New York City is about to host two huge events—Climate Week NYC and the UN General Assembly High-Level Week 2024—both happening from September 22 to 27. These gatherings bring together world leaders, experts, and industry professionals to tackle some of the biggest issues we face today, from sustainability and climate action to public affairs and crisis communication.
To help you navigate these exciting events, we’ve handpicked some key sessions that tie into our focus on influence, PR, strategic communications, crisis management, and public affairs. Here are the ones we’re most excited about, offering some great insights and opportunities for anyone in these fields.
Table of Contents
- Let’s Not Die – Featuring Chris Gethard and Beth Stelling
- Rooftop and Community Solar for New York’s Clean Energy Transition
- Remember Ida: A 3rd Anniversary Podcast Listening Session and Reflection Circle
- Envisioning 2035: Mobility Growth and Sustainability
- Pillars of the Green Transition
- Summit of the Future
- SDG Moment
- UN General Debate
- High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise
- UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance 2024
- International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
**Keep in mind that event schedules are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official websites for the latest updates.
1. Let’s Not Die – Featuring Chris Gethard and Beth Stelling
When? Monday, 09/23 / 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Where? Chelsea Music Hall, NYC
Why? This event brings a fun and engaging spin on raising climate change awareness through comedy. With hosts Chris Gethard and Beth Stelling, it’s the perfect blend of laughs and activism. You’ll get a mix of entertaining performances and eye-opening insights from climate experts, showing how comedy can be a powerful way to influence and spread awareness on such an important issue. And with an open bar, it’s not just about learning—it’s also a great chance to unwind and network!
2. Rooftop and Community Solar for New York’s Clean Energy Transition
When? Tuesday, 09/24 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where? Solar One, Long Island City, NY
Why? As New York pushes towards its clean energy goals, rooftop and community solar are becoming game-changers. If you’re into public affairs, sustainability, or energy policy, this event is definitely for you. With talks from big names like NYS Assemblymember Deborah Glick and SEIA President Abigail Hopper, you’ll hear from the leaders shaping New York’s solar future. And to top it off, there’s a networking happy hour—perfect for connecting with professionals who are just as passionate about clean energy initiatives as you.
3. Remember Ida: A 3rd Anniversary Podcast Listening Session and Reflection Circle
When? Saturday, 09/28 / 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where? Governors Island, 309 Clayton Road, NYC
Why? This event is a great chance to look back on the impact of Hurricane Ida and talk about how we can be better prepared for future climate disasters. You’ll listen to a powerful episode from the Queens Memory Podcast and join a reflection circle with climate reporters, researchers, and educators. It’s an opportunity to dive into meaningful conversations about public safety and resilience, while connecting with others who are just as passionate about tackling the challenges of climate change.
4. Envisioning 2035: Mobility Growth and Sustainability
When? Wednesday, 09/25 / 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Where? 1166 Avenue of the Americas, NYC
Why? As the world increases its efforts to fight climate change, understanding where mobility is headed is more important than ever. This event, hosted by the Oliver Wyman Forum, dives into the future of shared and digital mobility services through 2035. Industry leaders like Andrew Cornelia from Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging and Micah Kotch from Blackhorn Ventures will be sharing their insights. If you’re curious about how mobility can play a role in sustainability, urban growth, and cutting carbon emissions, this is definitely a panel you won’t want to miss.
5. Pillars of the Green Transition
When? Wednesday, 09/25 / 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where? Newsweek, One World Trade, New York, NY
Why? This conference, hosted by Newsweek during Climate Week NYC, takes a closer look at how sectors like energy, transportation, and industry are finding new ways to cut emissions and work toward net zero. If you’re looking for real, practical steps industries are taking to tackle climate change, this event is full of useful insights and strategies for driving sustainable change. It’s also an awesome chance to connect with professionals leading the charge in the green transition.
6. Summit of the Future
When? Sunday, 09/22 – Monday, 09/23
Where? United Nations Headquarters, NYC
Why? The Summit of the Future is all about rethinking how the world handles big challenges like sustainability, peace, and security. It’s a unique gathering of global leaders, civil society, and private sector experts who are coming together to explore new ideas for improving international cooperation. For PR and public affairs pros, this is a great chance to see how strategic communications can help shape global policy and build stronger international partnerships. You’ll get valuable insights into how influence and diplomacy play a role in tackling today’s major issues, especially around climate action, technology, and global governance.
7. SDG Moment
When? Tuesday, 09/24 / 1:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Where? United Nations Headquarters, NYC
Why? The SDG Moment is all about kicking off important discussions around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It brings world leaders together to push for faster progress on big issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change. For PR and public affairs pros, it’s a great chance to see how global leaders communicate about sustainability and rally support for urgent action. If you’re interested in how influence and storytelling can drive real global change, this event offers some valuable insights into strategic communication that backs the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
8. UN General Debate
When? Tuesday, 09/24 – Monday, 09/30
Where? United Nations Headquarters, NYC
Why? The UN General Debate is where world leaders come together to tackle some of the biggest issues facing the world, like peace, climate action, and human rights. For PR and public affairs pros, it’s a great chance to see how leaders from different countries communicate their goals and use strategic messaging to shape global conversations. You’ll get to witness diplomacy, storytelling, and influence in action, with plenty of takeaways for public speaking, media engagement, and crafting messages that resonate on a global scale.
9. High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise
When? Wednesday, 09/25 / 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where? United Nations Headquarters, NYC
Why? This meeting dives into one of the biggest challenges we’re facing today—rising sea levels and the impact on vulnerable communities around the world. For PR and public affairs pros, it’s a chance to see how global leaders are tackling this crisis and sharing their solutions. You’ll get a firsthand look at how strategic messaging can drive action on environmental issues and how international collaboration can help protect those most at risk. It’s a great opportunity to learn about crisis communication, advocacy, and how powerful storytelling can shape public policy.
10. UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance 2024
When? Thursday, 09/26 / 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where? United Nations Headquarters, NYC
Why? This high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a must-attend for anyone working in PR, public affairs, or healthcare communications. AMR is a growing global health crisis, and this event will highlight international strategies to address it. It’s a great opportunity to see how world leaders and experts are going about the issue and effectively communicating solutions. You’ll get insights into how strategic communication can drive policy change and raise awareness about critical global health threats. Plus, it’s a chance to learn about crisis communication and advocacy around urgent health issues.
11. International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
When? Thursday, 09/26
Where? United Nations Headquarters, NYC
Why? This day zeroes in on one of the biggest global security threats—nuclear weapons. For anyone in PR, public affairs, or advocacy, it’s a great chance to see how world leaders and activists are pushing for nuclear disarmament and how communication plays a key role in those efforts. You’ll learn how strategic messaging can shape public opinion and policy on such a complex issue, making it a must-attend for those working in crisis comms, advocacy, or international relations.
Want to Meet Avenue Z?
Interested in connecting with Avenue Z during these events? Contact us at events@avenuez.com to schedule a meeting and we’ll put you in touch with our team.
