UNGA Conference titled “Local Action for Global Challenges
United Nations, NY (September 18, 2025) — Today at the United Nations Headquarters in New York will host the GloCha pre-UNGA Conference titled “Local Action for Global Challenges – Harnessing the Power of Emerging Technologies, Innovation & Youth for Our Common Future”, convened by IAAI GloCha and partners including the Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the UN, UN Habitat Youth Programme, Climate Chain Coalition, and Rotary@COP30.
Held in the Trusteeship Council Chamber (pending final approval) with global live streaming via UN WebTV, the event will unite a diverse coalition of diplomats, youth leaders, technologists, and policy experts to explore how digital public infrastructure and emerging technologies can empower local and youth-led responses to global sustainability challenges.
Speakers:
Susanna Choe leading the conference
Gerelmaa Batchuluun
Austin Wade Smith
Scott -Salandy Defour
Eric Hansel
Laura St.George
Alexey Shafrin
Kevin Sahara Keating speaking regarding Butan and his kingdom
The conference, aligned with the 80th UNGA session and COP30, will feature high-level speakers from the UN system, governments, and civil society, presenting cutting-edge initiatives in climate innovation, SDG localization, digital governance, and climate finance. Highlights include the unveiling of the GloCha Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework, the COP30 Global Mutirão initiative, and collaborative strategies for mass mobilization through data-driven, community-based action ecosystems.
Parallel to the conference, an exhibit titled “Local Action for Global Challenges” will be held from September 8–19, 2025 at the UN Conference Building, showcasing inspiring youth-led projects from around the world that use technology, art, and local knowledge to achieve SDG impact. A celebratory reception will follow the conference on the evening of September 18th.
Together, the conference and exhibit serve as a global platform to foster partnerships, launch transformative initiatives, and accelerate progress toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable future empowered by people, data, and emerging technologies.
