IDRC and partners at the United Nations General Assembly
The Summit of the Future is a highlight of this year’s UN meetings. On September 22-23, 2024, world leaders are convening to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future. The two days preceding the summit will be dedicated to Action Days when IDRC and its research partners are hosting panel discussions and side events.
IDRC and its partners are also participating in the UN Science Summit, a global forum tackling the world’s most urgent scientific and technological challenges, and Climate Week NYC, held in partnership with the UN and the City of New York.
The Science Summit
IDRC is hosting two panels at the intersection of global health and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) at the UN Science Summit. Registration to the summit is free.
Responsible artificial intelligence solutions from the Global South: Accessible, better health and stronger health systems
September 12, 2024, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. EDT │Virtual Room: 03 (Innovation room)
This panel highlights AI solutions that are transforming health care in the Global South, addressing challenges and opportunities, as well as scaling AI for health, governance, ethics and community impacts in the Global South.
Shaping the future together: A collaborative network in the Global South leveraging artificial intelligence in health for sustainable development
September 18, 2024, 7-9:15 a.m. EDT │Virtual Room: 03 (Innovation room)
In every corner of the world, disease outbreaks are increasing in severity and frequency and climate change is exacerbating health and social inequities. This session’s first panel will discuss how AI is creating network effects that enhance access to health care, improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems in the Global South. A second panel will explore the future of AI in the Global South, including innovative strategies, approaches and collaboration to transform health-care delivery.
Both panels are hosted by the Global South AI for Pandemic & Epidemic Preparedness and Response network and its partners: the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium; Jacaranda Health; Climate Change AI; Digital Health Africa; 16 universities and research institutions from across the Global South; and IDRC.
The Summit of the Future
IDRC-related events at the Summit of the Future Action Days will highlight youth experiences in using foresight to explore a range of plausible futures and more comprehensive ways for countries to measure wealth and wellbeing, in addition to gross domestic product (GDP).
Building foresight competencies and networks to empower youth agency
September 20, 2024, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT │ Nigeria Permanent Mission in New York
This offsite Action Days side event will highlight how building foresight competencies and peer-learning networks can empower youth to co-create alternative and transformative futures. The panel will showcase how involving young people in re-imagining the future and empowering them as change agents can significantly contribute to innovative, system-wide solutions that address current challenges and limitations.
Hosted by: the African Union African Peer Review Mechanism; the UN Development Programme (UNDP); the Nigeria Permanent Mission to the UN; South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation; and IDRC.
Youth in front: Opportunities for African youth in a just low-carbon transition
September 20, 2024, 10-11:15 a.m. EDT│ Location to be determined
This panel aims to highlight the critical role African youth must play in driving a just and inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy. Panellists will discuss the need to leverage Africa's abundant resources to create opportunities for youth in the green economy, equip them with necessary skills and foster innovation.
Hosted by: the Permanent Mission of Cameroon to the UN; the Government of Nigeria; UNDP; the Youth Climate Justice Fund; the INCLUDE knowledge platform; and IDRC.
Futures thinking and strategic foresight to safeguard future generations
September 21, 2024, 2:30-3:45 p.m. EDT │ Conference Room 1 United Nations Headquarters
In this side event, panellists will discuss their experiences using futures thinking and foresight for governance. Topics will include promising practices, challenges and lessons learned in integrating futures thinking and foresight into decision-making.
Hosted by: the UN Futures Lab; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, in partnership with the Kingdom of Spain; and IDRC.
Working with countries to move beyond GDP and promote inclusive and sustainable development
September 21, 2024, 4-5:15 p.m. EDT│ Conference Room 1 UN Headquarters
This event on the sidelines of the Action Days features national government representatives and international agencies who will explore how complementary measures to GDP can help advance local and global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The panel will also address what tangible steps international agencies, national governments and civil society must do to move “beyond GDP.”
Hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development and IDRC.
Climate Week NYC
This year’s Climate Week NYC will be held from September 22-29, 2024, to accelerate the shift to a green economy by tackling important issues in energy, transportation, nature and food systems, while promoting leadership and sustainable growth.
IDRC and its partners are sharing the results of research on nature, finance and women’s empowerment in a low-carbon world.
Innovating and investing for people and planet – Resilience Day at Climate Week NYC
September 23, 2024, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. EDT │ Triangle Loft, 675 Hudson Street, New York
IDRC partners are planning sessions on integrating finance and nature, an area that is gaining momentum in adaptation efforts, driven by the urgent need to address climate change impacts. The sessions will explore the concept of combining nature and finance in adaptation efforts by promoting sustainable financial strategies to mitigate and adapt to environmental changes.
Hosted by The Resilience Hub and the Global Resilience Partnership.
Women’s economic empowerment: A key to unlocking just transitions
September 23, 2024, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EDT│ Workville, 1412 Broadway, New York
This event showcases new evidence from Central America, East Africa, South Asia and internationally on how to break down barriers and support the capabilities of diverse women to improve their lives and contribute to sustainable, inclusive economies. The findings come from the IDRC-supported Gender Equality in a Low Carbon World initiative.
Hosted by: the Climate & Development Knowledge Network; ODI; Fundación Salvadoreña para el Desarollo Económico y Social; ForestAction Nepal; Intellecap; and IDRC.