This week, New York is the stage for the global event, The Climate Week NYC, which in partnership with the city’s tourism entity NYC & Company will offer sustainable activities for tourists.
At the opening ceremony, held today at the Times Center in Times 
Square, Manhattan, the CEO of The Climate Group, Helen Clarkson, the President of Costa Rica, Alvarado Quesada, the Governor of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, among government officials and investors from around the world were present.
In an exclusive interview with CEO Helen Clarkson, she emphasizes that this edition is the largest ever, as it has media from all over the world focused on the natural disasters occurring globally, along with parallels on the same focus.
The 2019 program will feature over 150 events, with approximately 10,000 experts in policy, business, and sustainability from more than 40 countries expected to participate in these events, including discussion panels, concerts, exhibitions, and seminars across New York’s five boroughs.
According to NYC & Company CEO Fred Dixon, Climate Week NYC is a platform to engage the global community, New Yorkers, and visitors on how to better protect the environment.
“Now, more than ever, traveling responsibly is crucial for our future, and we are pleased to partner with The Climate Group on a new sustainable travel and leisure program 
to help lead this global conversation.”
According to the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability in New York, Climate Week NYC is a unique impactful moment to showcase local progress, encouraging and accelerating changes on a global scale.
“The travel and leisure sector has a significant role to play in supporting climate action, which is why we are excited to present the Sustainable Travel and Leisure program this year for Climate Week NYC in partnership with NYC & Company,” said Helen Clarkson, CEO, The Climate Group.
She adds that NYC & Company’s leadership on this issue will encourage the sector to explore how businesses and consumers can do what they love – travel – in a more sustainable way, both locally and globally.
Continuing with the focus on promoting sustainable agriculture, the 
Equator Prize was held last night at the United Nations, aimed at recognizing and promoting local sustainable development solutions for people, nature, and resilient communities.
The indigenous people of the Roraima village, Kisêdjê, were awarded twice due to the initiative created by the indigenous council of Roraima and the Raposa do Sol Cultural Center, which offers training for the indigenous people on how to preserve traditional seeds, implement sustainable agriculture, and encourage activities that strengthen the bond between nature and society.
VIVIANE FAVER
Journalist
vfaver@gmail.com