The first BforPlanet, the event focused on promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the private sector, will feature some of the leading international institutions in the fields of sustainability and development. Among those taking part in the event, to be held on 7 and 8 July at Fira de Barcelona’s Montjuïc venue, are the United Nations, through the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), the World Bank and the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature).
The BforPlanet congress programme will be structured in 5 themes: Partnerships, Sustainable Growth, Climate Action, Innovation and Social Inclusion. Independent experts, senior representatives of international institutions and organisations and private sector executives will present different strategies in the fields of sustainability and the implementation of the SDGs in business activity aimed at generating business opportunities, opening new markets and creating jobs.
Thus, specific examples and solutions for the transformation of business models in areas such as the blue economy, the fight against pollution, the circular economy, energy efficiency, gender equality, public-private partnerships and the provision of drinking water and safe food around the world will be showcased.
The speakers at this first edition of BforPlanet will include Luis Felipe López-Calva, Director of the UNDP (UN) for Latin America and the Caribbean, Augusto López-Claros, Director of Global Indicators and Analysis at the World Bank, Yolanda García, a member of the Directorate-General for Energy at the European Commission, Rodolfo Lacy, Director of the Environment at the OECD, Yolanda Kakabadse, former President of the WWF and ex-Minister of the Environment of Ecuador, Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, Global Leader of Climate and Energy at the WWF, Cristina Sánchez, Executive Director of the Spanish network of the United Nations Global Compact, Marcello Palazzi, co-founder of B Lab Europe, Ana Palencia, Director of Communication and Sustainable Business at Unilever, and Joan Roca, chef at the Celler de Can Roca
To multiply its reach and audience, the BforPlanet presentations can be followed via the event’s digital streaming platform, allowing professionals from all fields and backgrounds to access its contents.
NextGeneration projects and startups centre stage
BforPlanet will also provide a stage for the presentation of different projects related to sustainability and the environment that are eligible for EU funding for the post-pandemic recovery. More specifically, the initiatives should refer to the areas of the ecological transition, digital transformation, smart and sustainable growth, job creation, social and territorial cohesion, health and resilience and policies for the next generation. The projects that are accepted will be able to participate in BforPlanet in an exhibition space, in the congress programme or on the online platform.
The BforPlanet call is aimed at the European public sector, institutions representing cities, metropolitan areas, regions and countries, private companies, public-private partnership consortia, R&D&I centres and research associations and networks.
Startups will also play a leading role at BforPlanet. The event has launched a competition for those that operate in the sectors of responsible consumption, social cohesion and the green economy. The ones that submit the most outstanding projects will be awarded a space at the event. The ultimate goals are to provide visibility and support for the innovative work that many of them are doing and to promote a more sustainable society and economy.
COVID-19 Protocol
In order to ensure the utmost safety for attendees at BforPlanet, Fira de Barcelona will implement its strict prevention protocol, designed in partnership with the Aon consultancy firm with advice from the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona.
Further information on BforPlanet here
Information and registration of NewGeneration projects here
Information and registration for Startup Competition here
Barcelona, June 3 2021
Press Office
firabarcelona.com