Above: Dr. Gene Leon, Executive Director, Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity, speaking at COP29 on investment policies to advance climate ambition, implementation and sustainable development.
Baku, Azerbaijan - PVBLIC Foundation with a delegation from the Family Offices for Sustainable Development (FOSD) was proud to participate at this year’s COP29 conference, joining global leaders and changemakers to drive impact on climate and sustainability. COP29 provided the critical platform for discussing policies, strategies, and innovative solutions that support a more resilient, equitable world. At COP29, PVBLIC Foundation hosted several impactful panels and side-events focused on advancing sustainable development and building resilience for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and vulnerable countries.
On Tuesday, November 12th, PVBLIC Foundation, represented by our team across the programs, was present in several key spheres at COP29. Starting the day, PVBLIC hosted the session “The Crucial Role of Data in Empowering Sustainable Development and Achieving the SDGs,” which explored the power of data in promoting sustainable development for SIDS, featuring insights from Dr. Ruth Kattumuri, Senior Director, Economic, Youth & Sustainable Development Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat and Dr. Ritu Bharadwaj, Director, Climate Resilience, Finance, and Loss & Damage, IIED. Stephen Keppel, President, PVBLIC Foundation, presented on the progress of the SIDS Global Data Hub since its launch in May 2024 at the SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda. Moderated by Ashaki Goodwin, PVBLIC Foundation’s Director of Government Affairs.
Above: Dr. Vin Menon, CEO and Co-Founder of Aquae Impact; Mr. Howard Makler, CEO and Founder of Innovation Refund; Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Dr. Gene Leon, Executive Director of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity; Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman, PVBLIC Foundation
Later that afternoon, PVBLIC was proud to host the session “How Can the Center of Excellence Assist SIDS in Building Climate Resilience Through Technology, Data, Financing, and Partnerships with the DBRP (Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity).” The panel was moderated by Sergio Fernandez De Cordova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation, and convened high-level speakers including the Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Dr. Gene Leon, Executive Director, Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity; Mr. Howard Makler, CEO and Founder of Innovation Refund; and Dr. Vin Menon, CEO and Co-Founder of Aquae Impact. Additionally, our Executive Chairman, Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, joined the “Sustainability Performance and Metrics” panel hosted by AE4RIA, sharing insights on performance metrics that drive meaningful climate action. These discussions emphasized the vital roles of technology, data, and collaboration in fostering resilience and driving sustainable progress for vulnerable regions.
Above: Partnership signing with ITC Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton; and PVBLIC Executive Chairman, Sergio Fernandez de Cordova
Thursday, November 14th, marked a significant stride forward for partnership for sustainable development with PVBLIC Foundation and the International Trade Centre signing a partnership agreement to collaborate on initiatives that enhance climate resilience and sustainable development. Representing PVBLIC was Sergio Fernandez de Cordova and Dr. Gene Leon, Executive Director of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity, with ITC represented by its Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton. The day saw PVBLIC present in several realms at COP including Dr. Gene Leon, Executive Director, Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity, participating in the “Trade and Investment Policies to Advance Climate Ambition, Implementation, and Sustainable Development” panel hosted by UNCTAD, contributing valuable perspectives on aligning trade policies with sustainability goals. Additionally, Ashaki Goodwin, PVBLIC Foundation’s Director of Government Affairs, joined the “Leveraging Data and Technology for Infrastructure Risk Resilience” panel hosted by CDRI, discussing the role of data-driven strategies for building resilient infrastructure.
Above: 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.
PVBLIC Foundation was honored to work in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and NVIDIA to host the “Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE) Showcase and Networking Event” in the U.S. Center. The event highlighted the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing global climate challenges. Four startups—Forest Hero, FortyGuard, Boomitra, and Tomorrow.io—took center stage, presenting transformative solutions ranging from reforestation and urban heat mitigation to carbon sequestration and climate analytics. Opening remarks by 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, underscored the critical role of partnerships in advancing sustainable innovation across the Americas and the world.
Members of the PVBLIC Foundation team also participated in multiple high level panel discussions. Dr. Gene Leon, Executive Director, DBRP participated in the “Trade and Investment Policies to Advance Climate Ambition, Implementation, and Sustainable Development” panel hosted by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), contributing valuable perspectives on aligning trade policies with sustainability goals. Our Executive Chairman, Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, joined the “Sustainability Performance and Metrics” panel hosted by AE4RIA - Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Αephoria, sharing insights on performance metrics that drive meaningful climate action. Ashaki Goodwin, PVBLIC Foundation’s Director of Government Affairs, joined the “Leveraging Data and Technology for Infrastructure Risk Resilience” panel hosted by CDRI, discussing the role of data-driven strategies for building resilient infrastructure. Dr. Gene Leon also participated in the “Role of Leadership in Meeting the SDGs and Implementing Climate Commitments” panel hosted by Club de Madrid. Other speakers included; Former President of Costa Rica, Mr. Carlos Alvarado, and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, Ms. Maria Fernanda Espinosa.
Above: FOSD COP 20 Networking event
PVBLIC Foundation and Family Offices for Sustainable Development (FOSD) hosted a dynamic networking event at COP29, bringing together heads of government, heads of state, ambassadors, key partners from various organizations, and the FOSD network. These events are critical for fostering collaboration and creating synergies among diverse stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable development. By convening a diverse group of like-minded individuals—from policymakers to private sector leaders—this event provided a platform for meaningful exchanges, the sharing of innovative ideas, and the building of partnerships essential to driving impactful, long-term solutions for climate resilience and sustainable growth.
PVBLIC Foundation’s engagements, sessions, bilaterals, collaborations, and commitments during COP29 in Baku reflect our unwavering passion for fostering partnerships and dialogue that propel sustainable development forward around the world.
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