since the launch of the CCE Hubs in Latin America, PVBLIC and CleantechHUB, with the collaboration of the U.S Department of State, have successfully advanced this initiative by providing intensive support and mentorship to over 30 startups from Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica in their respective Incubation and Acceleration programs to scale up their climate solutions. This way, the Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship promotes innovation and green entrepreneurship in the Americas.
PVBLIC’s COP29 Agenda: Data, Partnerships, and Financing for Change
Building on the accomplishments of COP28, PVBLIC Foundation is entering COP29 with a vision to expand its programs, strengthen partnerships, and bring actionable solutions to the climate crisis. Here are the central themes that will define PVBLIC’s participation in COP29:
Data as the Equalizer: Through the SDG Data Alliance and SIDS Global Data Hub, PVBLIC empowers vulnerable communities, especially SIDS, with real-time insights for climate resilience and evidence-based decision-making.
Partnerships for Innovation: By collaborating with entities like the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP), CCE Hubs, and Family Offices for Sustainable Development (FOSD), PVBLIC aims to drive progress on climate resilience through strong public-private partnerships.
Climate Financing for SIDS: PVBLIC will advocate for financing solutions tailored to SIDS, ensuring they receive essential funding for climate adaptation and resilience through programs like the DBRP.
These themes will be developed across multiple events that will take place at COP29, from November 11th - 14th, such as:
The Crucial Role of Data in Empowering Sustainable Development and Achieving the SDGs
This panel discussion will examine the transformative potential of data in advancing sustainable development for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Featuring initiatives such as the SIDS Centre of Excellence and SIDS Global Data Hub, a coalition of partners—including the SDG Data Alliance, AOSIS, and PVBLIC Foundation—will discuss how to tackle resource limitations, climate challenges, and critical data gaps for SIDS' resilience and economic growth.
Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship Showcase and Networking Event
In partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Office of Global Partnerships, NVIDIA, and PVBLIC Foundation, this event will showcase innovative startups—including Boomitra, FortyGuard, Forest Hero, and Tomorrow.io.
More events will be announced soon.
PVBLIC Foundation’s journey at COP29 represents not only a continuation of our efforts but a deepening of our commitment to climate action and sustainable development. As we engage with leaders, partners, and innovators, we are dedicated to advancing solutions that will make a lasting impact on vulnerable communities worldwide. Stay tuned as PVBLIC takes bold steps to drive progress, foster resilience, and create a brighter future for all.
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