The Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University was pleased to host a pavilion within the Blue Zone at COP28 in Dubai.
We invite you to watch the series of presentations and conversations around addressing the challenges human activity has brought upon our planetary systems. To thrive in the future, we must rediscover our planet and our relationship with it.
Our location in the pavilion: Blue Zone, Thematic Arena 1 – Ground Floor pavilion number TA1-135
The Arizona State University Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory Pavilion was in the COP28 Blue Zone in Thematic Arena 1 – Ground Floor pavilion number TA1-135, near the YOUNGO, UNICEF, other universities, and gender pavilions.
The conversation starts here
Whether you were physically present at the event in Dubai or joining from home, you can view each of our sessions hosted in our pavilion. Our COP delegates and guests presented on some of the important work that has come out of the Global Futures Laboratory and our collaborations with other organizations over the past year.
All sessions were livestreamed and can be viewed via YouTube.
How to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the CISCO value chain and in greater tech development by 2040. Speakers include:
- Mary de Wysocki SVP & Chief Sustainability Officer, Cisco, Cisco
- Nidhi Pant CoFounder S4S Technologies, WE Empower UN SDG Challenge awardee 2021, Winner of Earthshot Prize and Cisco Global Citizen Youth award
- Jaya Adapa SVP Media and Content, Futerra
- Dave Rouse CEO at CarbonClick
- Sebastian Groh Managing Director and co-founder of SolShare, Ashoka fellow and winner of the Zayed Sustainability prize 2022
- Moderator: Amanda Ellis Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Networks, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Highlighting the important work on sustainability and climate change mitigation and discussing the opportunities and challenges ahead. Speakers include:
- Carmen Vicelich CEO and Founder Generate Zero, NZ Tech Entrepreneur of the Year
- Reem Asaad Vice President, Middle East, Africa, Romania & CIS, Cisco
- Sarah El Battouty Global Ambassador at UNFCCC High Level Climate Champions, Founder of ECOnsult, WE Empower
- Moderator: Amanda Ellis Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Networks, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Global Futures Talk:
Addressing Climate Change in the Middle East and Africa
4:15 – 4:45 p.m.
5:15 – 5:45 a.m. MST
The Middle East and Africa combine for one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, increasing water scarcity and more frequent and extreme weather events. To mitigate this impact and adopt more sustainable practices, the digital transformation of energy grids is essential for a net-zero future. The potential exists for highly efficient, resilient grids to distribute clean energy worldwide, if innovation, policy and collaboration are harnessed effectively. The transformation process will be underscored by three key elements: digitization, automation and intelligence.
- Reem Asaad Vice President Middle East, Africa, Romania & CIS, Cisco
- Introduction by Peter Schlosser Vice President and Vice Provost of Global Futures, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
The Villars Framework offers a WTO reform agenda that would better the align the trade system with the world community’s commitment to climate change action and sustainability more broadly. The session will explore this potential for trade to become a point of real leverage for delivering transformative change that might move the world toward a clean energy future and a ramped-up response to climate change.
- Dan Esty Yale University and Remaking Trade Project
- Michael Dorsey Director and Chair, ASU Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service
- Lord Fakafanua Speaker of the House of Tonga
- Moderator: Amanda Ellis Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Networks, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Join us for a stimulating panel discussion titled ‘Skills of the Future: Shaping a Sustainable World’. This dynamic conversation – Moderated by Adele Trombetta, SVP & GM, Customer Experience, EMEA Cisco – will bring together diverse perspectives from the realms of academia, conservation, clean technology, and the next generation. Our esteemed panelists include a forward-thinking student, the CEO of Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, the CEO of Conservation X Labs, and the President of the World Academy of Art and Sciences. Together, they will explore the critical skills needed to address future environmental challenges, the role of innovation and creativity in conservation and clean technology, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping a sustainable future. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain insights into how we can equip ourselves and future generations for the monumental task of combating climate change. Speakers include:
- Adele Trombetta SVP & GM, Customer Experience, EMEA Cisco
- Matt Petersen President & CEO, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
- Alex Dehgan Conservation X Labs
- Garry Jacobs President, World Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Danyelle Kawamura Youth Analyst at ICP
Global Futures Talk:
Our Sustainability Journey
with Adele Trombetta
2:30 – 3 p.m.
3:30 – 4 a.m. MST
Adele Trombetta spearheaded The Opportunity Platform, a program for displaced people in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, providing individuals with an Apprenticeship opportunity powered by Cisco CX; reinforcing the company’s overall mission of powering an inclusive future for all, including individuals and communities that have been displaced by conflict.
- Adele Trombetta Senior Vice President & General Manager, Cisco Customer Experience for Europe, Middle East and Africa
- Introduction by Peter Schlosser Vice President and Vice Provost of Global Futures, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Accelerating Clean Energy and Zero Transportation in Los Angeles and Southern California by the 2028 Olympics
3:15 – 4:14 p.m.
4:15 – 5:15 a.m. MST
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) has launched two regional partnerships that are designed to accelerate the region’s transportation electrification and clean energy deployment efforts to help meet the state’s climate goals.
- Matt Petersen President & CEO, LACI
- Pedro Pizarro CEO, Edison International
- Cynthia McClain-Hill Board President,Los Aangeles Department of Water and Power
- David Hochschild Chair, California Energy Commission
- Linda Escalante Deputy Director California Government Affairs
- Rep. Robert Rivas Speaker, California State Assembly (D-District 29)
A discussion with the World Academy of Arts and Sciences to address global social challenges. Speakers include:
- Ketan Patel CEO and Founder, Force for Good
- Andrea ‘Andy’ Blair Co-Founder and Director of Business and Innovation, Upflow
- Phoebe Koundouri Professor at Athens University of Economics and Business & Technical University of Denmark, President of European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE), Chair of SDSN Global Climate Hub, Co-chair of SDSN Europe
- Chantal Line Carpentier Global Climate Lead UN Conference on Trade and Development
- Moderator: Amanda Ellis Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Networks, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
10 Must-haves Initiative
Panel Discussion
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. MST
Led by Peter Schlosser and Johan Rockström, this engaging dialogue will explore the pivotal role of the 10 Must-haves Initiative in international climate policy negotiations, fostering knowledge exchange and accelerating collective action for a sustainable and thriving future.
- Peter Schlosser Vice President and Vice Provost of Global Futures at Arizona State University & Co-chair of The Earth League
- Johan Rockström Director of Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research & Co-chair of The Earth League
- Jemilah Mahmood Executive Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health
- Alex Dehgan CEO & Co-Founder, Conservation X Labs
- Maja Groff Convener, Climate Governance Commission
10 New Insights in
Climate Science 2023/2024
Panel Discussion
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
3:30 – 4:30 a.m. MST
Join us for a dynamic and rich exchange to explore the latest findings revealed in the 10 New Insights in Climate Science report and their role within the context of COP28. Speaker include:
- Peter Schlosser Vice President and Vice Provost of Global Futures at Arizona State University & Co-chair of The Earth League
- Johan Rockström Director of Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research & Co-chair of The Earth League
- Sandrine Dixson-Declève President, The Club of Rome
- Laura Pereira University of the Witwatersrand & Stockholm University
- Carlos Nobre Institute for Advanced Studies at University of São Paulo
Showcasing women leaders with a bold vision for change.
- Andrea ‘Andy’ Blair Co-Founder and Director of Business and Innovation, Upflow
- Alyse Nelson President & CEO, Vital Voices Global Partnership
- Wendy Teleki World Bank, Head of Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative
- Nidhi Pant CoFounder S4S Technologies, WE Empower UN SDG Challenge awardee 2021, Winner of Earthshot Prize and Cisco Global Citizen Youth award
- Moderator: Amanda Ellis Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Networks, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Governing Our Planetary Emergency: Key Perspectives and Proposals from the 2023 Climate Governance Commission Report
2 – 3:30 p.m.
3 – 4:30 a.m. MST
After the November 28th launch of the Report, “Governing Our Planetary Emergency,” of the Climate Governance Commission, Chaired by Mary Robinson, Johan Rockström, and María Fernanda Espinosa, experts invited by the Climate Governance Commission, with a special focus on youth, will discuss key perspectives and proposals from the report.
Panel I: System Leadership and Innovation (25-35 mins)- Ma Jun Commissioner of the Climate Governance Commission, Director, Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE), Beijing
- Clea Kaske-Kuck Director, Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement & Member of the Extended Leadership Group, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
- Gavin McCormick Co-Founder Climate TRACE
- Bhadra Kanaiya CEO, Sunways Global, Innovator in Solar Power, Champion for Village Energy Empowerment
- Young Scholars Network Institute of New Economic Thinking
- Jule Schnakenberg Core Team Member, World’s Youth for Climate Justice
- Veena Balakrishnan Founder, Youth Negotiators Academy/Climate Youth Negotiator Programme
- John Vlasto Mobilizing an Earth Governance Alliance, Chair, World Federalist Movement / Institute for Global Policy
- Joseph Hammond African Director, Faith For Our Planet, Pulitzer Center Grantee, AU iDove Fellow
The Energy Transition:
Supply, demand and the investor perspective.
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
5:30 – 7:30 a.m. MST
Join the discussion regarding the energy transition: supply, demand and the investor perspective.
- Ben Scott Senior Automotive Analyst
- Mike Coffin Head of Oil, Gas & Mining
- Richard Folland Head of Policy and Engagement + representatives from NRGI, Powershift Africa, EITI and UNEP-FI
Climate Safe Lending Network’s Executive Director, James Vaccaro provides strategic discussion of the Carbon Bankroll.
- James VaccaroExecutive Director, Climate Safe Lending Network
Blue Planet Alliance Panels
Fireside Chat with President Surangel Whipps, Jr and Henk Rogers
4:30 – 4:45 p.m.
5:30 – 5:45 a.m. MST
A conversation between President Surangel Whipps, Jr. (Republic of Palau) and Henk Rogers, moderated by Lance Gould.
- Surangel Whipps, Jr President of the Republic of Palau
- Henk Rogers Blue Planet Alliance
- Moderator – Lance Gould CEO of Brooklyn Story Lab
Youth ambassadors from nations such as Costa Rica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, moderated by Youth Leaders.
- Moderator – Khadija Stewart Trinidad and Tobago
- Mark Haver United States
- Alan Seid Palau
- Ashley Lashley Barbados
- Franisco Lara Costa Rica
A discussion of BP Alliance Partnership Highlight (SDG17).
- Moderator – Emily McGlone Director of Peace Boat USA
- Stan Chen CEO of Recycle GO
- Jacquelyn Francis Executive Director Global Warming Mitigation Project
- Kay Vasey Chief Connecting Officer Mesh Minds
- Alan Seid Pacific’s Getaway
Fireside Chat with Henk Rogers and Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua
6 – 6:30 p.m.
7 – 7:30 a.m. MST
Fireside Chat with Henk Rogers and Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua (Kingdom of Tonga), moderated by Amanda Ellis.
- Henk Rogers Founder, Blue Planet Foundation
- Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua Speaker of Parliament, Kingdom of Tonga
- Moderator: Amanda Ellis Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Networks, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Waking a sleep giant: Africa’s massive CDR potential
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
11 p.m. – 1 a.m. MST
Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the world in CDR (and stands to benefit from doing so); and the world needs Africa to fulfil this potential if it is to come close to achieving global climate goals. This session will feature a keynote presentation from James Mwangi (ACV, CAP-A), followed panel discussion moderated by Sanjeev Khagram (UNFCCC HLC) featuring leading voices from the tech, science, and policy worlds – unpacking Africa’s massive CDR potential, and the value it could create for both climate and African economies.
Waking a sleep giant: Africa’s massive CDR potential- Bilha Ndirangu CEO, Great Carbon Valley
- Caitlin Wale CEO, Kinjani
- Eric Mangi Senior Policy Advisor, Government of Kenya
- Jim Mann CEO, UnDo
- Fiona Mugambi Engineering Lead, Octavia Carbon
- Julio Friedmann Chief Science Officer, Carbon Direct
- Host: Neal Gray-Wannell Manager CCS & Removals WBCSD
- Keynote: Philip Moss Director NextGen Ag
- Moderator: Dr Sanjeev Khagram UN High Level Champions
- Helen Bray Puro Earth, Vice President Policy
- Mati-Shantanu Agarwal Enhanced Weathering
- Climeworks representative
Supply side panel
UNICEF Aotearoa Young Ambassadors kōrero – Intersectional Youth Perspectives on New Zealand’s Climate Conundrum
2 – 4 p.m.
3 – 5 a.m. MST
This workshop will feature a panel discussion between intersectional lived-experience youth advocates from Aotearoa New Zealand – with a focus on Indigenous, Māori and Pasifika insights on the climate crisis – followed by a talanoa with fellow young people in attendance. It will be a space for learning, sharing and connecting.
- Vira Paky
- Nele Kalolo/Finley Duncan
- Priya Potts/Ngārita Mackenzie
- Ceilidh Brown/Thomas Blakie
Balance for Biodiversity:
A New Chapter Beyond Carbon Neutral
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
5:30 – 7:30 a.m. MST
A discussion of the evolution from ‘Carbon Neutral’ to ‘Balance for Biodiversity.’ This innovative approach not only addresses carbon emissions but also champions biodiversity and integrates socio-economic engagement.
- Daniel Morrell CEO and founder, Balance Eco Ltd
- Felix Dodds Adjunct Professor, the Water Institute at University of North Carolina
- James Cameron Senior Advisor at Howden Group, Korn Ferry, Pollination, SYSTEMIQ & Chair of Crown Agents
“Nothing about us without us”:
Local Leadership in Climate Mobility Decisions
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
11 p.m. – 1 a.m. MST
Discussion on the global movement to achieve the full participation and equalization of opportunities.
- Hardin Lang Vice President for Programs and Policy with Refugees International
- Qiyamud Din Ikram Refugee Fellow with Refugees International
- Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad
When the Federal government of the US is mired in infighting and controversy, state policymakers have proven their effectiveness in legislating climate and energy solutions. Join Delegate Daniel Linville (WV) and Representative Mesha Mainor (GA) to discuss opportunities to make a difference and how they have passed climate and clean tech policy.
- Neal Patel Managing Partner, Patel Partners
- Delegate Daniel Linville West Virginia House of Delegates
- Representative Mesha Mainor State of Georgia House of Representatives
ClearPath Clean Energy Discussion with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
5 – 6 p.m.
6 – 7 a.m. MST
American policies from recent years are leading to a boom in clean energy. As the U.S. looks to scale up, these clean energy innovations are attracting interest from global trading partners interested in decarbonizing their own economies with clean, reliable and affordable energy. This event will cover policies like the Energy Act of 2020 and Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, and how Alaska and the U.S. are looking to lead the way toward lower global emissions.
- Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
- Rich Powell CEO, ClearPath
National Adaptation Plans and DRR Workshop
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
11 p.m. – 1 a.m. MST
A discussion of a national adaptation plans and disasters.
- Chiara Fiorino – Moderator
- Carlos Uribe
- Aiita Joshuuapamaku
- Priscilla Mundilo
Climate+Positive Investing: Accelerating Capital Beyond Net Zero to Net Climate Solutions
2 – 4 p.m.
3 – 5 a.m. MST
The latest climate science is pushing investors to move money out of climate pollution into net climate solutions through the Climate+Positive Investing Alliance movement (PositiveClimate.org) and beyond. We expect a highly interactive audience discussion, so come prepared to share your own experiences, expertise and opportunities for collaboration on scaling climate solutions.
- Namgay Choden Bhutan COP28 negotiator & Bhutan Ecological Society
- Sunita Rajakumar Climate Governance Malaysia & HSBC Bank
- Katie Hoffman Regeneration.VC & Climate+Positive Investing Alliance (C+PIA)
- Moderator: Ian Monroe Etho Capital, Stanford University, C+PIA & SolveClimate.org
Driving Impact Through Collaboration
The 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings recognized Arizona State University as the No. 1 institution in the United States and top ten in the world for addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This marks the fifth consecutive year ASU has been at the top of these rankings among U.S. universities.
Global Futures Viewbook
“We must rediscover our planet and our relationship with it.”
What does this mean, exactly? For the faculty, students, researchers and global partners of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, it means a commitment to urgently address the challenges we have caused through resource extraction and thoughtless consumption in the relentless pursuit of “progress.” We believe better is possible.
global impact
– Times Higher Education, 2020 – 2024
sustainability
– Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating system, 2023
innovation
– ASU ahead of MIT and Penn State
#1
ASU has held the #1 ranking for US institutions and top 10 in the world since 2020.
Arizona State University is recognized as an inaugural participant in Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings, the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Clean water and sanitation
#15 in the world
Water is life, and equitable access to clean and safe water is essential.
Climate action
#11 in the world
If our climate systems become imbalanced, dependable water sources become unpredictable.
Life on land
#3 in the world
Drought and desertification threaten a thriving ecosystem-solutions to sustain our life on land are essential.
Life below water
#1 in the world
Our planet’s lungs are our oceans and waterways. They work if our worlds largest biome remains healthy.
Peace, justice and strong institutions
#12 in the world
Societal will is the lynchpin for access to justice and access to healthy and safe water.
2023
Times Higher Education Impact rankings
Learn more about
10 Must-haves
Developed through the Global Futures Conference, the 10 Must-haves outline 10 ambitious targets for global transformations to ensure a just and sustainable future for all.
10 New insights in Climate Science
Annual 10 NICS: Key, concise climate insights from top scientists, addressing urgent findings in climate change research.
Direct Air Capture and the MechanicalTree™
The ASU Center for Negative Carbon Emissions is advancing carbon management technologies that can capture carbon dioxide directly from ambient air.
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
ASU BIOS explores and preserves ocean ecosystems through environmental science, resource monitoring, conservation, risk prediction and oceanographic sciecnes.
Arizona Water Innovation Initiative
Measurable impacts to water security in Arizona and across the Southwest United States through technological developments, partnerships and applied research.
Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science
The Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science pioneers spatially-explicit scientific research to address global environmental change through discoveries, conservation support, and inspiring action.
ASU delegation at COP28
Peter Schlosser
Vice President and Vice Provost of Global Futures, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Daniel Bodansky
Regents and Foundation Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Amanda Ellis
Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Networks
Michael Dorsey
Director and Chair, Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service
Felix Dodds
Director Research Projects CAS, Rob & Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service
Jay Famiglietti
Global Futures Professor, School of Sustainability
Sarah Hunt
Dir Research Projects CAS, Rob & Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service
Sanjeev Khagram
Director General and Dean, Thunderbird School of Global Management
Milan Shrestha
Senior Global Futures Scientist
Clea Edwards
Associate Director Research Operations, Global Futures Laboratory
