APCO Forum

What do global climate conferences and national net zero commitments mean for your business? In this special edition of APCO Forum, we're sharing a full recording of a webinar conversation with APCO climate experts on how to grasp the opportunities of the net zero future, manage risks to avoid the common pitfalls and develop an engagement strategy all the way to COP28 in the UAE. We will demystify the official United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dig into the initiatives and platforms driving action with businesses and uncover the credible role you can play in the upcoming COP27, COP28 and the major milestones along the way. Hosted by John Defterios, the panel includes APCO's Dean Cambridge, Liam Clarke and Heather McGeory.Conversation recorded July 6, 2022

From climate change to inclusive economic recovery plans, the past few months has seen the international community rally around the importance of addressing today's most pressing issues. Heads of states, business, civil society and non-profit leaders and activists have all come together, whether at UNGA, COP26 or the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, to determine the main priorities that each industry must address in 2022.This edition of APCO Forum is a discussion of highlights key themes from across industries and sectors to better understand and translate the momentum and action from COP26 and these other agenda-setting platforms. We examine how public and private sector organizations are mobilizing to address complex global issues and how they are translating the priorities on the global agenda – from future of work and skills, to equitable vaccine distribution and economic recovery to climate action to their operations, business strategy, advocacy and customer mobilization.Featuring:Anna Tunkel, Head of Global Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, APCO WorldwideKarin Reiter, Global Head of ESG/Sustainability, The Adecco GroupAmal Ridene, WEF Global Shaper and Investor Engagement Officer at AfricInvest GroupModerated by John Defterios, Senior Advisor, APCO Worldwide

COP26 arrived in Glasgow with big expectations after being postponed by COVID-19 and changes in global leadership.  In this edition of APCO Forum, we cover the biggest issues on the agenda—from the trillions of dollars committed to tackling various issues to plans for decarbonization, reducing deforestation and how companies and countries are engaging. Featuring:Gustavo Manrique, Minister of Environment and Water, EcuadorMatthias Berninger, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs & Sustainability, BayerHeather McGeory, Global Lead, Climate & Sustainability, APCO WorldwideHosted by:John Defterios, Senior Advisor, APCO WorldwideFind this episode as a podcast on your favorite podcast platforms and get other episodes of APCO Forum at apcoforum.com

In the final edition of our UNGA week series, climate takes center stage as Climate Week concludes and the world looks ahead to the G20 and COP 26 later this year. While the coronavirus pandemic has displaced many issues from the top of many agendas, it has also helped reveal key issues related to climate change.In this discussion, our guests explore where national commitments related to climate action stand, how financial commitments are making an impact, how a shift to a nature-positive economy will help improve the climate outlook and much more. Featuring: Heather McGeory, Global Lead, Climate and Sustainability, APCO WorldwideHelen Clarkson, CEO, The Climate GroupModerated by John Defterios, Senior Advisor, APCO Worldwide

Under the leadership of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the UN Food Systems Summit takes place today, setting the stage for global food systems transformation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.  With that and other conversations around the 2021 UN General Assembly in mind, this edition of APCO Forum covers the top factors that impact global food security, from climate change to the role of women in food production, from institutional responsibilities to the innovation needed to boost production, increase nutrition and reduce waste. Featuring: -Secretary Dan Glickman, Senior Counselor, International Advisory Council Chair, APCO Worldwide-Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Former Corporate Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, Cargill and Former Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Grubhub-Moderated by John Defterios, Senior Advisor, APCO Worldwide

Nothing showcases the theme of this year's UN General Assembly as clearly as the issues facing women and girls. From gender equity to economic empowerment and security to the deep impact of COVID-19, any discussion of solutions to global challenges needs to include the impact and role of women.In this edition of APCO Forum, we explore these topics with experts who have been at the center of policymaking and solutions at the UN for decades.Featuring:• Special appearance by the Afghan girls Tech Freedom Squad• Judit Arenas, Gender Practice Lead, Senior Director and Senior Advisor to the Founder and Chair of APCO Worldwide• Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Opinion and Expression• Moderated by John Defterios, Senior Advisor, APCO Worldwide

Over the past decade, the two weeks surrounding UNGA/UN Week have become a convening moment for business, academic and non-profit leaders to discuss and align on actions around critical global challenges, in particular around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.This edition of APCO Forum focuses on the policy and geopolitical priorities of Chinese leaders at the UN General Assembly. The issues they will address support China's higher goals of national rejuvenation and to reestablish itself as a great global power.Featuring:• James Robinson, Global Lead, Geo-Commerce, APCO Worldwide• James McGregor, Chairman, Greater China, APCO Worldwide• Teresa Lu, Managing Director, Global China Practice, APCO WorldwideHosted by:• John Defterios, Senior Advisor, APCO Worldwide

Over the past decade, the two weeks surrounding UNGA/UN Week has become a convening moment for business, academic and non-profit leaders to discuss and align on actions around critical global challenges, particularly 17 Sustainable Development Goals.  This edition of APCO Forum focuses on the power of multiplier partnerships and how the past 18 months have seen a tremendous acceleration in innovative partnership and collaborations, spearheaded by leaders that grasp both their organizational strengths and limitations and join forces with those that help extend and multiply collective impact.Featuring:• Anna Tunkel, Head of Strategic Initiatives & Global Partnerships, APCO Worldwide• Hala Hanna, Managing Director, MIT Solve• Hosted by John Defterios

Introducing APCO Forum: Watch as Margery Kraus and Brad Staples preview what to look for this week at and around the 2021 UN General Assembly. Hosted by John Defterios, the conversation explains why APCO initiated this series and the trio explores issues from international cooperation to food security, delivering on the climate agenda to equality for women, and more. Tune in here each day at 6PM Eastern Time during UNGA week for even deeper dives into those topics with experts from within APCO and beyond. 

Welcome to APCO Forum. Our goal—through a series of high-level discussions with leading experts—is to foster a deeper understanding of today's global issues and support organizations to take on leadership roles for the future and become catalysts for progress.  This UNGA week, we will be exploring the topics that are top of mind for attendees and businesses around the world in conversations with APCO experts, guests and clients who are active at the heart of the issues. Join our host John Defterios for these fascinating discussions.