Climate Action

Meet Jeff Speck Jeff Speck is a city planner and urban designer who advocates internationally for more walkable cities. As Director of Design at the National Endowment for the Arts from 2003 through 2007, he presided over the Mayors’ Institute on City Design and created the Governors’ Institute on Community Design. Prior to his federal appointment, Mr. Speck spent ten years as Director of Town Planning at DPZ & Co., the principal firm behind the New Urbanism movement. Since 2007, he has led Speck Dempsey, an award-winning private design consultancy serving public officials and the real estate industry. With Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, Mr. Speck is the co-author of Suburban Nation, which the Wall Street Journal calls “the urbanist’s bible.” His book, Walkable City–which the Christian Science Monitor calls “timely and important, a delightful, insightful, irreverent work” – was the best selling city-planning book of the past century. His books have been published in more than a dozen languages, and his TED talks and other online videos have been viewed more than six million times. Mr. Speck was the 2022 recipient of the Seaside Prize. Mr. Speck is a co-founding partner at Speck Dempsey, an international design firm created with the single-minded goal of making walkable places. Over thirty years of practice, he has led the planning and urban design fields in advancing the discussion around walkability: why it is needed, how it can be achieved, and what it looks like on the ground. The resulting projects have continuously moved the needle in terms of the quality of urbanism that communities have aspired to and gotten built. Jeff Speck’s carefully honed and locally customized talks are renowned for their wisdom and humor, and even more so for the ways in which they inspire communities to imagine and embrace positive change.

Prof. Henrik von Scheel Best known as the originator of the 4th Industrial Revolution and digital themes of today. With over 20 years of expertise as a project manager in executive roles, he has shaped corporate strategies, manage profit & loss and empowered teams to deliver results. Managing Director at the Institute of Strategic Intelligence, that provides the trends, report and content for the World Economic Forum. Professor of Strategy Management with 20 years dedicated to strategy and futures research. His work is applied to over 24 national economies, influencing GDP growth, triggering global themes, set industry standards that has shaped the performance of 23% of the fastest-growing companies on the Fortune 500 list. He is a sought-after speaker and advisor on the toughest issues in business today. Impact Genesis of the Digital theme In 2009, Prof Henrik von Scheel and Prof August Wilhelm Scheer ignited the global digital theme of today. As part of the Advisory Council at the Federal Minister of Economy & Technology, they played a significant role in defining Germany’s future digital strategy. The “Digital Agenda” was adopted by the European Commission in 2010, as the Europe Digital Agenda 2020 and evolved into the European Digital Revolution. “Digital Agenda” is one of Europe’s seven flagship – responsible for 5% of GDP, with a market value of €660 billion annually. The “Digital Agenda” evolved into the global digital theme of today. Godfather of the 4th Industrial Revolution In 2011, Prof von Scheel coined the term 4th Industrial Revolution, as one of the masterminds and driving forces behind its inception. As member of the Advisory Group for the Federal Ministry Education & Research, Prof. Henrik von Scheel, Prof August Wilhelm Scheer and Prof Henning Kagermann where tasked to defining the high-tech strategy for Germany. The final concept of “Industry 4.0” was announced April 2013 as an inter-ministerial innovation policy initiative. Prof von Scheel announced that the Industry 4.0 will emerge in 8 evolutionary stages, propelled by 77 megatrends. Board Experience June 09 – present Chairman of the 4th Industrial Revolution – World Economic Forum May 22 – Feb 24 Advisory Council Member – European Union Artificial Intelligence Act Feb 18 – Mar 24 Advisory Board Member – European Union Climate Change Council Mar 11 – Dec 17 Advisory Board Member for Google EMEA – Alphabet Inc Jan 11 – April 13 Advisory Group Member (Industry 4.0 originator) – Federal Ministry of Education & Research, Germany Mar 08 – Mar 10 Advisory Council Member (Digital Initiator) – Federal Ministry of Economics & Technology, Germany Awards “Nobel laureates of the Knowledge Award for intellectual achievement and knowledge sharing” – The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award “Honorary Professor Doctorate for the evolution of mainstream Strategy Management thinking” – Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business

Norbert Csizmadia: Geonomist and Strategic Thinker Norbert Csizmadia is a distinguished geographer and strategic thinker, renowned for his expertise in economic strategy, geostrategy, geoeconomics, and geopolitics. His extensive career encompasses significant roles in both governmental and academic institutions. In his governmental tenure, Norbert served as the State Secretary responsible for planning coordination at the Hungarian Ministry for National Economy. He also held the position of Executive Director at the Central Bank of Hungary, where he contributed to shaping national economic policies. Currently, Norbert leads several prominent organizations. He is the President of the Board of Trustees at both the Pallas Athene Domus Meriti Foundation, focusing on innovation and geopolitics, and the John von Neumann University Foundation. Additionally, he presides over the International Advisory Board of the Budapest Center for Long-Term Sustainability (BC4LS). His international engagements include membership on the International Advisory Board of the Fudan Institute of Belt and Road & Global Governance in Shanghai, China. He also serves as an Independent Director at Bank of China Hungary. As a thought leader, Norbert is the Chief Editor of the Hungarian Geopolitics (HUG) magazine and co-chairs the Geopolitical Department of the Hungarian Geographical Society. His scholarly contributions are highlighted by his authorship of influential works such as “GeoVision 2023,” “GeoFuture,” and “GeoFusion,” which explore the intersections of geography, economics, and global strategy. An accomplished public speaker, Norbert has delivered TEDx talks and keynotes at various international forums, sharing his insights on the evolving geopolitical landscape and the critical role of geography in shaping economic and political destinies. Through his multifaceted career, Norbert Csizmadia continues to influence the discourse on global strategy, emphasizing the enduring significance of geography in our interconnected world. Professional Roles: Former State Secretary – Ministry for National Economy in charge of economic strategy and planning coordination (2010-2013) Former Executive Director of the Central Bank of Hungary (2013-2016) President of the Board of Trustees of PADME Foundation (Pallas Athene Domus Meriti Foundation – Innovation and Geopolitics) – Foundation of Central Bank of Hungary (from 2014) President of the Board of Trustees of John von Neumann University Foundation (from 2020) President of the International Advisory Board of BC4LS (Budapest Center for Long-Term Sustainability) (from 2021) Member of the International Advisory Board of the Fudan Institute of Belt and Road & Global Governance, Shanghai, China (from 2017) Independent Director of the Bank of China CEE (from 2020) Chief Editor of Hungarian Geopolitics (HUG) magazine (from 2015) Co-chair of the Geopolitical Department of the Hungarian Geographical Society (from 2015) Publications: Dr. Csizmadia is the author of several influential books that explore the intersections of geography, geopolitics, and global economic trends: GeoFusion: Mapping of the 21st Century (2019) GeoFusion 2.0: Towards a Long-Term Sustainable Eurasian Growth (2021) GeoFuture: The Big Picture – The Synthesis of Geopolitics and Geography – Connectivity – Complexity – Sustainability GeoVision 2023: Eurasia and Sustainability Strategic Studies and Articles 2020-2022 These works delve into the evolving significance of geography in the modern world, emphasizing the critical roles of connectivity, complexity, and sustainability. Speaking Engagements: As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Csizmadia has delivered keynote lectures at numerous international forums and conferences, including: Shanghai Forum Belt and Road and Global Governance Forum in Shanghai Young Global Thinkers Forum Eurasia Forum Budapest Boao Forum in Hainan Island Singapore World City Summit First Asia-Europe Connectivity Forum in Cambodia TEDxMetropolitanUniversityBudapest His lectures often focus on the future of global connectivity, the importance of geography in economic and political strategies, and the sustainable development of Eurasia.

Tara Shine: Leading Voice in Climate Science and Sustainable Development Dr Tara Shine Tara’s accessible messaging around climate change have inspired people across the globe, from world leaders to local communities and individuals, to act. If you want to put sustainability on your agenda, there’s no better speaker than Dr Tara Shine: a leading environmental scientist, international climate change negotiator and broadcaster. She’s dynamic, and charismatic but most importantly, she’s well-informed, and speaks with authority about the impact we’re having on the planet and each other. Background For over two decades, Dr Tara Shine has worked as a climate change negotiator for the United Nations, most recently facilitating a dialogue between scientists and policymakers to assess progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. She has also been attending the annual climate summit (COP) since 2003. Tara chairs the Board of Trustees at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) – one of the world’s leading independent policy and research organisations with a mission to build a fairer more sustainable world. Television In 2023, Tara presented two separate episodes of the BBC One What they really mean for you series. In the Electric Cars episode, she questions the cost of electric cars and in Heat Pumps she investigates controversial plans to change how we heat our homes and produce electricity. Business Tara is co-founder and CEO of Change by Degrees, an award-winning B Corp certified business that builds sustainability skills to empower people to achieve sustainability goals.

Guntram Wolff: Expert in European Macroeconomics, Climate Policy, and Geopolitical Strategy Prof Dr Guntram Wolff is a European public policy expert and professor of economics at Université libre de Bruxelles. The former Director of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP, 2022-24) and of Bruegel (2013-22) has more than 20 years of experience advising European governments, for example in the finance ministers’ ECOFIN meetings, international organisations, parliaments and corporate boards. He is an expert on European integration, geo- and defence economics, climate policy and macroeconomics. His research was published in top academic outlets such as Nature, Science, Energy Policy, Journal of Banking and Finance, Foreign Affairs and in leading media. From 2012-16, he was a member of the French Council of Economic Analysis. He also was a member of the then-IMF managing director Christine Lagarde’s advisory group on the fund priorities, a G20 high level group on pandemic prevention financing headed by Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Lawrence H. Summers and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In 2020, Business Insider ranked him one of Europe’s 28 most influential thinkers and shapers. He is also a member of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Previous work experiences include the European Commission and the German Bundesbank. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Bonn and is fluent in German, English and French.  

Julie Gautier: an underwater storyteller Julie Gautier is a French freediver, filmmaker, model, and dancer, born on November 19, 1979, in Saint-Louis, La Réunion. Influenced by her mother’s passion for dance and her father’s underwater adventures from a young age, she developed a profound love for water and the ocean. Sporting career: Julie discovered freediving around the age of 18, initiated by her father, an avid spearfisherman. She gradually transitioned to competition and competed in her first world championships in Nice in 2000. Her sporting career peaked with the establishment of two French records in constant weight freediving, reaching impressive depths of -65 meters in 2006 and -68 meters in 2007. She met freediving world champion Guillaume Néry in 2000, marking the beginning of a fruitful professional collaboration. Audiovisual career: After retiring from competition in 2009, Julie dedicated herself to an artistic and audiovisual career. She creates captivating underwater films that convey poignant messages about the beauty and fragility of the oceans. Her collaborations with renowned artists such as Beyoncé, Raphaël, and Zazie showcase her exceptional talent as a choreographer, dancer, and underwater filmmaker. Among her most notable works are “Free Fall,” “Narcose,” “Ocean Gravity,” and “Ama,” each illustrating her ability to blend art, nature, and ecology. Recent / Flagship Projects: In 2018, Julie directed “Ama,” a poetic short film featuring her own underwater dance performance.  Considered her most personal work, the film celebrates women, their grace, sensitivity, and fragility. The “One Breathe” project is an artistic and environmental initiative led by Guillaume Néry and Julie Gautier, embodying the fusion of art, freediving, and marine conservation. Through this project, Julie explores the depths of the ocean with a single breath, capturing the beauty and fragility of this unique ecosystem. “One Breathe” is more than just an underwater performance; it is a call to action to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our oceans and respecting their delicate balance. More recently, she created “Bakélite” a dreamlike film addressing the issue of plastic pollution in the oceans. This project underscores her commitment to the environment and her use of art as a means of raising awareness. Environmental Commitment: Julie is committed to environmental preservation and uses her influence to educate the public about the challenges facing the oceans. Her artistic work and educational films highlight the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainability. Julie Gautier is a versatile artist who continues to inspire and captivate with her unique underwater creations and her dedication to preserving the marine environment.

Raekwon Chung: Pioneer of Green Growth and Global Climate Leader Pioneer of Green Growth: Dr. Raekwon Chung is a renowned figure in sustainable development and climate change policy. He is recognized as one of the pioneers of the concept of Green Growth, which promotes economic development while reducing environmental impact. As Director of the Environment and Development Division at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), he played a key role in the creation of the influential “Low Carbon Green Growth Roadmap,” a strategy that has inspired governments globally to pursue greener, more resilient economies. Advisor to Global Leaders: Chung played a crucial role in international climate negotiations as Korea’s Climate Change Ambassador, participating in numerous high-level UN climate conferences since 1991. His collaboration with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon contributed to shaping global climate policies. Chung has also supported the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and was acknowledged for his contributions when the IPCC was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Current Roles and Recognition: Dr. Raekwon Chung remains at the forefront of climate action as the Chairman of the International Award Committee for the Global Energy Prize, where he continues to influence key global energy initiatives, particularly in advancing the transition to low-carbon economies. His board role at the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future further amplifies his impact on sustainable development, global energy security, and environmental advocacy. Typical Audience: Chung’s expertise is highly sought after by policymakers, international organizations, business leaders in sustainable energy, and academic institutions. He is frequently invited to speak at high-level conferences focused on climate change, energy transitions, and sustainable development, where his insights continue to shape global discussions on these critical issues. Notable Achievements: Pioneer of Green Growth and author of key reports on low-carbon strategies. Contributed to the IPCC’s award-winning work recognized by the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Advisor to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, playing a significant role in global climate diplomacy. Dr. Raekwon Chung continues to lead discussions on sustainable development and climate action, ensuring that his work drives the global transition towards a greener, more resilient future.

Jacinda Ardern: Transformative Global Leader, Advocate for Kindness, Equality and Climate Action The Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern became the Prime Minister of New Zealand at just 37 years of age. During her time in office, she faced the challenges of a live-streamed domestic terror attack against New Zealand’s Muslim community, a volcanic eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Ardern’s focus on people, kindness, and what she has called “pragmatic idealism” saw New Zealand achieve some of the lowest losses of life experienced by any developed nation through the pandemic, the ban of military-style semi-automatic weapons in her country, and the creation of the Christchurch Call to eliminate violent extremism online, which Ms Ardern continues to hold the role of Patron. Ms. Ardern is a champion of women’s empowerment. While in office, New Zealand reached 50 percent representation of women in parliament, and on government-appointed boards. She decriminalized abortion, improved pay equity laws, and extended paid parental leave to 6 months – all while being only the second woman in the world to have a baby while leading her country. Ms, Ardern is a passionate advocate of climate action and is a board member of The Earthshot Prize, focusing on solutions to climate change and environmental issues. She is also an Arnhold Distinguished Fellow, Conservation International where she is advocating for climate action and better treatment of the environment. Ms. Ardern is the 2023 Angelopoulos Global Public Leaders Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Hauser Leader in the School’s Center for Public Leadership, a program where leaders from public, private, and nonprofit sectors engage with students and faculty on building skills in principled leadership. She is also the Knight Tech Governance Leadership Fellow at Harvard Law School’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, where she is focused on ways to improve content standards and platform accountability for extremist content online. Ms. Ardern holds an Honorary Doctorate from Harvard University.

Albert Bright: Pioneering Quantum Economist and Astronomy Innovator Albert Bright is a visionary thinker and interdisciplinary innovator who has redefined the boundaries of economic theory by integrating principles of astronomy into global systems. With a career focused on research and invention, Albert’s unique approach blends cross-disciplinary thinking with paradigm-shifting ideas. He has delivered leadership talks and collaborated with organizations such as Dräger, Carglass, and Randstad. His groundbreaking work, including his “Globalonomy” concept, addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time—building sustainable systems for humanity’s future. In 2014, after years of corporate success, Albert sought new intellectual challenges. Inspired by the functioning system of the universe, he began exploring how its laws might inform the optimization of human and economic systems. Drawing on research in cosmology, Albert developed innovative ideas around dark matter, dark energy, and dynamic relativity, seeking to apply these concepts to his broader economic and philosophical work. While his work addresses these profound mysteries, they remain largely unexplained by current scientific standards. Albert’s research culminated in the publication of three landmark books: AstronTimeOnomy, AstronSpaceOnomy and AstronEfficiencyOnomy. These works explore the intersection of astronomy and economics, proposing how universal principles could be leveraged to address global economic challenges and improve living conditions on Earth. A passionate keynote speaker, Albert now shares his discoveries with audiences worldwide. His popular talks, including “From the Big Bang to the Mobile-Perpetuum” and “Astronomy for Economy,” provide fresh insights into the interconnectedness of cosmic and economic forces, showing how these concepts can be harnessed to drive innovation and sustainability. Albert’s dynamic speaking style and ability to simplify complex ideas make him a sought-after thought leader in both economics and science.

Kwame Onwuachi: Celebrated Chef, Author, and Advocate for Culinary Diversity Kwame Onwuachi is a culinary trailblazer whose journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated chef and author exemplifies resilience, innovation, and passion. Born and raised in the Bronx, Onwuachi faced significant challenges, including brushes with gangs and drug dealing. However, his love for food became a transformative force in his life. Kwame launched his first catering business with just twenty thousand dollars earned from selling candy on New York City subways. His entrepreneurial spirit and culinary talent soon caught the attention of the food world, leading him to train in some of America’s most prestigious kitchens and compete on the renowned television show Top Chef. In 2023 and 2024, Kwame’s restaurant, TATIANA, was named the #1 Restaurant in NYC by The New York Times. TATIANA is celebrated for its innovative dishes that blend Caribbean, African, and Black American flavors, offering a culinary experience that bridges cultures and fosters community. Kwame’s dedication to showcasing the diversity of American cuisine has made TATIANA a cultural and culinary landmark. In addition to his restaurant success, Kwame is the author of the acclaimed memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef, which candidly chronicles his challenges and triumphs in the culinary world. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of following one’s passion, regardless of obstacles. Kwame’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity extends beyond the kitchen. He founded The Family Reunion, a multi-day event celebrating diversity in the hospitality industry. This annual gathering brings together chefs, business leaders, and culinary enthusiasts to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences that shape the culinary landscape. As a member of the Leadership Council for No Kid Hungry, Kwame is also a vocal advocate for addressing food insecurity, reducing food waste, and ensuring access to clean water. His dedication to building purpose-driven brands reflects his belief in using food as a force for positive change. A natural storyteller, Kwame Onwuachi captivates audiences with his journey of turning passion into positivity and encourages others to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges. His story continues to inspire and empower people from all walks of life to embrace their passions and make a difference in the world.

Alok Sharma’s Early Career and Political Rise Alok Sharma, Lord Sharma of Reading, is a distinguished British politician and former President for COP26, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow in 2021. With a background in physics and electronics from the University of Salford and a career in finance spanning nearly two decades, Alok transitioned into politics, bringing a wealth of experience and a pragmatic approach to his public service roles. Contributions to Climate Action As COP26 President, Alok Sharma played a pivotal role in bringing together nearly 200 countries to commit to actionable climate goals aimed at limiting global warming. His leadership was instrumental in facilitating crucial negotiations that led to the Glasgow Climate Pact, focusing on emissions reduction, adaptation, and finance. His efforts earned him widespread recognition as a key figure in the global climate movement. Parliamentary Roles and Achievements Elected as the Member of Parliament for Reading West in 2010, Alok Sharma has held several significant positions within the UK government. He has served as the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, where he was responsible for spearheading the UK’s Industrial Strategy, promoting innovation, and overseeing the country’s transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Advocacy and Speaking Engagements A passionate advocate for sustainable development and environmental protection, Alok Sharma is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and events. His insights on climate policy, global collaboration, and the economic opportunities of green technologies have inspired audiences worldwide. Alok’s articulate and engaging speaking style, combined with his deep knowledge of climate issues, make him an influential voice in the ongoing dialogue on sustainability. Achievements and Recognition Led the UK’s efforts at COP26, securing commitments to significant climate action. Oversaw the development and implementation of the UK’s Industrial Strategy as Secretary of State. Appointed to the House of Lords as Lord Sharma of Reading in recognition of his contributions to public service and climate action. Recipient of multiple awards for his work in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng’s background Kwasi Kwarteng was born in London in 1975. The son of parents from Ghana who had emigrated to the United Kingdom in the 1960s, Kwasi was an outstanding student, winning one of the top scholarships to Eton College, where he won the Newcastle Scholarship, the school’s most distinguished academic prize in philosophy and ethics, in his penultimate year. Kwasi went on to win further awards and prizes in Classics and History at Cambridge and Harvard Universities, before completing his PhD in economic history at Cambridge. His time as a Kennedy Scholar at Harvard exposed him to US politics in which he has maintained a keen interest ever since. After years as a financial analyst, Kwasi was elected as one of the first black Conservative MPs in 2010. He has represented Spelthorne in this capacity since then and, from 2015, he has held a number of positions right at the heart of the British Government, particularly regarding Brexit, Energy and the Net Zero economy and, latterly, he held the highest responsibility for economic policy. Kwasi was made a Minister in the Department for Exiting the EU I 2018. He was responsible for the Withdrawal Agreement, and spent 10 months immersed in the parliamentary detail of the Bill. When Boris Johnson won the General Election in 2019, Kwasi was appointed to Privy Council attending Cabinet, and he became the first black Conservative MP to attend Cabinet as Minister of State when he was appointed as Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. In his trailblazing career, Kwasi became the first black Conservative MP to serve as a Secretary of State when he was appointed Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in January 2021. In this role, Kwasi was responsible for not only for energy policy, but also for deregulation of business and UK research and development. While serving as Secretary of State, Kwasi instituted annual auctions for offshore wind and helped devise the first UK Innovation Strategy, published in 2021. Kwasi also managed to drive nuclear investment with the signing of the Sizewell C deal. On 6th September 2022 Kwasi was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, the first black MP to hold this role. After a turbulent five weeks when the mini-budget was given the thumbs down by the markets, Kwasi was sacked by Liz Truss, who subsequently resigned six days later. The mini budget remains controversial, and represents the attempt of the then government to get growth back on the agenda. Growth, together with the need to decarbonise economies, is arguably the biggest challenge faced by Western economies today. There are very few people in the world who have had such extensive experience in climate finance and the drive to net zero. In addition to his active career in politics, Kwasi is a widely known historian. His books include Ghosts of Empire (2011), War & Gold (2014) and Thatcher’s Trial (2015).