Meeting events

Granting nature legal personhood involves recognizing ecosystems’ rights to exist, thrive and regenerate. This legal framework empowers communities to protect natural resources by allowing lawsuits on behalf of rivers, forests and other natural entities.

What are the opportunities and challenges in granting nature legal personhood?

The ocean economy contributes over $2.5 billion to global GDP annually and supports nearly 350 million jobs worldwide.

How can key ocean-reliant sectors like shipping, ports, food, energy and tourism drive a regenerative ocean economy that balances economic growth, social prosperity and marine conservation?

To achieve net-zero emissions and reverse biodiversity loss by 2050, funding for equitable climate and nature transitions must increase by over $3 trillion annually. This can be unlocked through new finance models and innovative partnerships to accelerate and scale green solutions.

How can private capital, from grants and impact investing to family offices and sovereign wealth funds, be harnessed to catalyse systems change for people and planet?

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the historic Paris Agreement, however, the world is not yet on track to meet its goals. While momentum to decarbonize economies, build nature-positive systems and set up key financing mechanisms is growing, we lack the speed, scale and quality needed to prevent this emergency.

What kinds of innovation and partnerships are needed to turn crisis into opportunity and progress for people and planet in this critical decade of action?

During the session, the 2025 Social Entrepreneurs and Innovators of the Year will be announced by the Schwab Foundation.

Rapid technological advancements in Earth observation (EO) satellites, AI and other technologies are unveiling unprecedented views of our planet.

Join leading EO experts to explore immersive, cutting-edge applications of EO data that proactively monitor and help protect Earth’s fragile ecosystems.

The Congo basin is the last tropical forest system on the planet that absorbs more carbon than it emits and is home to 139 million people.

With nearly two thirds of the forest located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, how can bold policy and foresighted collaboration support conservation, sustainable economic development and peace-building?

Extreme weather events are intensifying in severity and frequency and have become common phenomena globally.

What can business do to manage and mitigate the risks and impacts?

Water systems are reaching a tipping point, with increasing floods and droughts affecting multiple regions globally. In five years, it is estimated that half the world will face water stress, jeopardizing productivity, public health and food security, and threatening $1.6 trillion in assets.

How can we leverage technology, governance and finance innovations to avoid or manage water tipping points?

Over the past 60 years, 40% of intrastate conflicts have a link to natural resources, as nature continues to underpin peace and stability.

This session examines how nature contributes to global security and how to identify new approaches to environmental conservation.

The green transition presents an unprecedented economic opportunity but it is also giving rise to competitive tensions. Countries are looking to protect and develop domestic industries and export their standards around the world.

Can trade cooperation support climate goals and fair industry transition?

The stark realities of our changing planet reveal the urgent need to improve biodiversity, protect water systems and optimize resource use.

This session explores new data to highlight opportunities for businesses to contribute to protecting and restoring nature, sustaining hydrological cycles and securing a just and resilient future for all.

The Global Situation Space combines NASA time-lapse satellite imagery and geospatial and econometric data with predictive modelling.

COP29 marked a significant milestone with the operationalization of a global carbon credit market under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. These rules will improve transparency and credibility in carbon trading, offering a foundation for a more consistent global pricing framework.

Building on this progress, how can we ensure that the advancements made at COP29 lead to a truly global and effective carbon pricing system that fosters greater government and private sector participation?