Sea Going Green: Insights from Two Transformative Events

Oct 17

In September and October 2024, Sea Going Green's CEO, Aleksandra (Ally) Dragozet, attended two events that highlighted the urgent need for sustainable practices in our world: The Economist Impact Sustainability Week: Countdown to COP29 in Amsterdam and the One Young World 2024 Summit in Montréal / Tiohtià:ke. Each event offered unique insights and opportunities for collaboration, emphasizing the role of young leaders in addressing global challenges. Read on to hear some of her key takeaways and inspiring lessons learned.

One Young World 2024

The annual summit, which took place this year in mid-September, has a mission to empower youth leaders by providing them with resources, networks, and platforms to address global issues. The agenda for 2024 focused on addressing the most pressing global issues of our times, including social inclusion, technological approaches to combating the climate crisis and bridging the gap in marginalized communities. This year’s lineup featured renowned speakers, including icons like Jane Goodall, David Suzuki, and Margaret Atwood, providing motivational calls to action for each attendee to take home and action in their communities.

I had the privilege of participating in smaller workshops and mentoring sessions, including an insightful discussion with Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever. In the session, we discussed the importance of sustainable business practices, resonating deeply with Sea Going Green’s mission to forward sustainability throughout the business world and particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Some additional highlights that stood out were:

Key Sessions and Highlights

Indigenous Voices: Sessions emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous perspectives in discussions about sustainability and environmental conservation. Speakers shared powerful stories about their communities' struggles and triumphs including securing political representation and using social media to harness the power of first-person storytelling, reminding us that the fight for ecological justice is deeply intertwined with cultural heritage.

The Climate and Ecological Crisis: Experts discussed a series of innovative solutions, such as glass recycling back into sand (Glass Half Full) to combat coastal erosion and other climate change challenges. The urgency of the crisis was palpable in discussions, but so were the hopes generated by youth-led initiatives. It was inspiring to hear about grassroots movements making significant impacts in their local communities.

Artificial Intelligence: With AI's rapid advancement, sessions focused on ethical considerations and its potential to drive social change. Discussions revolved around how young leaders can harness technology responsibly to address societal challenges, like making urban environments (and specifically cities) more sustainable, without compromising ethical standards.

Health Equality: These sessions highlighted disparities in healthcare access worldwide. It was eye-opening to learn about initiatives aimed at ensuring equitable health services for all, particularly marginalized communities. For example EcoCiclo was featured as a solution providing biodegradable sanitary products to communities facing menstrual poverty.

Delivering Lasting Peace: Highlighting the world’s most pressing conflicts, this session explored pathways to peacebuilding. The discussions reinforced the idea that young leaders have a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.

Ally’s reflection on #OYW2024

“Attending One Young World 2024 in the vibrant city of Montréal / Tiohtià:ke was nothing short of transformative. As a delegate representing Sea Going Green, supported by the Audi Environmental Foundation, I found myself immersed in a community of passionate young leaders dedicated to creating tangible social change. The summit not only provided a platform for dialogue but also opened doors to invaluable connections and insights that will shape our future endeavors.

Moreover, being part of the Audi Environmental Foundation's cohort allowed me to bond with fellow scholars who share my passion for sustainability. The camaraderie within our group made navigating such a large event feel intimate and supportive. The sessions served as a reminder that each person possesses the power to effect change, no matter how daunting those challenges may seem.”

The Economist Impact Sustainability Week

The Economist Impact Sustainability Week: Countdown to COP29, held on October 7-8, 2024, in Amsterdam, served as a pivotal platform for global leaders to discuss and strategize ways to tackle pressing sustainability issues. This year's event marked the fourth annual gathering focused on net-zero goals, giving the chance for businesses, policymakers, and civil society to align their strategies ahead of COP29.

The event gathered 100 speakers, over 500 in-person attendees and 2,500 online audience members, bringing together climate leaders from around the globe under the joint commitment to further climate dialogue.

Key Highlights from the Sustainability Sessions

The sessions, which took place in our HQ city of Amsterdam, were designed around interactive panels, fireside chats, and keynotes that facilitated discussions and networking opportunities among senior representatives from a wide variety of cross-cutting industries working on climate challenges.

Some notable sessions included:

“Interview: Crossing the Line - Why Last Mile Matters”: This session explored the significance of addressing last-mile delivery challenges and their environmental impacts.

“Case Study: Energy Transition in Practice - Insights from the Port of Rotterdam”: Here, attendees learned about the Port of Rotterdam's ambitious plans to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050.

“Panel: From Soil to Success - Scaling Up Regenerative Agriculture”: This discussion focused on advancing beyond sustainable farming to actively improve soil health and support farmers in this transition.

“Fireside Chat: Fueling Sustainability in Aviation - The Role of SAF”: This session delved into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and how the aviation sector is working to meet growing demand sustainably.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my experiences in both of these events, I am filled with optimism about the future and society’s ability to adapt to social, economic and environmental challenges no matter how big they are or how daunting they may seem. It showed me that youths continue to innovate the sustainability sector with fresh ideas that are transforming communities for the better and that likewise, that businesses are being more ambitious than ever to meet net-zero goals. It was promising to see the dynamism of sustainability that, as witnessed in these events, transcends age or business, demonstrating just how far we’ve come.

For me, One Young World was more than just an event; the connections I've made will undoubtedly contribute to my work at Sea Going Green as we strive to make tourism a force for good. My journey at One Young World 2024 has reinforced my belief in the power of youth leadership, showing me that we are more than capable of tackling the world's most pressing challenges and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

In the same vein, the insights and collaborations fostered during Sustainability Week were more timely than ever in the lead up to COP29. This event not only provided a platform for sharing knowledge but also reinforced the urgent need for collective action in addressing climate change. The discussions held here will undoubtedly influence strategies leading into COP29, making it an essential stop on the road to a sustainable future. We at Sea Going Green were proud to be media partners for this year's event and look forward to the next one.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy dedicated to aiding the tourism industry in its shift to eco-friendly practices. We offer strategies, sustainable solutions, and resources to help businesses achieve their environmental goals. Learn more by getting in touch with our experts.