As global leaders convened in New York in late September for the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), critical conversations focused on addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change to global health and gender equity. Simultaneously, Climate Week NYC provided a dedicated platform to tackle the urgent need for climate action and its intersections with broader development challenges. At both events, discussions emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions.

Throughout Dalberg‘s participation in UNGA and Climate Week 2024, we highlighted the role of cross-sector collaboration in addressing global challenges:

• At Klimate.co’s Digital Roundtable on “Financing Resilience Through Carbon Removal,” Oren Ahoobim was involved in discussions focused on innovative financing models to build climate resilience, emphasizing the need for sustainable investment to drive long-term impact in vulnerable regions.
• The Health x Climate Boardroom Event hosted Dalberg’s Health and Nutrition Practice Area, with representation from Laura Herman, Lily Chhatwal, and Erin Barringer, alongside Northwell Health and IHME, explored the intersection of climate and health—in particular, how climate change exacerbates health challenges. This event stressed the necessity of data-driven solutions to address climate-induced health risks.
• Laura Amaya, Jean-Charles Guinchard, Oren Ahoobim, and James Eustace explored locally led climate adaptation strategies at the “Risk to Resilience: Unlocking Climate Financing for Local Health Adaptation” session at UNGA. The event underscored the importance of empowering communities to drive climate and health interventions and built on Dalberg’s work in reshaping climate-health strategies for greater resilience.
• The G7 MoU signing saw the continuation of the Surge Financing Initiative for Medical Countermeasures (MCMs), a transformative collaboration that Dalberg has proudly supported since last year’s UNGA. Spearheaded by G7 development finance institutions in partnership with MedAccess, the European Investment Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and British International Investment, this initiative is a critical step forward in ensuring that rapid and equitable pandemic responses are backed by the necessary financial resources to reach the most vulnerable populations.
• During Climate Week, Dalberg hosted a Happy Hour event that brought together Dalberg alumni, colleagues, and members of the New York office, fostering discussions, connections, and camaraderie amidst a packed week of climate action. As our team engaged in UN sessions, supported clients, moderated panels, and collaborated across the city, the evening offered a welcome pause—a relaxed setting to reconnect, reflect on the day’s insights, and share ideas on advancing climate solutions.

Members of Dalberg’s team took away key insights from these and other events during the week—many of which reflected the growing momentum around financing climate action, harnessing data for health outcomes, and empowering local communities. Below, we explore how the priorities highlighted at UNGA and Climate Week can guide actionable solutions to foster resilience and create a more inclusive, sustainable future.