righthererightnow

Fotografiska and Photography 4 Humanity Launch Global Open Call "HOME" — Exhibition at United Nations Headquarters on Human Rights Day

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 22:12:55 GMT

World-renowned photographer James Nachtwey joins as Guest Curator

Stockholm, Sweden, March 12, 2026: Fotografiska and Photography 4 Humanity today announced the launch of HOME, a global open call for emerging photographers, culminating in an international exhibition at United Nations Headquarters in New York on December 10, 2026, Human Rights Day. The open call is presented in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), the Global Partner of Photography 4 Humanity.

Submissions are open from March 12 through July 12, 2026 at: emerging.fotografiska.com/missions/home

A Global Call on the Most Universal Theme

In a world shaped by climate disruption, forced displacement, and migration, the meaning of home has never been more urgent. HOME invites emerging photographers from every region of the world to submit work exploring the essential human need for safety, identity, dignity, and place, whether intimate or expansive, documentary or conceptual.

Selected works will be exhibited in Gallery A at United Nations Headquarters, one of the world's most consequential civic spaces, viewed daily by ambassadors, diplomats, and international visitors for approximately six weeks. The exhibition will be dedicated on December 10, 2026, in recognition of Human Rights Day - supported by the 193 member states of the UN.

Selected artists will be notified in October 2026.

An Exceptional Curatorial Team

HOME brings together an extraordinary curatorial lineup. James Nachtwey, widely regarded as one of the most significant documentary photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries, joins as Guest Curator. Curatorial direction is led by Pauline Benthede, Global VP Artistic Direction and Exhibitions at Fotografiska, with Sophia Emmerich, Lead Editor of Fotografiska Emerging, as part of the editorial team.

Kaylois Henry, Acting Chief of Communications at UN Human Rights, said:

"The meaning of home lies at the center of human rights. As climate change increasingly disrupts communities and forces displacement, the defense of home becomes inseparable from the defense of fundamental rights. This exhibition brings those realities into focus within the United Nations itself."

James Nachtwey, Guest Curator, said:

" Some of the most urgent photographs of our time are not about conflict — they are about what conflict takes away. Home is one of those things. This exhibition asks photographers to look at that loss, and ask the world to look with them."

David Rose, President of Photography 4 Humanity, said:

"By presenting this exhibition at the United Nations, in partnership with Fotografiska and UN Human Rights, we are placing photography at the center of global civic reflection."

Yoram Roth, Executive Chairman of Fotografiska, said:

"With HOME, we are bringing photography into one of the world's most important civic institutions. This exhibition, at the United Nations on Human Rights Day, is our purpose made real."

Pauline Benthede, Global VP Artistic Direction and Exhibitions at Fotografiska, said:

"Home is the most intimate thing there is, and at the same time one of the most politically charged. With James Nachtwey as our guest curator, the bar for what this exhibition can become is extraordinary."

About the Open Call

Submissions open: March 12, 2026 Submissions close: July 12, 2026 Submit at: emerging.fotografiska.com/missions/home

Selected artists notified: October 2026 Exhibition: December 10, 2026, approximately six weeks, UN Headquarters, New York

Full submission guidelines are available at: emerging.fotografiska.com/missions/home

About UN Human Rights

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) represents the world’s commitment to the promotion, protection, and realization of the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through the leadership of the High Commissioner and a staff of 2,000 across 92 countries, the Office works to make human rights a reality in the lives of people everywhere.

About Photography 4 Humanity

Photography 4 Humanity is a global social justice photography initiative created by David Clark Cause in partnership with UN Human Rights. The platform invites photographers worldwide to capture powerful images that illuminate the dignity, struggle, and resilience of people whose rights are challenged or defended. Each year, selected photographs are shared globally through UN.org and frequently exhibited at United Nations Headquarters in New York, using visual storytelling to elevate human rights awareness and inspire action around the world.

About Fotografiska

Fotografiska is the global destination for photography, visual art, and culture. Founded in Stockholm in 2010 and led by Executive Chairman Yoram Roth, Fotografiska is guided by the belief that photography is the most influential, accessible, and inclusive art form of our time. With locations in Stockholm, Berlin, Shanghai, and Tallinn, and soon Oslo, each Fotografiska museum serves as a dynamic hub where culture and community intersect. Fotografiska's Emerging Artists Program champions new voices in photography through open calls, editorial platforms, and global exhibition opportunities.

Media Contacts

Fotografiska: press@fotografiska.com
Photography 4 Humanity: info@photography4humanity.com
UN Human Rights: ohchr-media@un.org

Call for Code Introduces AI Platform to Support Developers Building Trusted AI at Scale

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:16:20 GMT

Extending a proven global developer movement into the era of AI-native systems and institutional trust.

Boulder, CO — February 11, 2026 — Call for Code, the global developer initiative founded in 2018 by social impact entrepreneur David Clark, today announced the launch of Call for Code AI — expanding its mission into the era of AI-native systems and responsible, real-world AI deployment.

As artificial intelligence becomes foundational to global infrastructure, the defining challenge shifts from capability to trust — and from experimentation to accountable deployment.

Over the past eight years, Call for Code has grown into one of the world’s largest sustained developer movements for social impact. The platform has engaged more than one million developers across more than 190 countries, resulting in over 50,000 applications addressing disaster response, climate resilience, public health, sustainability, equitable access to resources, and human rights.

Established in 2018 in collaboration with IBM as Founding Partner, alongside United Nations Human Rights as Global Impact Partner and the Linux Foundation as Program Affiliate, Call for Code was structured under open standards and institutional governance frameworks designed to ensure neutrality, accountability, and real-world readiness.

IBM’s institutional commitment — exceeding $55 million in ecosystem investment in the first year alone — helped establish operational credibility at global scale. Integration of enterprise AI platforms during that foundational period elevated technical standards and demonstrated how advanced AI systems could be responsibly deployed in real-world environments. With that foundation established, the platform now enters its next phase.

AI as Core Infrastructure

As artificial intelligence becomes foundational infrastructure across industries, the defining question shifts from what AI can do to how it will be governed, deployed, and trusted at global scale.

Advanced AI systems now influence decision-making in healthcare, climate modeling, financial systems, public services, and critical infrastructure. Ensuring these systems are tested in transparent, real-world environments — where performance, safety, accountability, and ethical integrity can be measured — is essential to sustaining long-term public trust.

Call for Code AI extends the platform’s original mandate into this next phase — recognizing and elevating systems that demonstrate measurable impact, responsible deployment, scalability, and alignment with human rights and institutional accountability.

Over the next decade, Call for Code AI is designed to serve as a neutral, globally aligned reference platform — convening frontier AI companies, institutions, and developers in real-world testing environments to define and elevate standards for responsible AI deployment. The platform is designed to function as a global proving ground, where performance, safety, and accountability can be evaluated openly and at scale.

Statement from David Clark, Founder of Call for Code

“Call for Code was built through extraordinary collaboration. IBM’s leadership as Founding Partner, alongside UN Human Rights and the Linux Foundation, helped establish a global platform grounded in enterprise discipline, technical rigor, and real-world deployment. Over eight years, that foundation enabled developer innovation to operate at global scale.

We are deeply grateful for that chapter. As AI becomes embedded in critical systems worldwide, we carry those standards forward — ensuring responsibility and accountability scale alongside intelligence. The future of AI will not be defined by capability alone, but by the trust institutions are willing to earn.”

Platform at Scale

Call for Code AI builds upon:

More than one million developers engaged worldwide
190+ countries represented
50,000+ applications built
$55M+ invested in ecosystem development and solution deployment
$2M+ awarded in prize funding to winning solutions
Open-source stewardship through the Linux Foundation
Formal collaboration with United Nations Human Rights, embedding human-rights-centered standards into global technology development and deployment
Amplified by global cultural leaders to more than 2.5 billion cumulative impressions worldwide

Defining the Next Chapter of Responsible AI

Call for Code AI will expand its framework to recognize AI systems across domains including medicine, climate science, public health, justice, infrastructure resilience, and human expression.

The platform enters this phase not as a reset, but as the continued evolution of a globally proven system — with developers at its center and governance embedded in its architecture.

As AI accelerates across industries, the platforms capable of bridging frontier innovation with institutional trust will define the next chapter of technological progress. Call for Code AI is built to serve that role.

Media Inquiries
Call for Code AI
info@callforcode.org

2025 Call for Code Global Challenge Winners Take on a Variety of Humanitarian Issues with AI Solutions

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:37:28 GMT

Winning teams from multiple universities in Kenya, SBA Info Solutions, and Unisys developed AI-powered solutions to address social and humanitarian issues to make a real difference

GENEVA, Switzerland, Dec. 10, 2025 – Today, in alignment with United Nations Human Rights Day, and announced live at the RightsX Summit 2025: Advancing Human Rights in the Digital Age at the historic Palais Wilson in Geneva, Call for Code, the largest tech-for-good initiative of its kind driven by creator David Clark Cause, Founding Partner IBM (NYSE: IBM), Global Impact Partner United Nations Human Rights, and Program Affiliate the Linux Foundation announced the winners of the annual Call for Code Global Challenge.

Developers and problem solvers across the globe were invited to create AI-powered technology projects that address a variety of social and humanitarian issues during five separate “hackathon” events that were held throughout the year. Winners from each event moved on to judging for the final grand prizes. This year’s top prizes went to teams DuniAfrika, Young & Hungry, and Agents FDRK, which used IBM watsonx AI technologies and AI models like IBM Granite, to help address issues such as decent work and economic growth, clean water, and industry, innovation, and infrastructure challenges.

“Since its inception, Call for Code has shown what’s possible when humanity and technology pull in the same direction,” said David Clark, founder and CEO of Call for Code. “This year’s Global Challenge—focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals—proves that open, responsible innovation can serve the common good at scale. As we mark UN Human Rights Day, we salute our Founding Partner IBM, our Global Action Partner UN Human Rights, and our Affiliate Partner the Linux Foundation—and the developers in nearly every nation who are building a more just, sustainable, and equitable future one line of code at a time.”

2025 Call for Code Global Challenge Winning Teams

The Grand Prize-winning team will receive $50,000 USD, as well as solution implementation support from the Call for Code ecosystem, as applicable. The runners-up will receive $25,000 USD and $10,000 USD. All three teams have the opportunity to receive assistance from the Linux Foundation to open source their application.

The 2025 Call for Code Global Challenge Grand Prize Winner is DuniAfrika , a group of students from Jomo Kenyatta University, Kirinyaga University, and the University of Nairobi, who used IBM Granite to create an AI-powered safety assistant designed to help informal sector construction and trade workers access the equipment and training they need to stay safe on the job for the “Decent work and economic growth challenge.” As the top scoring university team, they are also the recipients of the 2025 University Grant, receiving $30,000 USD for their schools.

The 2025 Call for Code Global Challenge First Runner-up is Young & Hungry . The team from SBA Info Solutions used IBM watsonx.ai and Granite series models to develop a multi-faceted agentic AI solution that provides actionable insights for all roles involved in the end-to-end management of community groundwater, for the “Clean water challenge” in March.

The 2025 Call for Code Global Challenge Second Runner-up Winner Agents FDRK from Unisys used IBM watsonx Orchestrate to build an agentic AI solution that coordinates faster responses to infrastructure failures and urban disasters, with the goal of saving lives and property, for the “Industry, innovation, and infrastructure challenge.”

“The Call for Code Global Challenge demonstrates how practical innovation can advance equality and human dignity,” said Astrid Van Genderen Stort, Director of External Engagement and Partnerships, UN Human Rights. “By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and grounding solutions in essential human rights, these teams are translating ideas into impact across communities worldwide. Their work reminds us that progress and justice go hand in hand— that no one should be left behind—and that technology is part of the solution, when deployed for good.”

About Call for Code

Developers are the visionaries of progress, shaping the way humanity lives, connects, and thrives in an ever-changing world. Where others see obstacles, developers see solutions. Recognizing this potential, David Clark, CEO of David Clark Cause, launched Call for Code in 2018 with IBM as Founding Partner, United Nations Human Rights as Global Impact Partner, and The Linux Foundation as Program Affiliate. Since then, Call for Code has mobilized developers from over 180 countries to address the world’s most pressing challenges—from disaster response to combating climate change. In 2022, Call for Code it was named the preferred innovation platform for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, the largest public-private initiative addressing climate change, supported by United Nations Human Rights and the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. This collaboration underscores Call for Code’s unparalleled impact in mobilizing developers worldwide to drive meaningful change on a global scale.

United Nations Human Rights, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance Announce Multi-Year Plan to Host the Global Youth Climate Summit at Oxfor

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:21:42 GMT

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Geneva, Switzerland – 10 December 2025 – On UN Human Rights Day, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (Oxford Saïd), and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN) announced a multi-year plan to host the Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit annually on UN World Environment Day (5 June).

The annual Summit will be jointly hosted by Oxford Saïd and UN Human Rights, with co-hosting support from leading universities worldwide, including the University of Colorado Boulder. The Summit will convene young leaders, scholars, policymakers, educators, and innovators to advance human rights-based climate solutions.

“Climate change is already harming the rights of millions of people - and young people refuse to accept a future defined by loss and injustice,” said Astrid van Genderen Stort, Chief of External Engagement and Partnerships at UN Human Rights. “This annual summit seeks to support youth voices in shaping the policies, technologies, and decisions that will define our shared future.”

The multi-year initiative establishes Oxford Saïd as the annual home of the RHRN Global Youth Climate Summit, positioning it as a central, youth- and university-driven pillar of the wider RHRN Global Climate Alliance ecosystem. The summit will serve as a touchpoint for collaboration and capacity-building related to human rights-based climate action across campuses and communities around the world.

“At Oxford Saïd, we believe education is the catalyst for lasting change,” said Josephine Fawkes, Director of Global Inclusion and Youth Education, Saïd Business School. “The Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit convenes young leaders from across the globe, offering a growing platform where they can learn from one another, develop bold solutions, and turn inspiration into action. Their shared commitment and collective power will shape the future of our planet - and we are proud to help elevate their voices.”

“Around the world, young people are rising - organizing, innovating, and refusing to accept a future defined by crisis. This summit is a powerful reminder that when institutions genuinely support young people through action, trust and access – they help turn potential into leadership. By aligning with youth voices, Oxford Saïd, UN Human Rights, and the RHRN Global Climate Alliance are creating the conditions for us to lead with purpose and build the future we all deserve,” says Aniba Khan, winner of Oxford Saïd Climate Change Challenge 2023 and an active participant of the RHRN Global Youth Climate Summit 2025.

The theme for the 2026 RHRN Global Youth Climate Summit focuses on ensuring climate technologies for mitigation and adaptation are aligned with human rights obligations. It also focusses on developing the tools needed to ensure a just transition to sustainable economies and societies that uphold human rights. The Summit will explore the human rights risks and opportunities of current and emerging technologies like renewable energy systems, resilient infrastructure, data and early-warning tools, and AI in the context of climate action and identify strategies to ensure these risks are mitigated and human rights are upheld.

The Summit will be hybrid, hosted physically at Oxford Saïd and livestreamed globally, enabling broad participation while limiting travel and associated environmental impacts. Young people from 12 regions will contribute through dialogues, case studies, and presentations on the intersection of climate change, human rights, and climate technology, highlighting scalable solutions that strengthen resilience and protect communities on the front lines.

“This renewed commitment by Saïd Business School builds directly on the success of our inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit last June, which engaged participants from 55 countries,” said David Clark, Founder of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. “Oxford Saïd’s leadership and steadfast support for youth-led climate justice have been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for their partnership. Together with UN Human Rights, we are working to support youths in advancing transformative change for people and planet.”

ABOUT

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance

Launched at COP26 with global partner UN Human Rights, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance seeks to place human rights at the center of global climate decision-making. The Alliance brings together universities, youth, policymakers, scientists, technologists, cultural leaders, and media organizations to advance human rights-based climate solutions through summits, education, and global engagement programmes.

UN Human Rights

UN Human Rights represents the world’s commitment to protecting and promoting human rights for all. Climate change poses an urgent threat to rights including food, water, health, housing, culture, and life itself. The Office works to advance climate action that is grounded in human rights and support the central role of those most affected by climate change - including youth, Indigenous peoples, women, and marginalized communities - in global climate responses.

Saïd Business School , University of Oxford

Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford is a vibrant and innovative business school, embedded within a 900-year-old world leading university. It creates programmes and ideas that have global impact and reach, and educates educate leaders, change makers and innovators across every industry and sector. The School´s groundbreaking research and exceptional teaching transforms individuals, who transform businesses, which transforms the world. Saïd Business School´s focus is to create impact from within.

University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder is Colorado’s leading public research university, transforming lives since 1876. Home to five Nobel Laureates and world-renowned atmospheric and geological sciences research, CU Boulder’s vision is to transform lives in service to a just and sustainable world. CU Boulder hosted the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit with UN Human Rights in 2022 and is proud to support the upcoming RHRN Global Youth Summit through its Conference on World Affairs, Buckley Center for Sustainability Education and Center for African & African American Studies (The CAAAS | The Cause).

Aryana Sayeed wins UN-backed High Note Global Human Rights Prize

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 21:17:00 GMT

Aryana Sayeed, Afghanistan’s well-known singer and women’s rights advocate, has been awarded the 2025 High Note Global Prize, an international honor supported by United Nations Human Rights, for her song “We Believe in Hope.”

Aryana Sayeed is the first Afghan artist to receive the honor.

The award was presented in recognition of the song We Believe in Hope, performed by Sayeed and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, with music by five-time Emmy winner Jeff Beal and lyrics by Joan Beal. The announcement coincided with the first official observance of the United Nations International Day of Hope, established by U.N. General Assembly resolution earlier this year.

Inspired by the story of Afghanistan’s first all-female robotics team, the song has been praised for its message of hope, unity, and women’s empowerment. It also serves as the theme for Rule Breakers, a film by Angel Studios.

“I’m incredibly honored that We Believe in Hope has won the 2025 High Note Global Prize,” Sayeed said in a video message. “As an Afghan woman, I accept this on behalf of every girl denied an education and every woman whose voice has been silenced.”

Sayeed described music as a form of resistance and said it continues to be a “source of pain, hope, and faith” for millions of Afghan women and girls. “Today, our voices are being heard around the world,” she said. “And that proves our resistance can make the impossible possible.”

She added, “Until justice is served, Afghan women will not be silent.”

David Clark, founder of the High Note Global Initiative, called We Believe in Hope “a powerful anthem and a shining example of how music can unify, speak truth to power, and give voice to the voiceless.”

The High Note Global Prize has previously honored artists such as John Legend and Cyndi Lauper. Sayeed, widely regarded as one of Afghanistan’s most influential cultural figures, has long used her platform to champion gender equality — particularly under the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights.

United Nations Human Rights-Supported High Note Global Initiative Names “We Believe in Hope” as the first-ever song recognized with the High Note Global Prize in Honor of UN International Day of Hope,

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:14:22 GMT

The uplifting “We Believe in Hope” anthem by award-winning composer Jeff Beal, renowned Afghan artist and advocate Aryana Sayeed, and lyricist Joan Beal was inspired by the true story of Afghanistan’s courageous first all-female robotics team.

New York July 11 , 2025 – As the world celebrates the inaugural International Day of Hope on July 12, 2025, the United Nations Human Rights-supported High Note Global Initiative today awarded " We Believe in Hope " as the first-ever song to receive the High Note Global Prize.

On March 4, 2025 the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring July 12 as International Day of Hope.

With music by award-winning composer Jeff Beal and renowned Afghan recording artist and advocate Aryana Sayeed , and lyrics by Joan Beal, the uplifting anthem is being recognized for its moving expression of human rights themes of unity, equality, and women's empowerment. The song, which was sung by Sayeed and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, is now being dedicated to the first International Day of Hope and mission of UN Human Rights.

Awarding this song is particularly significant, as “We Believe in Hope,” the theme from the movie Rule Breakers, was initially inspired by the extraordinary true story of Afghanistan’s first all-female robotics team.

Past High Note Global Prize recipients include artists Cyndi Lauper and John Legend.

David Clark, founder of the High Note Global Initiative, commented, "In recognition of UN’s recent declaration of July 12 as International Day of Hope, we are pleased to announce "We Believe in Hope" as the first-ever song to be recognized by High Note Global Initiative.. This empowering song by Jeff Beal, Aryana Sayeed, Joan Beal, and featuring the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, is a shining example of how music can be a powerful, unifying force in speaking truth to power, and giving voice to the voiceless.”

Beal is one of the most prolific and respected Hollywood composers who passionately continues to use his talents to amplify impactful stories. The five-time EMMY® winner is known for creating the music for major films and TV series including Pollock, Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Sequel, Netflix's House of Cards, HBO's Rome, Carnivale, and USA Network’s Monk. As one of the most talented and popular Afghan recording artists, Sayeed has been named one of the Top 10 Most Influential Women of Afghanistan. Known for her music and activism, she has inspired millions and bravely fought for her own freedom and equality in the face of adversity. In 2021, Sayeed also had the honor of performing at UNESCO’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in Paris, France.

We Believe in Hope

Music by Jeff Beal and Aryana Sayeed

Lyrics by Joan Beal

“We are standing,

In this moment,

All together facing forward,

We believe in hope.

We are rising,

In this moment,

Joined together ever after,

Standing here as one.”

Watch the music video for " We Believe in Hope " sung by Aryana Sayeed featuring the Brooklyn Youth Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sFSFD_C6Ic

Media Contact:

Rebekah Alperin

High Note Global Initiative

reb@gostoryboard.com

Right Here Right Now Global Climate Summit Brings Together Universities Across Six Continents To Explore Human Rights Solutions to the Climate Emergency

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:42:48 GMT

Joint Statement from United Nations Human Rights, the University of Oxford, the International Universities Climate Alliance, and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance

OXFORD, UK – When we first envisioned the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, we hoped to ignite a new kind of global conversation—one rooted not just in climate science, but in the language of dignity, equity, and justice.

Launched in the historic Sheldonian Theatre with opening remarks by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Global Summit began with a powerful broadcast of BBC’s Justin Rowlatt in conversation with leading voices from government, policy, economics, and youth movements.

Hosted by United Nations Human Rights and the University of Oxford, the Summit brought together leading government figures and universities from across six continents. Over one extraordinary week, it united global experts, Indigenous Peoples, environmental human rights defenders, academics, youth leaders, and artists to discuss human rights solutions to the climate crisis.

Speaking in support of the Summit, Volker Türk , UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated: “The law and science are aligned - human rights must be part of all solutions to address climate change and protect people.” He added, “The use of fossil fuels must be brought to a close,” and emphasized, “Together, we need to take a stand for climate action, climate rights, and climate justice.”

"I am profoundly grateful to our hosts UN Human Rights, the University of Oxford, and IUCA - for bringing together our extraordinary co-host universities around the world, and to all those whose vision and dedication made this landmark Summit possible,” said David Clark , Founder and CEO of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. “Together, we proved that global unity remains our most powerful force for advancing climate justice.”

Convened by the International Universities Climate Alliance

This global academic achievement would not have been possible without the leadership of the International

Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) , whose coordination across regions and institutions enabled the seamless integration of research, events, and engagement. IUCA played a central role in aligning academic priorities, ensuring equitable participation, and making this unprecedented collaboration possible.

A 24-Hour Global Academic Plenary — and a Planetary Conversation

At the Summit’s core was a groundbreaking more than 24-hour Global Academic Plenary , a live broadcast that circled the globe—handing the climate justice conversation from Oceania, to South East Asia, to Africa, to Europe and then the Americas. Each partner crafted a regionally grounded session, rich with local expertise, urgent insight, and bold proposals for change. The hybrid event facilitated a global conversation without the need for mass air travel.

The Global Plenary is available to watch on demand here .

Here’s how co-host partners helped write a chapter of this global event:

The University of the South Pacific (USP)

Suva, Fiji
USP opened the global plenary with a powerful expression of youth leadership from Pacific Island nations on the frontlines of rising seas. Cultural performances and speeches on intergenerational rights set a moral compass for the entire Summit.

Monash University

Melbourne, Australia
Monash centered Indigenous-led climate adaptation and explored climate impacts through film, dialogue, and performance. The program spotlighted the intersection of environmental destruction and cultural survival—affirming cultural rights and the human right to health.

UNSW Sydney

Sydney, Australia
UNSW Sydney focused on just transitions, with an emphasis on highlighting voices from climate-vulnerable communities. The UNSW program brought together perspectives and practices from across the Southern Hemisphere and underscored the university's deepening commitment to: a sustainable society and planet; economic and social prosperity; and global collaboration, all pillars of the new UNSW Strategy: Progress for All.

University of Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi delivered a robust and inclusive agenda focused on human rights, climate finance, adaptation, and regional justice. Featuring the African Development Bank and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the session linked global systems to African solutions.

University of Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa
UCT led a two-part session on embedding human rights into university teaching and research. With a strong focus on post-colonial injustice and decolonizing climate curricula, the university helped chart a path for the next generation of climate scholarship.

University of Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom
The University of Oxford convened researchers, practitioners, and students for panels on the transformative power of law, unearthing injustice in the corporate supply chains of the green transition, and the intersection of human rights and climate change in conflict zones.

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, Colorado, USA
CU Boulder addressed water insecurity, pollution, and migration—culminating in a keynote by Inuit leader Sheila Watt-Cloutier . The discussion emphasized the importance of multilateral collaboration, youth engagement, and community involvement, with a focus on using data to track impacts, communicating more clearly to advocate for solutions, and reconnecting with nature to renew how we appreciate and protect our environment.

Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

São Paulo, Brazil
Bringing together a minister, the President of COP30, diplomats, the COP30 High-Level Champion, academics, frontline leaders, and youth activists, USP hosted a powerful pre-COP 30 dialogue linking climate justice and human rights. With a focus on the Amazon, Indigenous and traditional communities, and favelas, the event called for ethical climate finance, a just transition, and inclusive governance in Brazil.

The University of the West Indies

Kingston, Jamaica

The University of the West Indies coordinated a panel discussion with youth voices from different Caribbean islands (Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Barbados and Bermuda) who shared their perspectives on climate justice which included topics on postcolonial climate reparations, mental health, climate migration, climate finance and the need for equitable climate action. A short video was also included which provided an introductory visual context to the discussion. Support was aptly provided by the UN-OHCHR Caribbean Regional office.

Himalayan University Consortium (HUC)

Kathmandu, Nepal

The Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) engaged community, science, and decision-makers in human rights-based climate action, through a four-way conversation between a community member, a scientist, a policy maker, and an Indigenous knowledge holder from countries in the Hindu Kush Himalayas on climate action.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Stockholm, Sweden

In a forward-looking dialogue, KTH challenged global leaders to reimagine the Sustainable Development Goals beyond 2030, integrating planetary boundaries and human dignity into a new framework for global ambition.

UN Human Rights & the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA)

Understanding climate ambition as a human-rights imperative, three expert panel conversations were facilitated by UN Human Rights and the International Universities Climate Alliance. The panels considered key topics at the intersection of climate change and human rights leading into COP30, including; Advancing gender equality in climate action; Human rights, climate finance and the road to 1.3 trillion; and Integrating human rights in NDCs 3.0.

UN Human Rights

In recognition of the critical role of journalism in advancing environmental and human rights agendas, UN Human Rights convened a regional panel of journalists from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Mekong region. The discussion explored the intersection of climate reporting, press freedom, access to information and community engagement in Southeast Asia.The panel highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration, multi-stakeholder engagement, and investing in local journalist networks to ensure climate journalism can thrive as a tool for accountability and justice in the region

Oxford: 38 Events Anchor the Summit in Local Community

As host, the University of Oxford staged 38 distinct Right Here, Right Now events , turning the event into a week-long climate-justice laboratory. Highlights included:

Photography 4 Humanity: A Lens on Climate Justice, a photo exhibition was curated and presented by Fotografiska
Volker Türk’s Linacre Tanner Lecture , which set the ethical tone of the week
A high-profile event at the Sheldonian launched by Irene Tracey , Volker Türk, which featured Justin Rowlatt from the BBC interviewing Kate Raworth , Vanessa Nakate , and Lord Alok Sharma, among others.
Call for Code Climate Challenge showcased tech for climate action with Founding Partner IBM and Global Impact Partner UN Human Rights
The Bonavero Climate and Law Conference , laying the foundation for legal accountability
Global Youth Climate Summit presented by Oxford's Saïd Business School to ensure that young voices lead

UNSW Sydney: Climate Warriors

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Engineering, in association with the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit. Climate Warriors brought together four transformative voices; renewable energy expert and former Biden administration advisor Saul Griffith, Solar Citizen CEO Heidi Lee Douglas, climate activist Grace Vegesana along with host and journalist Craig Reucassel, who unpacked the power and limitations of grassroots action, climate innovation and community-driven change.

Artists and Icons Lent Their Voices

Cultural influence played a pivotal role in amplifying the message of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit. A chorus of global stars - icons of music, film, and activism lent their names and social voices to support the Summit’s urgent call for climate justice.

Among them were Barbra Streisand, Jeff Bridges, Annie Lennox, Jeremy Irons, Dave Matthews, Chelsea Handler, Billie Jean King, Neil Young, Carole King, Cyndi Lauper, Pierce Brosnan, Katherine Langford, Margaret Cho, Jason Mraz, Rachel Platten , and Laura Pausini - each bringing their influence to promote climate justice.

In addition, multi- platinum recording artist Ellie Goulding delivered a powerful live performance during a special Right Here, Right Now Climate Concert—seamlessly uniting music and message.

A Defining Moment in Global Higher Education - and Climate Justice

This Summit marked an extraordinary convergence between United Nation Human Rights and leading universities around the world - uniting in a singular, urgent voice to center human rights within the global response to climate change. It demonstrated the immense power of academia when policy, law, science, the arts, and youth come together - in the collective pursuit of climate justice.

From here, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, United Nations Human Rights, the University of Oxford and the International Universities Climate Alliance will build on this momentum - expanding partnerships, seeking to develop global curricula, and advance the next wave of human rights-centered climate solutions. Right Here. Right Now.

Future climate leaders take centre stage at Right Here Right Now Global Youth Summit

Tue, 13 May 2025 17:38:52 GMT

Students and educators globally will come together virtually on 6 June for the Right Here Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit, hosted by Saïd Business School and UN Human Rights.

OXFORD, UK, 13, May 2025 – This 24-hour virtual event, part of the wider Right Here Right Now Global Climate Summit, will feature young voices and educators from 12 global regions engaging in discussions, sharing solutions and highlighting the crucial intersection between climate change and human rights.

Professor Soumitra Dutta, Peter Moores Dean and Professor of Management, Oxford Saïd, said: ‘At Oxford Saïd, we believe in nurturing leaders who can think globally and act responsibly. The Global Youth Climate Summit is a powerful platform for young people to articulate the challenges they face and drive the solutions we urgently need. Empowering youth to engage with the climate and human rights agenda is essential for building a sustainable and equitable future.’

The Global Youth Climate Summit builds on the Oxford Saïd’s broader youth engagement efforts, including the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Change Challenge, now in its third year. The Challenge invites high school students and teachers to propose innovative solutions and lesson plans at the intersection of climate change and health, biodiversity, food security, air pollution and water scarcity. Winners and finalists from the past two years of the competition will be prominently featured at the Summit, showcasing how youth-led innovation can inspire global action.

The virtual summit will feature pre-recorded case studies of school-led climate initiatives and live panel discussions between students and teachers, exploring critical themes including climate resilience, education, public health and indigenous knowledge systems.

Josephine Fawkes, Director of Youth Education and Global Inclusion at Oxford Saïd, added: ‘At Oxford Saïd, we believe education is the catalyst for lasting change. The Global Youth Climate Summit builds on the incredible work of the Oxford Saïd Global Climate Change Challenge, showcasing the determination and innovation of young people across the world. It is their ideas, energy and leadership that will define the future of our planet.’

The Right Here Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit will contribute to a broader agenda of the Right Here Right Now Global Climate Summit, which includes a 24-hour academic plenary featuring leading scholars, policymakers and climate advocates. The initiative is supported by a coalition of partners including UN Human Rights, Oxford University, Oxford University Press and the International Universities Climate Alliance.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW GLOBAL YOUTH SUMMIT GO HERE

United Nations Human Rights and the University of Oxford announce programme for landmark Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit

Tue, 13 May 2025 17:01:11 GMT

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit to bring together global audiences online and in-person in June 2025
On World Environment Day (5 June), universities from around the world will host a global plenary discussion on human rights and climate change over 24 hours
The University of Oxford announces a packed schedule of local events and activities, including public lectures, panel dis cussions, photography exhibits, and interactive workshops

OXFORD, UK, 13, May 2025 – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) and the University of Oxford are proud to unveil the official programme and participating institutions for the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit . This unprecedented summit will unite voices across continents to advance human rights-based climate solutions.

Unlike traditional summits that convene the world’s experts in a single location, often at great environmental cost, the second Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit pioneers a decentralised model that will unite people across the world around a cornerstone online event. First held at the University of Colorado Boulder in December 2022, this year the event will be virtually anchored at Oxford but connected with leading universities around the world - eliminating the need for mass travel and reducing environmental impacts.

Alongside the University of Oxford and UN Human Rights, the 2025 programme will see a number of international institutions, convened by the International Universities Climate Alliance, take a leading role as Summit co-hosts.

The University of Cape Town, University of Colorado Boulder, Himalayan University Consortium, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Monash University, University of Nairobi, Universidade de São Paulo, the University of the South Pacific, UNSW Sydney, and the University of the West Indies, will each participate in the livestream during the online global plenary.

The cornerstone of the multi-day summit, the 24-hour global plenary will take place on 5 June 2025 for World Environment Day.

A series of discussions across time zones to inspire human rights-based climate solutions around the world

Livestreamed on YouTube , the plenary will kick-off in Oxford at the renowned Sheldonian Theatre with an introduction from the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey CBE FRS, FMedSci, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. This summit welcome will be followed by a dynamic discussion featuring Alok Sharma, Kate Raworth and Vanessa Nakate among others, and a performance by the Hot Poets.

The plenary baton will then be passed on to the University of the South Pacific, who will spotlight youth perspectives on climate justice and discussions on climate change in the Pacific. The University of the South Pacific’s hosted programme will feature Cynthia Houniuhi, President of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Dr. Eselealofa 'Ese' Apinelu, Tuvaluan High Commissioner to Fiji, and Lenora Qereqeretabua, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji.

The Summit’s Australian partners will follow, with Monash University presenting an interactive programme exploring Indigenous perspectives, the human right to health, and the unifying power of music across cultures in Asia and the Pacific. UNSW Sydney will host discussions on the human rights impacts of Australia’s fossil fuel exports and transforming partnership to resilience building through a dialogue on Indigenous Peoples and university engagement. This is followed by a conversation on advancing gender equality in climate action facilitated by UN Human Rights and the International Universities Climate Alliance.

The Himalayan University Consortium will then host a four-way conversation on human rights-based climate action between a community member, a scientist, a policymaker and an Indigenous knowledge holder from countries in the Hindu Kush Himalayas.

Moving through the time zones, the University of Nairobi is set to bring discussions of human rights and just transitions to the fore, as well as delivering talks on human rights-based climate finance and human-rights based climate adaptation and resilience in Africa. The University of Cape Town will then provide insights into the relationship between climate change and human rights in Africa and the ways that teaching and research can advance human-rights based climate action. The International Universities Climate Alliance and UN Human Rights will then convene a discussion on human rights, climate finance and the road to 1.3 trillion.

After that, the KTH Royal Institute of Technology will host a dialogue on how we can reframe the Sustainable Development Goals for a post-2030 world that is centred in human rights and planetary health. The online plenary will then return to Oxford, where topics will include the transformative power of international human rights law in climate action, the role of war in fueling the climate crisis and vice versa, and business and human rights in the green transition. The final conversation facilitated by UN Human Right and the International Universities Climate Alliance will then take place, focusing on integrating human rights in NDCs.

Next, plenary action heads over the Atlantic to the University of Colorado Boulder for a keynote from global advocate for Indigenous rights and health Siila (Sheila) Watt-Cloutier, before the University of the West Indies hosts a session on Caribbean youth perspectives on climate justice. The Universidade de São Paulo closes the event with sessions on addressing deforestation and its contribution to the climate crisis as well as the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the rights of future generations in the context of climate change, including messages from government ministers and the President of COP30, Ambassador André Correia do Lago.

Finally, a closing session led by UN Human Rights will bring together key voices from across the world to share reflections on the global plenary, focusing on human rights-based climate action that can be taken right here, right now.

Full details of the live online global programme are available on the Summit hub .

Inspiring events taking place at Oxford include a photography exhibition in the University’s Weston Library titled ‘Photography for Humanity: A Lens on Climate Justice’ presented by Fotografiska: the contemporary museum of photography art and culture, a late-night event in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum, and creative workshops on climate hope at the Ashmolean Museum and University’s Botanic Garden, as well as a range of other events for students, researchers, and the local community. The summit has already received support from a celebrity coalition that includes Barbra Streisand, Carole King, Annie Lennox, Billie Jean King, Neil Young, Ziggy Marley, Pierce Brosnan, Jack Black, Laura Pausini, Kyra Sedgwick, Margaret Cho, and many more.

More details of the Oxford local programme can also be found on the Summit hub .

ABOUT

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance

Launched at COP26 in 2021 with global partner UN Human Rights, and supporters that included Leonardo DiCaprio and Quincy Jones, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN) has emerged as a leading global climate justice initiative. It is a multi-stakeholder movement, driven to promote human rights and climate justice. To drive sustainable change, RHRN collaborates with universities, young people, policymakers, academics, students, scientists, technologists, media professionals, business leaders, universities, young people and influencers from art, music, and sport to advance human rights solutions to the climate crisis. RHRN celebrity-driven social media campaigns to date have collectively reached nearly two billion followers with messages promoting human rights and climate justice.

UN Human Rights

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the global partner of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN). It represents the world’s commitment to the promotion, protection, and realization of the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through the voice and the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and a staff of 2,000 in 92 countries, the Office aims to make human rights a reality in the lives of people everywhere. Fighting climate change is at the very heart of the Office´s mandate, as it already negatively affects the human rights of millions of people around the world – human rights such as those to food, water, housing, health, decent work, development, a healthy environment, and even life itself.

University of Oxford

Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the eighth year running, and number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2024. At the heart of this success are the twin pillars of our ground-breaking research and innovation and our distinctive educational offer.

Oxford is world-famous for research and teaching excellence and home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research alongside our personalised approach to teaching sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.

International Universities Climate Alliance

The International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) represents leading climate research universities from across 23 countries who are committed to accelerating action on climate change. Universities are uniquely placed to share knowledge and expertise, not only in climate science, but in related research fields including adaptation and mitigation. We believe it is through globally coordinated collaboration that we can create greater insight and action.

CONTACT

Kaylois Henry

United Nation Human Rights

kaylois.henry@un.org

Rebekah Alperin

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance

reb@gostoryboard.com

Lizzie Dunthorne

University of Oxford

news.office@admin.ox.ac.uk

Chaseley Cameron

International Universities Climate Alliance

universitiesforclimate@unsw.edu.au

2025 Call for Code Engages Developers to Build AI Solutions that Address Social and Humanitarian Issues

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:51:52 GMT

In its eighth year, Call for Code presents a series of SDG-focused hackathons throughout the year, kicking off with a competition to build AI agents

BOULDER, CO., March, 5, 2025 – Today, Call for Code Creator David Clark Cause , Founding Partner IBM (NYSE: IBM ), Global Impact Partner United Nations Human Rights , and Program Affiliate the Linux Foundation invite developers and problem solvers to participate in the 2025 Call for Code program to create projects and solutions that use AI to help tackle United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .

Since its launch in 2018, Call for Code has rallied developers globally to come together and create innovative solutions to help solve the world’s largest problems with technology. In 2025, the Call for Code Global Challenge will again ask how AI can address humanitarian issues to make a real difference for communities around the world.

“Call for Code is a unique global tech initiative, that inspires and empowers developers and problem-solvers from around the world to use their talent to innovate for social good,” said David Clark, Founder and CEO of Call for Code. “I am immensely proud that Call for Code, alongside its founding partner IBM, and with UN Human Rights, has helped ensure that technology serves as a catalyst for sustainability, climate and humanitarian action.”

This year, participants will have the opportunity to take part in five qualifying hackathon events as part of the year-long Call for Code Global Challenge in collaboration with IBM’s TechXchange Client Advocacy team. For each event, teams will build an original proof-of-concept solution based on a different SDG with technologies like watsonx, IBM's portfolio of AI products and IBM Cloud services. Each hackathon will include a different theme linked to one of the 17 SDGs.

The first qualifying hackathon will be held March 20 through March 31, 2025. In honor of UN World Water Day on March 22, it calls on participants to build a proof-of-concept for an AI virtual agent using watsonx.ai that can be put to work to address an issue that falls under the SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation. In addition, Call for Code will host a hackathon to tackle SDG 13 climate action as part of the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, the world’s largest human rights-based climate forum, hosted by UN Human Rights, the University of Oxford, and co-hosted by leading universities worldwide.

“From the very beginning, UN Human Rights has been honored to support Call for Code, recognizing that technology—when grounded in human rights—can be a powerful force for good,” said Ansar Mahfoudh, head of the Innovation and Analytics Hub at UN Human Rights. “Since helping launch this groundbreaking initiative almost a decade ago, we have supported those projects that champion innovation that serves humanity. We remain committed to ensuring Call for Code grows from strength to strength, by drawing on a community of socially-minded coders who place humans at the centre of tech and innovation solutions.”

“Call for Code is a unique opportunity to get hands-on with AI, build new skills, network with a community of like-minded problem solvers, and create solutions,” said Dinesh Nirmal, IBM Senior Vice President, IBM Software. “This year, there’s no-cost access to industry leading, enterprise-grade IBM software like watsonx.ai for participants. I am excited to see what teams build to make a positive difference.”

Teams, made up of one to five developers, can compete for prizes awarded in each hackathon. The top Call for Code solution from each qualifying hackathon will win $5,000 USD and one conference pass per team member to the IBM TechXchange Conference 2025 in Orlando. This is IBM's biggest technical learning conference of the year (official rules apply, tickets are non-transferable, and travel and lodging are not included). The qualifying teams will also have the chance to advance to compete for the 2025 Call for Code Global Challenge Grand Prizes, including a top cash prize of $50,000 USD. Top teams will also have the opportunity for open-source project support from the Linux Foundation. Grand prize winners will be announced in December.

Interested participants can register here before March 18, 2025 for the first hackathon, which runs from March 20 to 31, 2025. More details about each Call for Code qualifying hackathon will be shared on the Call for Code website as the year progresses.

About Call for Code Global Challenge
Developers have revolutionized the way people live and interact with virtually everyone and everything. Where most people see challenges, developers see possibilities. That's why David Clark, the CEO of David Clark Cause, created Call for Code in 2018, and launched it alongside Founding Partner IBM and Global Impact Partner United Nations Human Rights. In 2022 Call for Code was selected as the preferred innovation platform for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, the largest public/private initiative in the world promoting climate justice.

2024 Call for Code Global Challenge Winners Improve Equitable Access to Essential Needs with Solutions Using IBM watsonx

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:21:45 GMT

Winning teams from Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Michigan, Persistent, and independent consultants developed AI-powered solutions to help improve equitable access to essential resources and opportunities

BOULDER, CO., Dec. 10, 2024 – Today, in alignment with United Nations Human Rights Day, Call for Code, the largest tech-for-good initiative of its kind driven by creator David Clark Cause, Founding Partner IBM (NYSE: IBM), Charitable Partner United Nations Human Rights, and Program Affiliate the Linux Foundation announced the winners of the annual Call for Code Global Challenge. Developers and problem solvers across the globe were invited to create AI-powered technology projects that address specific challenges of equitable access to essential needs. This year’s top prizes went to teams GoBang, Kind Threads and T-Chai, which used IBM watsonx AI technologies and AI models like IBM Granite, to help improve access to education, learning resources, and essential needs like clothing and income.

"There is no better moment than UN Human Rights Day to announce this year’s Call for Code Global Challenge winners," said David Clark, founder and CEO of Call for Code. "These AI-powered technologies tackle the pressing challenge of equitable access to essential needs—a cornerstone of human rights rooted in the principles of equality, dignity, and fairness. Equitable access drives social justice by breaking down systemic barriers and ensuring marginalized communities are not left behind.”

2024 Call for Code Global Challenge Winning Teams

The 2024 Call for Code Global Challenge Grand Prize Winner is GoBang , a group of students from Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Michigan addressing educational inequality, especially for under-resourced schools in their home country of Taiwan. They used IBM watsonx.ai to develop an application to provide educators with a customizable AI dashboard for course planning, including lesson plans, worksheets and recommendations. As the top scoring university team, they also are the recipients of the 2024 University Grant, receiving $30,000 USD for their schools and eligibility for an opportunity to explore job opportunities at IBM, alongside the option to be matched with an IBM mentor.

The 2024 Call for Code Global Challenge First Runner-up Winner is KindThreads . The team from Persistent created an IBM watsonx.ai-powered platform that helps local communities turn clothing waste into essential resources and income opportunities. The app uses watsonx.ai Prompt Lab to identify and categorize the clothing item, assess its wearability, and provide data-driven recommendations on how it can be reused, recycled, or donated based on its condition.

The 2024 Call for Code Global Challenge Second Runner-up Winner is T-Chai . The team developed an AI-powered homework tutor based on IBM watsonx.ai and the IBM Granite large language model that adapts the level and complexity of its responses to match the student’s age and profile. The application can also assist parents in understanding their child's curriculum, finding age-appropriate educational resources, creating practice tests, and providing effective memorization techniques on computers and smartphones, to provide underserved families access to right-fit learning resources.

“Call for Code continues to inspire some of the brightest and most creative problem solvers worldwide to develop solutions that tackle global social and humanitarian issues, such as equitable access to resources,” said Kate Woolley, general manager, IBM Ecosystem. “I would like to congratulate today’s winners and thank all the 2024 Call for Code teams and IBM partners that participated in this year’s challenge, demonstrating how Generative AI technologies such as IBM watsonx and IBM Granite models can be utilized to drive change around the world.”

"The challenge is not just an opportunity to demonstrate how technology can truly make a difference, but a call to action for those passionate about using their skills to solve real-world problems. It is a reminder that innovation can drive meaningful change, and through collaboration, we can make an impact that matters," said Anwar Mahfoudh, Chief, Innovation and Analytics Hub, UN Human Rights. "This year's impressive winners used AI-powered technologies to address community challenges that tackle big SDG and human rights related problems. Their remarkable solutions not only inspire hope but also reaffirm our shared commitment to leaving no one behind in the fight for justice and equality."

2024 Ecosystem Engagement Award

Since 2019, the Call for Code Ecosystem Engagement Awards have recognized organizations that have answered the call and exhibited a deep commitment to Call for Code. For 2024, Call for Code is honoring Persistent with this award for their collaboration in this year’s program. Persistent has partnered with and sponsored Call for Code for several years, and once again they are a Gold Sponsor of Call for Code in 2024. In September, Persistent held their third annual in-person Global Challenge Kickoff event in Pune, India. 11 teams from Persistent were inspired to submit projects to this year’s Global Challenge and one team, KindThreads , was a finalist in this year’s competition. The challenge provides a great opportunity for skills development and team building for Persistent employees, and it aligns with Persistent’s culture of innovation and commitment to societal contribution. Persistent’s support continues to be invaluable to the success of Call for Code.

Since its launch in 2018, Call for Code has become an annual rally call for developers around the world to come together and think creatively about how to help solve the world’s largest problems with technology. Call for Code helps participants gain skills in AI and hybrid cloud technology by offering access to build with technology like IBM watsonx,Red Hat OpenShift and IBM Cloud. IBM Ecosystem partners provide subject matter expertise that can help teams advance their solutions, as well as encourage employee participation.

About Call for Code

Developers are the visionaries of progress, shaping the way humanity lives, connects, and thrives in an ever-changing world. Where others see obstacles, developers see solutions. Recognizing this potential, David Clark, CEO of David Clark Cause, launched Call for Code in 2018 with IBM as Founding Partner, United Nations Human Rights as Charitable Partner, and The Linux Foundation as Program Affiliate. Since then, Call for Code has mobilized developers from over 180 countries to address the world’s most pressing challenges—from disaster response to combating climate change. In 2022, Call for Code it was named the preferred innovation platform for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, the largest public-private initiative addressing climate change, supported by United Nations Human Rights and the University of Oxford. This collaboration underscores Call for Code’s unparalleled impact in mobilizing developers worldwide to drive meaningful change on a global scale.

PR Contact

Rebekah Alperin

David Clark Cause

reb@gostoryboard.com

RECORDING ACADEMY, UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS AND UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD CELEBRATE RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW GLOBAL CLIMATE ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIP IN NEW YORK CITY

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:15:32 GMT

Khatia Buniatishvili, Felukah and Fally Ipupa performed intimate concert at the Recording Academy's New York Townhouse to help raise awareness for climate action

NEW YORK (SEPT. 26, 2024) – The Recording Academy and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance , with the support of United Nations Human Rights and University of Oxford , joined together on Sept. 24 to promote the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit to address climate justice and rights-based climate action around the world. Held during the 79th United Nations General Assembly Week in New York, the high-level event highlighted the intersection of climate change, human rights and culture. Together, these organizations work to raise global awareness, advocate for climate action, and ensure that human rights are central to the climate conversation.

“We remain incredibly proud of the work we are doing with Right Here, Right Now and we were honored to host an amazing night of music in our Recording Academy New York townhouse,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “As we continue to expand our global efforts as an Academy, I’m thrilled to be able to help showcase how the power of music can raise awareness and help promote change surrounding human rights issues around the world.”

The event comes after the Recording Academy’s recent announcement around expanding its efforts to support music creators in Africa and the Middle East, with the organization building a framework aimed at protecting artists and fueling creative development around the world. Through various initiatives, the Academy has expanded its reach to recognize that musicians can act as influential voices for justice. The event marks the second time the Academy has hosted an event during the United Nations General Assembly with United Nations Human Rights and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. Performing at the private industry event, which was held at the Recording Academy’s New York townhouse, were international recording artists Khatia Buniatishvili, Felukah and Fally Ipupa.

“The climate crisis is an urgent human rights crisis. It’s impacting housing, food, water, health and so much more – affecting the rights of millions around the world. As the Global Partner of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, UN Human Rights is grateful to the Recording Academy and Oxford University for their commitment to work with us to advance human rights solutions to prevent, minimize and remedy the human suffering caused by the climate crisis,” said Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“With our well-established and world-leading expertise in climate-related research and teaching, the University of Oxford is proud to be the Academic Partner for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. We are grateful to the Recording Academy for putting the spotlight on human rights and climate change, and in June 2025 we look forward to bringing together researchers, students and the music community, with the common goal of finding solutions to one of the most pressing issues of our times, climate change.” said Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

“Since launching our Global Climate Alliance with UN Human Rights at COP26 in Glasgow, with the backing of influential voices like Leonardo DiCaprio, Camilla Cabello and Quincy Jones, we have emerged as a leading climate justice initiative,” said David Clark, founder and CEO of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. “With best in class partners UN Human Rights, the Recording Academy and University of Oxford, we’re excited to leverage their powerful voices, for those who all too often have none.”

UN Human Rights and the University of Oxford will host the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit , bringing together renowned leaders, policymakers, technologists, academics, universities, celebrities, and more to advance climate justice through human rights solutions to the climate crisis. To help promote the global summit this past week, Neil Young, Barbra Streisand, Carole King, Annie Lennox, Ziggy Marley, Billie Jean King, Pierce Brosnan, Jack Black, Laura Pausini, Rachel Platt, Kyra Sedgwick, Margaret Cho, and more, promoted the 4-7 June 2025 event via their social channels.

Photos from last night’s event can be found here .

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum ®, advocates on behalf of music creators , supports music people in times of need through MusiCares ®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards ® — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the GRAMMY Awards and the Recording Academy, please visit GRAMMY.com and RecordingAcademy.com . For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on X (Twitter) , "like" Recording Academy on Facebook , and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram , YouTube , TikTok , and LinkedIn . For media assets, please visit the Recording Academy Press Room .

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW GLOBAL CLIMATE ALLIANCE
Launched at COP26 in 2021 with global partner UN Human Rights, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN) has emerged as a leading global climate justice initiative. It is a multi-stakeholder movement, including universities and youth, to promote climate justice. To drive sustainable change, RHRN collaborates with policymakers, academics, students, scientists, technologists, media professionals, business leaders, and influencers from art, music, and sport to advance human rights solutions to the climate crisis. RHRN celebrity-driven social media campaigns to date have collectively reached nearly two billion followers with messages promoting climate justice. For more information visit: www.righthererightnow.global .

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the global partner of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN). It represents the world’s commitment to the promotion, protection, and realization of the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through the voice and the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and a staff of 1,800 in 103 countries, the Office aims to make human rights a reality in the lives of people everywhere. Fighting climate change is at the very heart of the Office’s mandate, as it already negatively affects the human rights of millions of people around the world – human rights such as those to food, water, housing, health, decent work, development, and even life itself. For more information, visit: www.ohchr.org .

Stay connected with OHCHR for the latest updates and breaking news by following us on X (Twitter) Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , TikTok , and LinkedIn .

For media assets and inquiries, please visit: www.ohchr.org/en/media-centre

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the eighth year running, and number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2024. At the heart of this success are the twin-pillars of our ground-breaking research and innovation and our distinctive educational offer.

Oxford is world-famous for research and teaching excellence and home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Their work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of their research alongside their personalised approach to teaching sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.

For more information visit: https://www.ox.ac.uk .

CONTACTS

Andie Cox
Recording Academy
communications@grammy.com

Victor Jose Fernandez
United Nation Human Rights
victor.fernandez@un.org

Laura Gelbert
United Nation Human Rights
gelbert@un.org

Rebekah Alperin
Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance
reb@gostoryboard.com

Caroline Wood
University of Oxford
news.office@admin.ox.ac.uk

United Nations Human Rights and the University of Oxford Unveil Plans for Landmark Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit to Be Held 4-7 June 2025

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:27:24 GMT

Celebrities Billie Jean King, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young, Ziggy Marley, Carole King, Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Pierce Brosnan, Jack Black, Laura Pausini, and more unite with United Nations Human Rights and leading universities to support upcoming global climate justice summit and call world attention to the human rights implications of the climate crisis.

OXFORD, UK, 16 September 2024 -- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) and the University of Oxford today announced plans to host the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit , bringing together renowned experts and leaders, policymakers, technologists, academics and universities, celebrities, and more to advance climate justice through human rights solutions to the climate crisis.

The announcement was made today by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, as she hosted Elisa Morgera, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change, Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, and representatives from UN Human Rights. Ambitious plans were unveiled for a first of its kind global climate justice summit to be held in Oxford from 4-7 June 2025, in conjunction with participating universities around the world being convened by the International Universities Climate Alliance.

As a major initiative of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance , the event aims to redefine the concept of international summits. The University of Oxford, Academic Partner of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, will coordinate with universities around the world hosting climate-related programs over the four days. Set against the backdrop of Oxford's storied colleges, this summit will also ignite a global dialogue on 5 June 2025 - UN World Environment Day - with a 24-hour global plenary broadcast live across every time zone.

In a critical move to galvanize global action and summit support, this week UN Human Rights and the Right Here, Right Now celebrity coalition including social justice icon Billie Jean King, Barbra Streisand, Carole King, Annie Lennox, Neil Young, Ziggy Marley, Pierce Brosnan, Jack Black, Laura Pausini, Rachel Platt, Kyra Sedgwick, Margaret Cho and more, united in a social media blitz with urgent messages expected to reach a collective audience of more than 150 million followers.

The initiative is being launched nine months in advance of the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit to ensure participants, media, and the public have ample time to engage, paving the way for meaningful progress.

“With our well-established and world-leading expertise in climate-related research and teaching, the University of Oxford is proud to be the Academic Partner for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host this pivotal summit with UN Human Rights, bringing together leaders in human rights and climate research from around the world, across a wide range of disciplines with the common goal of finding solutions to one of the most pressing issues of our times, climate change,” said Professor Tracey.

“As the global partner of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, UN Human Rights is grateful to the University of Oxford, universities worldwide, and the International Universities Climate Alliance, for their commitment to work with us to advance human rights solutions to prevent, minimize and remedy the human suffering caused by the climate crisis,” said Astrid van Genderen Stort, UN Human Rights, Chief External Engagement and Partnerships.

The approach to the summit will also mark a paradigm shift in how international gatherings and global collaboration can thrive while minimizing the carbon footprint of traditional travel. The main event of the summit, the 24-hour global plenary, coordinated by International Universities Climate Alliance, will be co-hosted by the University of Cape Town, University of Colorado Boulder, Monash University, University of Nairobi, University of Oxford, University of São Paulo, UNSW Sydney and more , and will include live and virtual lectures, keynote speeches, and panel discussions. Academic institutions around the world will transform into hubs of climate consciousness, hosting ‘watch parties’ and local co-host activities, uniting their communities in this historic exchange of ideas.

"Since launching this movement alongside our global partner UN Human Rights at COP26 in Glasgow, with the backing of influential voices like Leonardo DiCaprio, Camilla Cabello, and Quincy Jones, we are immensely proud of the multi-faceted, rapidly growing and innovative climate justice initiative that Right Here, Right Now has become," said David Clark, Founder and CEO of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. "Our Academic Partner, the University of Oxford, has responded to the call, leveraging their unique power to engage experts in crafting solutions to the human rights challenges posed by the climate crisis. We also extend our gratitude to the International Universities Climate Alliance for their vital role in uniting universities around the world to help drive the global summit and plenary."

Building on the ambitious Right Here, Right Now Human Rights Climate Commitments recently unveiled by UN Human Rights, the University of Colorado Boulder, and global experts at COP28 in Dubai, the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit hosted by UN Human Rights and the University of Oxford aims to set a new benchmark in the global fight for climate justice with a forum designed to address the following objectives:

● Advance human-rights solutions to the climate crisis

● Celebrate and elevate the voices of environmental human-rights defenders

● Reinforce and bring together key elements of the global climate-justice movement while minimizing carbon footprint

● Empower and inspire people, especially students, as agents for climate justice now, and in future careers

ABOUT

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance

Launched at COP26 in 2021 with global partner UN Human Rights, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN) has emerged as a leading global climate justice initiative. It is a multi-stakeholder movement, driven by universities and youth to promote climate justice. To drive sustainable change, RHRN collaborates with policymakers, academics, students, scientists, technologists, media professionals, business leaders, and influencers from art, music, and sport to advance human rights solutions to the climate crisis. RHRN celebrity-driven social media campaigns to date have collectively reached nearly two billion followers with messages promoting climate justice.

UN Human Rights

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the global partner of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN). It represents the world’s commitment to the promotion, protection, and realization of the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through the voice and the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and a staff of 1,800 in 103 countries, the Office aims to make human rights a reality in the lives of people everywhere. Fighting climate change is at the very heart of the Office´s mandate, as it already negatively affects the human rights of millions of people around the world – human rights such as those to food, water, housing, health, decent work, development and even life itself.

University of Oxford

Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the eighth year running, and number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2024. At the heart of this success are the twin-pillars of our ground-breaking research and innovation and our distinctive educational offer.

International Universities Climate Alliance

Neil Young, Annie Lennox & more mobilize for climate change awareness

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 15:11:27 GMT

Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Neil Young , Annie Lennox and Carole King are among the stars who have joined a 24-hour social media campaign to amplify climate change awareness.

The artists are all posting on Thursday to support the goals of the United Nations Human Rights initiative Right Here Right Now Global Climate Alliance. The plan is for them, as well as stars like Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, Billie Jean King and Jack Black, to reach more than 150 million people on their combined socials.

The message they’re all sharing is “Climate Change is a Human Rights Crisis,” as well as invitations for fans to learn about the Right Here Right Now Global Climate Summit , set for June 2025 at the University of Oxford.

“Together, we can champion human rights-based solutions [and] amplify environmental defenders’ voices,” the message continues.

The initiative is being launched nine months ahead of the actual event, according to organizers, so that “co-host universities around the world, participants, media, and the public have ample time to engage, paving the way for meaningful progress.”

Green Day Electrifies The Fillmore with High-Octane Surprise Performance

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 16:15:31 GMT

Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert hosted by UN Human Rights and Recording Academy

Last night, the historic walls of The Fillmore reverberated with the explosive energy of Green Day as they stormed the stage, unleashing a torrent of punk rock anthems and timeless classics. The iconic trio, comprised of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool, proved once again why they remain titans of the genre by performing a surprise show at the iconic venue. The show was hosted by UN Human Rights and the Recording Academy ® with proceeds benefitting UN Human Rights climate justice efforts, and the Right Here, Right Now Climate Fund at MusiCares®, to assist musicians affected by climate change.

Kicking off the night with cuts from Saviors, Green Day wasted no time in captivating the audience with their electrifying presence. From the moment Armstrong’s guitar riff pierced the air, to Dirnt’s thunderous bass lines and Cool’s relentless drumming, the crowd was entranced.

The setlist was a masterful blend of old and new, satisfying both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, but it wasn’t before the band kicked into the adrenaline-fueled “American Idiot,” that the crowd erupted in cheer. As the opening chords reverberated through the venue, fans fell into a frenzy of ecstasy and frenetic moshing, their energy matching the intensity of the band on stage. With fists pumping and voices raised in unison, they became a roaring chorus, united by the anthem’s rebellious spirit and unbridled passion.

But It was during emotive renditions of “Broken Dreams” and “Wake Me When September Ends” that the band showcased its ability to seamlessly transition between high-octane punk rock anthems and poignant ballads. It’s this level of musical versatility that has ensured their enduring relevance amidst changing musical climates.

As the night unfolded, The Fillmore pulsated with an undeniable sense of camaraderie and rebellion, as fans sang along to every word and danced with reckless abandon. As the final chords of encores “Basket Case” and “Minority” echoed through the venue, it was clear that Green Day’s legacy as one of rock’s greatest acts remains unshakable. With their unrelenting passion and unapologetic spirit, they proved once again why they are the voice of a generation.

Green Day To Headline "Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert" In San Francisco On April 2, Presented By United Nations Human Rights & The Recording Academy

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 12:51:15 GMT

Green Day have been selected as the headliner and international honorees of the ecologically driven concert, which aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change.

As four-time GRAMMY winners and 17-time GRAMMY nominees, Green Day have an uncommonly visible platform in the music industry. And we're seeing them use it for critical, world-repairing ends.

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (Right Here, Right Now) is proud to announce Green Day as the headliners and international honorees of the United Nations Human Rights-supported Mini Global Climate Concert. Taking place Tuesday, April 2, at the Fillmore in San Francisco, California, the event aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change. Co-hosted by United Nations Human Rights and the Recording Academy, the event will also recognize Green Day for their longstanding commitment to social justice and environmental causes.

Tickets for the intimate benefit concert will go on sale Friday, March 29, at noon PT/3 p.m. ET through Ticketmaster . Proceeds from Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concerts will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and a dedicated Right Here, Right Now climate fund at MusiCares to help musicians affected by climate change. MusiCares is the leading music charity providing music professionals health and human services across a spectrum of needs.

The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series is bringing together some of the most popular stadium acts to perform at intimate concert venues around the globe, while shining a light on the human rights-based approaches and solutions to climate change and the suffering it causes. The Green Day concert is the second installment of the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series, which kicked off last April with an intimate concert headlined by Wesley Schultz , lead singer and co-founder of the two-time GRAMMY-nominated band the Lumineers , and six-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Yola as a special guest.

The Mini Global Climate Concert Series is part of the Right Here, Right Now Music initiative , a collaboration between the Recording Academy and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (Right Here, Right Now), which launched last April and aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change.

"We are pleased to recognize Green Day and excited for the incredible band to help us launch the international Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series," states Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. "As world-renowned artists and activists, Green Day continues to leverage its major influence and platform to bring awareness to the impact of climate change on the people and the environment. The United Nations was founded in San Francisco almost 80 years ago to safeguard human rights and dignity from crisis and tragedy. It is only fitting that we are back in San Francisco promoting human rights-based approaches and solutions to the climate crisis as co-hosts along with the Recording Academy."

David Clark, founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, said, "It's a privilege and honor to have Green Day headline the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert in San Francisco. We selected the band, as Billie Joe Armstrong , Mike Dirnt , and Tré Cool have been at the forefront promoting social justice initiatives for decades. When iconic artists like Green Day leverage their global platform to promote climate justice, the world takes notice. In their new song ‘Saviors,’ they mention they're 'the last of the rockers making a commotion,' which we're all grateful for. I believe when you stand for something – you stand out, and they certainly do!"

"Music is one of humanity's greatest resources. It moves the world," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said. "Our organization exists to harness music's power to make a better world. We are proud to be co-hosting the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert with the United Nations Human Rights team and we are grateful for Green Day's longstanding dedication to promoting social justice."

Formed in 1986 in Berkeley, California, Green Day is one of the most popular and best-selling bands of all time with more than 75 million records sold worldwide and 10 billion cumulative audio/visual streams.

On January 19, 2024, Green Day released their highly anticipated 14th studio album, Saviors , which debuted at No.1 on seven different Billboard charts and marked their fifth No.1 in the UK. On May 30, Green Day will kick off their massive global stadium tour – The Saviors Tour — where they'll play Dookie and American Idiot in their entirety, along with other Saviors cuts and fan favorites. The tour will conclude on September 28 at Petco Park in San Diego.

Since launching in 2021 at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26), the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has emerged as a leading multi-stakeholder partnership for climate justice, bringing together human rights experts, scientists, corporate leaders, NGOs, academics, advocates, and people around the globe in the fight for rights-based climate action.

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance driven by universities and youth has also garnered support from celebrities that include Leonardo DiCaprio, Quincy Jones , Celine Dion , Cher , Jeff Bridges, Camila Cabello, Ellen DeGeneres, Edward Norton, Annie Lennox , Cyndi Lauper , Pitbull , LL Cool J , Joss Stone , Kesha , and Jack Black , to name just a few. In 2025, Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit will be hosted by the University of Oxford, the Global Academic Partner of Right Here, Right Now.

Learn more about Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance .

Green Day will headline United Nations-backed global climate concert in San Francisco

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:29:50 GMT

From: APnews.com

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Green Day will headline a United Nations Human Rights-backed global climate concert on Tuesday at the famed Fillmore in San Francisco.

The intimate event, which is co-hosted by the Recording Academy, aims to bring attention to the inequalities exacerbated by climate change .

Ultra Q, an alternative rock band fronted by Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong’s son Jakob Danger, will open.

Proceeds from the concert will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and a MusiCares climate fund to benefit musicians affected by climate change.

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance will honor Green Day for their “commitment to social justice and environmental causes,” according to a press release.

“As world renowned artists and activists, Green Day continues to leverage its major influence and platform to bring awareness to the impact of climate change on the people and the environment,” Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement.

“The United Nations was founded in San Francisco almost 80 years ago to safeguard human rights and dignity from crisis and tragedy. It is only fitting that we are back in San Francisco,” he said.

“Music is one of humanity’s greatest resources. It moves the world,” Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy , added. “And we are grateful for Green Day’s longstanding dedication to promoting social justice.”

2024 Call for Code Empowers Developers to Help Improve Equitable Access to Essential Needs by Creating Solutions with IBM watsonx

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:42:04 GMT

Now in its seventh year, Call for Code challenges developers and university students worldwide to build AI-powered solutions to help historically underserved and vulnerable people access essential needs

BOULDER, CO., Feb. 29, 2024 -- Today, Call for Code Creator, David Clark Cause , Founding Partner IBM (NYSE: IBM ), Charitable Partner United Nations Human Rights , and Program Affiliate the Linux Foundation launched the 2024 Call for Code Global Challenge to empower developers to use generative AI technology to create solutions that aim to improve equitable access to resources and opportunities for historically underserved and vulnerable people. This year, individual participants will have access to a trial version of IBM watsonx , IBM’s AI and data platform, which will include IBM watsonx.ai , IBM watsonx.governance and IBM watsonx Assistant . In addition, participants will have access to other IBM technology on IBM Cloud .

“Necessities like clean water, safe affordable housing, and opportunities in education and fair government representation are not equally available to all people. Climate change exacerbates these challenges in underserved communities’ whose resources are often strained and inadequate,” said David Clark, Founder and CEO of Call for Code. “With generative AI technology like watsonx, the developer community has a powerful tool to help tackle these issues, in order to help reduce inequality and improve people’s lives around the world.”

Participating developers will access a trial version of IBM watsonx, which is designed with principles of transparency, responsibility and governance, and IBM’s hybrid cloud platform to develop solutions to help address equitable access issues in areas such as effective climate change policies and protections; affordable and clean energy; clean water and awareness of water quality; leadership and income opportunities; safe and affordable housing; representation; technology; and quality education.

“What makes Call for Code such a dynamic developer challenge is its ability to rally and inspire students, developers, and problem-solvers from universities and companies around the world to use AI and other technology to help address some of society’s most pressing issues,” said Savio Rodrigues, Vice President, Ecosystem Engineering & Developer Advocacy, IBM. “This year, participants can build with IBM watsonx to help power their solutions, and will also have access to IBM mentors and free courses in generative AI, to help ensure they are able to create the most impactful submissions.”

The 2024 challenge will feature one single round, which opens on March 8 with submissions due by October 17. A Grand Prize Winner will be awarded $50,000 USD and solution implementation support from the Call for Code ecosystem. The 1st runner-up will win $25,000 USD and the 2nd runner-up will receive $10,000 USD. The top-scoring team comprised entirely of university students will also earn a $30,000 USD grant to be awarded to their school or shared by up to 5 schools represented by the team members.

Universities are helping promote Call for Code in the classroom and are working to support and co-host Call for Code events throughout the year in support of the Global Challenge, including B.N.M. Institute of Technology, Dallas College, Florida Atlantic University, Georgia Institute of Technology, JSS Academy of Technical Education, Northwestern University, Pace University, University of Central Florida, University of North Texas, REVA University, and The University of Sydney.

Call for Code also encourages participants to refer to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a resource to help inspire problem-solving.

The top three winning teams are eligible to receive open-source support from the Linux Foundation.

About Call for Code Global Challenge 

Developers have revolutionized the way people live and interact with virtually everyone and everything. Where most people see challenges, developers see possibilities. That's why David Clark, the CEO of David Clark Cause, created Call for Code in 2018, and launched it alongside Founding Partner IBM and Charitable Partner United Nations Human Rights. In 2022 Call for Code was selected as the preferred innovation platform for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, the largest public/private initiative in the world promoting climate justice.

UN Human Rights-supported Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance Selects University of Oxford as Academic Partner

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:30:51 GMT

Demi Lovato, Cyndi Lauper, Annie Lennox, Carole King, Laura Pausini, Rob Thomas, Jeff Bridges and More Ignite COP28 Right Here, Right Now Campaign

DUBAI, UAE, December 8, 2023 / EINPresswire.com / -- At the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN), a multi-year international climate justice initiative supported by global partner United Nations Human Rights (UNHR), announced the University of Oxford has been selected as Right Here, Right Now Academic Partner. As part of the multi-year initiative, the prestigious university will co-host the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit with UNHR. The global summit in Oxford, UK will include satellite events staged by supporting universities around the world, as well as an all-star awareness concert co-hosted by the Recording Academy ® , United Nations Human Rights, and the University of Oxford.

“With our well-established and world-leading expertise in climate related research, the University of Oxford is proud to be the Academic Partner for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to co-host this pivotal summit, bringing together leaders in human rights and climate research from around the world, across a wide range of disciplines, with the common goal of finding solutions to one of the most pressing issues of our times, climate change,” said Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

RHRN and UNHR unveiled the first iteration of the Human Rights Climate Commitments (HRCC), a groundbreaking initiative for rights-based climate action inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights instruments. This global initiative facilitated by UNHR and the University of Colorado Boulder is based on the specific human rights obligations and responsibilities of states and other actors, including businesses. The HRCC are tailored to specific human rights duty-bearers, including states, sub-national governments, businesses, and educational institutions. They will be updated periodically to reflect the latest science and highest standards creating a continually self-renewed virtuous cycle of opportunities for duty-bearers to increase the ambition of their commitments to rights-based climate action. In the build-up to COP29, duty-bearers will be asked to take on these commitments and announce their pledges. Pledges will be monitored for compliance and the results will be publicly reported. The HRCC has been shepherded by S. James Anaya, Distinguished International Law Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, and a former UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.

RHRN also revealed that its celebrity driven COP28 campaign for climate justice commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights including Demi Lovato, Cyndi Lauper, Annie Lennox, Carole King, Laura Pausini, Rob Thomas, Jeff Bridges, Chelsea Handler and more has reached over a 300 million social media followers.

Other RHRN partners represented at the press conference included Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy ® , RHRN’s Global Music Partner, and Chantel Sausedo, VP Artist Relations of the Recording Academy.

“We are thrilled that the University of Oxford will serve as the Academic Partner for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, and co-host the second Right Here Right Now Global Climate Summit next year at Oxford,” said Ben Schachter, Coordinator of the Environment and Climate Change Team at United Nations Human Rights. “The first edition of the Human Rights Climate Commitments being shared today is the product of a consultative, multistakeholder process initiated in the leadup to and informed by the first Right Here Right Now Global Climate Summit organized at the University of Colorado Boulder. We are excited to continue working on these iterative, collective commitments in the years to come through a process of ongoing consultation that will ensure they evolve along with our understanding of climate change and its impacts on human rights.”

“At COP28, we are so pleased to announce the progress that Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has made in the development of several of our climate justice initiatives, including the Human Rights Climate Commitments, which will provide a unique human rights framework for government and business leaders, human rights advocates, climate experts, and universities to kickstart critical action to address the human rights crisis resulting from climate change. We are also honored that the University of Oxford ‘answered the call’ to become our global Academic Partner and co-host the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit with United Nations Human Rights,” said David Clark, Founder and CEO of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance.

ABOUT RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW GLOBAL CLIMATE ALLIANCE
Since its launch in 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has emerged as the largest public-private partnership addressing climate change as a human rights issue, bringing together human rights experts, scientists, corporate leaders, NGOs, academics, advocates, and people around the globe in the fight for rights-based climate action. In addition to the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit and Human Rights Climate Commitments, next year the alliance will introduce more global initiatives with best-in-class partners in sport, music, education, and technology. The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has garnered support from celebrities that include Leonardo DiCaprio, Quincy Jones, Celine Dion, Cher, Jeff Bridges, Camila Cabello, Ellen DeGeneres, Edward Norton, Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Pitbull, LL Cool J, Joss Stone, Kesha, and Jack Black, to name just a few. For more information, visit: www.righthererightnow.global

ABOUT UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (“United Nations Human Rights”) is the leading United Nations entity on human rights with a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people. Under the leadership of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, with a staff of 1,500 working in more than 100 countries, it aims to make human rights a reality in the lives of people everywhere. For more information, visit: www.ohchr.org

Photography 4 Humanity - United Nations

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 19:18:57 GMT

From: UN.org

Photography 4 Humanity calls on photographers around the world to bring to life the power of human rights through their images.

Highlighting the most compelling human rights imagery - illustrating courage, despair, hope, injustice, compassion in ways small and large, the photos serve to inspire people to get involved and take a stand for human rights.

Photography 4 Humanity encourages amateur and professional photographers alike, to submit images for an annual competition where the winner and top 10 finalists have their photographs exhibited by the United Nations globally via un.org.

Photography 4 Humanity, with the support of the UN Human Rights Office, call upon photographers around the world to capture images of people affected by climate change.

These images depict climate change as a human rights crisis, as women, children, minorities, the poor and marginalized suffer disproportionately as the climate catastrophe escalates.

The exhibit is developed to highlight the work of top photographers through the Photography 4 Humanity Global Prize Competition, and to inspire photographers to document the power of human rights around the world.

The exhibit is created and organized by Photography 4 Humanity with the support of UN Human Rights Office.

2023 Call for Code Global Challenge Winners Tackle Agriculture, Farming and Food Waste Issues with IBM Technology

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:26:22 GMT

From: IBM.COM

BOULDER, CO., Dec. 6, 2023 – Today, Call for Code Creator, David Clark Cause, Founding Partner IBM (NYSE: IBM ), Charitable Partner United Nations Human Rights , and Program Affiliate the Linux Foundation announced the winners of the sixth annual Call for Code Global Challenge, which invited innovators across the globe to develop AI-powered technology projects that address sustainability to help fight climate change. This year’s top prizes went to team AGNO, Phyto and team Synergy Squad, all of which used technologies like IBM watsonx and IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite , to address agricultural issues ranging from contaminated soil and crop management to food waste.

“This year we introduced a new, always-on format for Call for Code that gives developers at every stage of their career – from students to seasoned professionals – more opportunities to participate, gain skills, and build sustainable solutions,” said David Clark, founder and CEO of Call for Code. "Congratulations to the 2023 Call for Code Global Challenge winning teams, who continue to play a crucial role in bringing solutions to market that tackle today’s most pressing sustainability issues.”

2023 Call for Code Global Challenge Winning Teams

This year, to help developers make an even greater impact, Call for Code transitioned from a single, annual global challenge to quarterly “Challenge Rounds” throughout the year. Winners from each round moved on to the Grand Prize round, where one winning team was determined from each of Call for Code’s Developer, University, and Independent Software Vendor/Startup categories. The Grand Prize winning teams listed below will each receive $50,000 USD, as well as solution implementation support from the Call for Code ecosystem, as applicable. The developer and university winners will receive assistance from the Linux Foundation to open source their application.

The 2023 Call for Code Global Challenge Developer Winner is AGNO, a team from Hexaware Technologies who developed the FARMISTAR platform built with watsonx.ai and IBM watsonx Assistant . The team aims to help small farmers stay up to date with weather forecasts and AI-driven crop management strategies.
The 2023 Call for Code Global Challenge University Winner is Phyto , a group of students from The University of Sydney who used IBM Watson Studio and the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite to build an AI-powered geospatial and weather analytics tool designed to help farmers rehabilitate contaminated soil naturally.
·The 2023 Call for Code Global Challenge Independent Software Vendor/Startup Winner is Synergy Squad, a team from Persistent who built Offshelf , an IBM Watson Speech to Text powered solution designed to help households reduce food waste. Through the platform, people will receive notifications before a product expires to notify them that a food item needs to be used by a specific date.

“Over the past six years, Call for Code has inspired developers and problem solvers worldwide to build solutions that tackle issues core to our planet such as sustainable farming practices, water quality, and clean energy,” said Kate Woolley, general manager, IBM Ecosystem. “I would like to congratulate today’s winners, and all the 2023 Call for Code participants, who have shown how new technologies such as IBM watsonx can be harnessed to create projects that have the potential to drive lasting change for our planet.”

Since its launch in 2018, Call for Code has become an annual rally call for developers around the world to come together and think creatively about how to help solve the world’s largest problems with technology. Call for Code helps participants gain skills in AI and hybrid cloud technology by offering access to build with technology like IBM watsonx , Red Hat OpenShift and IBM Cloud . IBM Ecosystem partners provide subject matter expertise that can help teams advance their solutions, as well as encourage employee participation.

About Call for Code

Receive up-to-date information on Call for Code events, education, resources, open source projects and more! Sign up for the Call for Code newsletter

Demi Lovato, Cyndi Lauper & More Artists Join Climate Change Human Rights Campaign

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 16:21:58 GMT

From Billboard.com

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance is rallying artists to urge leaders at the COP28 climate summit to support climate justice goals.

As the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference begins in Dubai, a crew of music artists are putting their support behind a campaign that links climate action and human rights.

As part of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, artists including Demi Lovato , Cyndi Lauper , Carole King and Annie Lennox have released statements urging leaders at the climate summit to support climate justice goals. The campaign will benefit from the artists’ combined social media followings of more than 300 million, with the goal to build support for United Nations Human Rights climate justice goals. Rob Thomas will add his voice to the campaign in the coming days.

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance addresses climate change through the lens of human rights, coalescing input from human rights experts, scientists, corporate leaders, NGOs, academics, advocates and people around the globe in the fight for rights-based climate action to preserve the future of humanity and the planet. The organization is partnered with the United Nations Human Rights, one of the U.N.’s major divisions.

All four artists released statements supporting the campaign via Instagram.

“By working together and supporting rights-based climate action for people and the planet,” Lovato wrote, “we can realize a better, more sustainable future for all.”

“Climate change is the SINGLE BIGGEST HEALTH THREAT FACING HUMANITY,” Lennox wrote. “The impacts are already harming health through air pollution, disease, extreme weather events, forced displacement, food insecurity, and pressures on mental health. Every year environmental factors take the lives of 13 million people… Climate change is a huge challenge, yet there ARE MANY SOLUTIONS. These solutions can deliver economic benefits while improving our lives and protecting the environment.”

“The impacts of climate change are now being felt in all countries, yet not all people are being impacted the same way,” wrote Lauper. “Climate change is hitting the poorest and most vulnerable women, children and marginalized people of the world most.”

“By working together and supporting inclusive, rights-based climate action for people and the planet,” wrote King, “we can realize a better, more sustainable future for all.”

The social media campaign precedes a press conference from the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance and United Nations Human Rights in Dubai at COP28 on Dec. 8. The press conference will include Recording Academy president Panos A. Panay and Chantel Sausedo , the Recording Academy’s vp of artist relations, who together will discuss the organization’s goals of using music to promote climate justice and rights-based climate action.

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit will be held at the University of Oxford from Sept. 11-14, 2024 and end with the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Concert. The lineup for the event will be announced at a later date.

Recording Academy & United Nations Human Rights Celebrate 75th Anniversary Of The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:45:59 GMT

From: RecordingAcademy.com

Climate justice and rights-based climate action are among the most pressing issues of the modern era. Naturally, United Nations Human Rights is committed to this fight — and it understands that music is the universal language.

That's why the organization partnered with the world's leading society of music people — the Recording Academy — to ring in the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

And they did it at the Academy's New York Chapter Office, with a gripping performance by five-time GRAMMY winner Angélique Kidjo and GRAMMY nominee JP Saxe . Dubbed a Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Concert, the event leads off a series of the same name.

"We are immensely proud to have celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in our Recording Academy New York office and I'm thrilled to continue our impactful partnership with the United Nations," Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement.

The concert series aims to bring together some of the most popular arena acts to perform in small iconic concert venues around the globe while shining a light on climate issues such as floods, droughts, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, clean water, ocean acidity, deforestation, as well as food insecurity, mental health, and more.

Other cities being considered for Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concerts in 2024 include Berlin, London, Kigali, Seoul, and Rio de Janeiro. Wesley Schultz of the two-time GRAMMY-nominated band the Lumineers and six-time GRAMMY-nominated British singer-songwriter YOLA performed at the first U.S. concert held earlier this year in Boulder, Colorado.

"I look forward to working alongside UN Human Rights," he continued, "to showcase how the power of music can raise awareness and help promote change surrounding human rights issues around the world," Mason jr continued.

Proceeds from Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concerts will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and MusiCares, the leading music charity providing music professionals health and human services across a spectrum of needs. The Right Here, Right Now MusiCares Fund was established this year to focus relief efforts for music communities impacted by climate crisis.

Said David Clark, founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, parent organization of Right Here, Right Now Music: "The United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights document was created after the upheaval of WWII to outline individual human rights for everyone.

"As we celebrate its 75th anniversary," he continued, "we are proud to use it as the foundation to bring world attention to the human rights implications resulting from climate change, as the poor and marginalized continue to bear the brunt of it.

"Through our upcoming Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concerts," Clark added, "we seek to reframe the climate crisis as the fundamental human rights crisis that it is and thank the Recording Academy and UN Human Rights for being such dedicated partners in this worldwide effort."

Since its unveiling at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has emerged as the largest public-private partnership addressing climate change as a human rights issue, assembling human rights experts, scientists, corporate leaders, NGOs, academics, advocates, and people around the globe in the fight for rights-based climate action to preserve our common future.

Keep checking RecordingAcademy.com for more info about the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concerts, and the Academy's thrilling, ongoing collaboration with United Nations Human Rights.

Angélique Kidjo, JP Saxe Lead Intimate Concert For United Nations Human Rights

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:42:43 GMT

From: Billboard.com

Angélique Kidjo and JP Saxe have thrown their talents behind a special invite-only concert in New York, part of an expanding United Nations initiative to highlight climate justice and rights-based climate action.

Kidjo, the five-time Grammy Award-winning Beninese-French singer-songwriter, and Saxe, the Grammy nominated Canadian singer and musician, both performed at a private industry event, hosted at the Recording Academy’s office with reps from UN Human Rights watching on.

The Recording Academy is the official music partner of Right Here, Right Now Music, supported by United Nations Human Rights, with both organizations coming together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights, created in the wake of WWII to outline universal human rights.

Guests at the intimate show also learned “alarming new facts” about the escalating human rights crisis caused by climate change, according to a joint statement.

The music-led project is just getting started. Some of the “most popular arena acts” will be encouraged to use their considerable voice to elevate climate issue for the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert series. As-yet unannounced major artists will be tapped to perform in “small iconic concert venues” around the world, a statement explains, while shining a light on climate issues such as floods, droughts, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, clean water, ocean acidity, deforestation, as well as food insecurity, mental health, and more.

The first international activation is set for Dec. 9 with a show at the Atlantis in Dubai during COP28, the UN’s annual global climate change conference.

Grammy-nominated Lumineers’ frontman Wesley Schultz and British singer-songwriter YOLA performed at the first U.S. event, held April 13 in Boulder, Colorado, at which the performers delivered speeches “addressing the importance of utilizing music as a tool to combat climate change,” read a joint statement issued at the time.

Berlin, London, Kigali, Seoul, and Rio de Janeiro are among the cities being considered for Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concerts next year.

Through the climate concerts, says David Clark, founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, parent organization of Right Here, Right Now Music, “we seek to reframe the climate crisis as the fundamental human rights crisis that it is and thank the Recording Academy and UN Human Rights for being such dedicated partners in this worldwide effort.”

Adds Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, “I look forward to working alongside UN Human Rights to showcase how the power of music can raise awareness and help promote change surrounding human rights issues around the world.”

Proceeds from the concert series will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and music industry charity MusiCares .

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance was presented at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland and has earned support from a growing list of artists, including Jack Black, Camila Cabello, Cher, Dead & Company, Celine Dion, Michael Franti, Quincy Jones, Kesha, Cyndi Lauper, Annie Lennox, LL Cool J, Pitbull, Joss Stone, Bob Weir, and more.

5 Takeaways From The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:26:49 GMT

From: RecordingAcademy.com

The first activation of the Recording Academy's collaboration with United Nations Human Rights featured impassioned speeches about climate change and unforgettable performances from the Lumineers frontman Wesley Schultz and special guest Yola.

For centuries, music has soundtracked the fight for societal change and revolutions around the world. From the protest anthems of the Civil Rights Movement to the powerful songs fueling the protests in Iran , music has remained an essential ingredient in the ongoing battle for progress and universal equality. Now, the Recording Academy, in partnership with United Nations Human Rights, continues this long tradition of championing progress via music.

This month, the Recording Academy announced a partnership with several United Nations Human Rights-supported global initiatives that aims to promote global social justice via the power of music. The multifaceted campaign will invite leading artists to use their talents and platforms to advocate for United Nations Human Rights goals, including advocating for the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community as well as a host of other human rights issues, including gender equality and climate justice.

The Right Here, Right Now Music initiative — a partnership between the Recording Academy and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (Right Here, Right Now) — aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change, a timely issue impacting vurnerable communities around the world.

The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series, the first activation in this newly announced partnership, addressed this important issue head-on. The concert, held in Colorado's iconic Boulder Theater on Thursday, April 13, enlisted major artists, including the Lumineers lead singer and co-founder Wesley Schultz and special guest Yola, as well as leaders in the music and intergovernmental industries to call attention to the human rights implications of climate change.

The powerful performances from Yola and Schultz — combined with speeches addressing the importance of utilizing music as a tool to combat climate change — created an atmosphere of longing with an undercurrent of hope for the future.

"I wanted to show our support for these hosts, the Recording Academy and the United Nations [Human Rights], at this forum that addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change," Schultz told the Recording Academy via email about his involvement in the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series. "As touring musicians, we can raise awareness about sustainable goals and inspire dialogue about the global climate crisis. As touring musicians, we can raise awareness and amplify calls to action for governments, education, businesses, and individuals to fight the global climate crisis.

"It is everyone's responsibility to help battle climate change," he continued. "But as touring musicians, we must work to seek out real solutions to the sizable carbon footprint that being on the road causes. That's why I'm working with an organization like Sound Future , who are working on finding systemic fixes to help touring become more carbon neutral."

The Recording Academy attended the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series in person. Below are five key takeaways from the collaborative launch event.

The Event's Location Was Chosen Deliberately

Outdoor marquee sign at the Boulder Theater in Colorado for the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series on April 13, 2023 | Photo: David Rose

David Clark , founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, explained that launching the Mini Global Climate Concert Series in Boulder, Colorado, an area he described as a "hotbed" for climate justice, was a very conscious choice.

"We've got amazing national labs that are coming up with cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge data, research that's shaping the climate dialogue around the world," he said at the concert.

Boulder was also the home of last year's Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit , which hosted experts from over 100 nations, including Mary Robinson , the former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights and the President of Ireland.

The Climate Crisis Is A Human Crisis

The climate crisis already disproportionately impacts socially vulnerable groups : women, children, low-income families, and other historically marginalized communities.

"Human-caused climate change has already caused substantial and irreversible damage to ecosystems and livelihoods with disproportionate impacts on people in ongoing situations," Benjamin Schachter, UN Human Rights Team Leader for Environment and Climate Change, explained from the stage.

Schachter emphasized that countless lives have been lost due to the climate crisis already, and millions of people are displaced by climate and weather-related disasters annually.

Music Creates Powerful Connections

(L-R) David Clark, Harvey Mason jr., Chantel Sausedo, Benjamin Schachter | Photo: David Rose

The Recording Academy has a long history of championing change through the power of music — a point highlighted throughout the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series.

"Music is a crucial means of [catalyzing transformative action]," Schachter said. "It constitutes a common language, a means of expression."

"Music has some special abilities," Harvey Mason jr. , CEO of the Recording Academy, explained in an impassioned speech from the stage. "It has the ability to give a voice to those that have none, to shine a light on injustices that exist in our world, and to inspire us all to take action."

Mason jr. also amplified an impactful message that reflected the theme of the night: Music is not just a means for entertainment, but a "powerful tool to galvanize social movements to speak the truth, the power to create community and to bring disparate people together for a common cause."

The World Must Band Together

Yola performing at the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series at the Boulder Theater in Colorado on April 13, 2023 | Photo: David Rose

Internationally acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated guest artist Yola performed a no-frills set of raw, vocally driven songs intertwined with the mellow strum of her acoustic guitar. Many of Yola's songs spoke to her newfound strength to stand up for herself, a concept she explored on her 2021 album, Stand For Myself, and clap back at those in power — an appropriate theme that resonated throughout the environmental justice concert.

"This next one might be a little on the nose," Yola chuckled on stage as she introduced her aptly named, GRAMMY-nominated song, " Diamond Studded Shoes, " and described the diamond-studded heels of a politician who was "slapping the meals out of kids' hands." The song's moving lyrics — "For the life and soul of the world we know/Fight, 'cause the promise is never gonna be enough" — and theme fully captured the message of the night: Even if things might be bad, resistance is possible and "it'll be fine if we just band together," she said.

Small Actions Lead To Impactful Change

Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers performing at the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series at the Boulder Theater in Colorado on April 13, 2023 | Photo: Dave Arnold

Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers took the stage to thunderous applause. Like Yola, Schultz's performance was an unedited glimpse at his raw talent: a 45-minute set composed of just his voice and an acoustic guitar.

Between songs – some of which were covers, others originals – Schultz shared stirring glimpses into his personal life, from his dad's death to a psychedelic-infused trip he had with his wife.

Schultz also shared that his wife, Brandy, is a co-founder of Sound Future , a nonprofit focused on "accelerating climate innovation for the live event industry," according to the organization's website. He explained how Sound Future used flexible solar panels and the heat of the Texas sun to power the stage at Willie Nelson's concert in Luck, Texas.

"It's a very simple idea, right? That we can turn certain things that seem really daunting into something that's very doable," Schultz reflected on the stage. "I think we can all make these little steps here and there, [combined] with the brilliant minds that people have out there, to make some innovation, to make [live shows] a little more friendly on the environment."

Learn more about the Recording Academy's and United Nations Human Rights' partnership, and stay tuned for future news and developments.

Recording Academy Partners With United Nations Initiatives in LGBTQ+ and Women’s Rights, Climate Justice, More

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:41:37 GMT

From: Variety.com

The Recording Academy has announced it is teaming up with several United Nations Human Rights-supported global initiatives in an effort to use music to promote social justice. The multifaceted campaign will engage major artists to use their talents and platform to galvanize support for United Nations Human Rights goals, including advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, women’s empowerment, climate justice, and a broad range of other human rights issues.

The “Right Here, Right Now” music initiative aims to combat the human rights crisis resulting from climate change. The first activation is the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series, which will feature artists performing in small concert venues while raising awareness about climate issues such as floods, droughts, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, food insecurity, clean water, ocean acidity, deforestation, mental health, and more.

Hosted by United Nations Human Rights and the Recording Academy, the Mini Global Climate Concert Series will kick off April 13 at the Boulder Theater in Colorado with headliner Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers and powerhouse singer Yola. The inaugural concert, which will be filmed by Citizen Pictures for a later broadcast, is being produced by AEG Presents and supported by the University of Colorado Boulder. Right Here, Right Now Music is planning to host Mini Global Climate Concerts in numerous cities on multiple continents.

Proceeds from Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concerts will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives and MusiCares, Recording Academy’s charitable wing providing music people with health and human services.

“It is a privilege and honor to be partnering with the Recording Academy in the development of multiple global music initiatives supported by United Nations Human Rights, including Right Here, Right Now Music, which will elevate global awareness to help reframe climate change as the human rights crisis that it is,” said David Clark, founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance.

Major artists and celebrities have lent their voice in support of the Right Here, Right Noalliance and United Nations Human Rights, including Quincy Jones, Celine Dion, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cher, Camila Cabello, Annie Lennox, LL Cool J, Cyndi Lauper, Pitbull, Jack Black, the Lumineers, Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Bridges, Edward Norton, Bob Weir, Dead & Company, Kesha, Joss Stone, and Michael Franti.

“Music has a unique ability to bring together people from every walk of life to address important environmental and social justice issues. Throughout history, music has been an important outlet for communication, cultural expression, and expression of dissent,” said Benjamin Schachter, UN Human Rights Team Leader for Environment and Climate Change.

The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Concert at Boulder Theater is being advised on best sustainability practices by Sound Future Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating climate innovation for the live event industry, as well as leveraging the power of the industry to catalyze climate innovation.

Recording Academy Teams With United Nations on Climate Crisis-Focused Concert Series

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:37:27 GMT

From: Billboard.com

Kicking off April 13 in Boulder, Col. with The Lumineers' Wesley Schultz, the series falls under a broader partnership aimed at furthering UN human rights goals.

The Recording Academy is using the power of music for good.

On Wednesday (April 5), the organization announced a new partnership with several United Nations Human Rights-supported global initiatives on a campaign that will engage major artists to use their talents and platform to galvanize support for UN human rights goals, including advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, women’s empowerment, climate justice and a broad range of other human rights issues.

The first activation under the initiative is the Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Climate Concert Series, which will see popular arena acts performing in small concert venues around the world while highlighting climate issues including floods, droughts, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, food insecurity, clean water, ocean acidity, deforestation, mental health and more. The series is set to kick off April 13 at the Boulder Theater in Colorado with The Lumineers’ Wesley Schultz alongside special guest Yola. The performance, produced by AEG Presents and supported by the University of Colorado Boulder, will be filmed by Citizen Pictures for a later broadcast.

The concert series is a partnership between the Recording Academy and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, a public-private partnership developed by David Clark Cause alongside UN Human Rights that seeks to address climate change as a human rights crisis.

“We are honored to be working with several United Nations-supported global music initiatives to bring together artists and create unique music events to promote social justice around the world,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. in a release. “Music has no boundaries so we are excited to partner with the artist community and work with the United Nations to further their human rights goals and ultimately, better the world.”

The Right Here, Right Now initiative plans to hold additional concerts in cities on multiple continents, with discussions already underway for shows in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, London, Johannesburg, Bogotá and Dubai. Proceeds will go to United Nations Human Rights climate justice initiatives as well as MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s music charity, which is establishing The Right Here, Right Now MusiCares Fund to focus relief efforts on music communities impacted by the climate crisis.

“Music provides a platform for the biggest megaphone in the world,” added Clark Cause in a statement, adding that Boulder was chosen as the kickoff city because it “has become the ‘Davos of Climate Change,’ since the University of Colorado Boulder recently convened world leaders, top climate experts, business leaders, and human rights advocates, along with students from our Education Coalition that includes over 2,300 universities – for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit co-hosted with United Nations Human Rights last year.”

Celebrities who have previously lent their support to the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance and United Nations Human Rights include Quincy Jones, Celine Dion, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cher, Camila Cabello, Annie Lennox, LL Cool J, Cyndi Lauper, Pitbull, Jack Black, the Lumineers, Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Bridges, Edward Norton, Bob Weir, Dead & Company, Kesha, Joss Stone and Michael Franti.

“Throughout history, music has been an important outlet for communication, cultural expression, and expression of dissent. As the Global Partner of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, UN Human Rights welcomes the news that the Recording Academy will be joining the alliance as the Global Partner of Right Here, Right Now Music, in order to help promote our mutual goals and objectives to help prevent the worst impacts of the climate catastrophe on persons, groups and peoples in vulnerable situations,” said Benjamin Schachter, UN Human Rights team leader for environment and climate change.

The Right Here, Right Now Mini Global Concert at Boulder Theater is being advised on best sustainability practices by Sound Future Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to accelerate climate innovation for the live event industry.

Picture Climate Justice announced by Photography 4 Humanity and Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:32:14 GMT

Empowering everyone to capture climate justice images to share globally

B OULDER, CO, March 1, 2023 -- Picture Climate Justice is a global initiative created by United Nations Human Rights supported Photography 4 Humanity and Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, to empower people around the world at a grassroots level to capture images of people and the planet being impacted by climate change - then instantly upload them to a platform where they will be on display for the world to see.

By encouraging and empowering everyone around the world to take pictures of climate justice issues with their phones, 365 days a year, Picture Climate Justice seeks to engage and empower people to document what is actually taking place on the ground in local communities around the world. Through a crowd sourced photo platform that displays images on Instagram, Picture Climate Justice provides a public forum for people to capture and post images that convey that climate change is a human rights crisis, to help democratize and humanize the issue so everyone will have the ability to be seen and heard.

By highlighting compelling imagery - illustrating courage, despair, hope, injustice, and compassion, in ways small and large, Picture Climate Justice encourages the public to personally get involved and to take a stand for climate justice.

“The average person feels hopeless when it comes to climate change, as they don’t feel their voices are heard over those of the special interests that seek to continue the status quo.” Said David Clark, Founder and CEO of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance. “With Picture Climate Justice, we provide a voice to those who all too often have none. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the average person now has the ability to add their voice to the global dialogue through their lens.”

ABOUT

United Nat ions Human Rights

United Nations Human Rights represents the world’s commitment to the promotion, protection, and realization of the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through the voice and the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and a staff of 1,800 in 103 countries, the Office aims to make human rights a reality in the lives of people everywhere. For more info visit: www.ohchr.org

Photogra phy 4 Humanity

Photography 4 Humanity is an international initiative that calls on photographers around the world to bring to life the power of human rights through their images. The annual Photography 4 Humanity Global Challenge is a unique call to action for amateur and professional photographers alike, to submit images for a global competition where, each year, photos from the Photography 4 Humanity Global Prize Recipient and the Top 10 finalists are exhibited by global partner United Nations Human Rights at the UN headquarters in New York each year on Human Rights Day. For more info visit: www.photography4humanity.com

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance

The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance is an international initiative created to take on climate change as the human rights crisis that leading scientists and human rights advocates, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, have declared it to be. Since Right Here, Right Now was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland (COP26) by United Nations Human Rights and supporters led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Right Here, Right Now has emerged as the largest public/private climate partnerships to promote climate justice in the world. For more info visit: www.righthererightnow.global

# # #

IBM, David Clark Cause Launch Annual Call For Code Global Challenge

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:00:39 GMT

From: Weather.com

The 2023 Call for Code Global Challenge, an annual initiative that encourages developers to create projects that combat climate change with AI-powered technology, officially kicked off this week.

The competition was announced Monday morning by IBM, along with Call for Code creator David Clark Cause , charitable partner United Nations Human Rights, and the Linux Foundation.

This year, Call for Code challenges developers, students, and startups to build and contribute to solutions that help accelerate sustainability, with a focus on improving resource management, reducing pollution and protecting biodiversity.

"Since its launch in 2018, Call for Code has become a global call to action for developers around the world to come together to think creatively about how they can use their skills to help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems," David Clark, Founder and CEO of Call for Code, said in a news release.

The competition is changing its format for 2023. Instead of a single global challenge there will be multiple “Challenge Rounds” throughout the year. Teams in each round will compete for cash prizes from a total prize pool of up to $1.4 million.

Teams can win multiple rounds, with prizes ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. One winner from each of the competition's three entry categories – developers, university students and startups – will be eligible for a grand prize of $50,000. The prize also includes open source support from the Linux Foundation.

The first round runs from March 1 through April 7.

Solutions should address at least one sustainability issue such as improving the ability to measure, analyze, or take decisive action on carbon emissions; addressing issues of water scarcity and quality; improving supply chain transparency and traceability.

There is also a new program this year called Call For Code Startups .

The GardenMate team, winner of the 2022 Call for Code Global Challenge (Courtesy IBM)

In its sixth year, Call for Code has brought together more than a half-million developers, students and problem-solvers from 180 nations. IBM works with winning teams to incubate and deploy their solutions in the real world.

Last year's winner, GardenMate , is an innovative app that connects gardeners with excess produce and people in need. The project aims to help cut down on the nearly 1 billion tons of wasted food the United Nations says goes in the trash each year.

2021's winner was a water-quality monitoring device called Saaf Water . Contaminated drinking water is estimated to contribute to at least 480,000 deaths a year worldwide and at least 2 billion people use a contaminated water source, according to the World Health Organization.

Click here for more details on the 2023 Call For Code Global Challenge.

2023 Call for Code Encourages Developers to Build Sustainability Solutions Using IBM AI & Hybrid Cloud

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 13:29:19 GMT

Entering its sixth year, Call for Code introduces multiple challenges for global community of developers and students, and launches new initiative for startups and ISVs

BOULDER, CO., Feb. 13, 2023 -- Today, Call for Code Creator, David Clark Cause , Founding Partner IBM (NYSE: IBM ), Charitable Partner United Nations Human Rights , and Program Affiliate the Linux Foundation launched the 2023 Call for Code program to encourage the development of AI-powered technology projects that address sustainability issues to help fight climate change. This year, Call for Code will challenge global developers, students, and startups to build and contribute to solutions that help accelerate sustainability by improving resource management, reducing pollution and protecting biodiversity.

To help engage more developers, this year’s Call for Code Global Challenge will transition from a single, annual global challenge to multiple “Challenge Rounds” throughout 2023. In each Challenge Round, teams will compete for cash prizes out of a total prize pool of up to $1.4M USD. Interested teams can register for this year's Global Challenge here . The first round of the Challenge opens March 1 and will run through April 7. Winning teams can receive prizes in multiple Challenge Rounds during the year, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 USD. One winning team from each category – Developers, University students and Startups – will each be eligible to win a grand prize of $50,000 USD at the end of the year, including open source support from the Linux Foundation, which has open sourced more than a dozen previous Call for Code projects.

"Since its launch in 2018, Call for Code has become a global call to action for developers around the world to come together to think creatively about how they can use their skills to help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. We believe that the new Call for Code Global Challenge format will empower even more developers to make an impact using open-source AI technology,” said David Clark, Founder and CEO of Call for Code.

Call for Code helps participants gain skills in AI and Cloud technology by using open-source-powered software such as Red Hat OpenShift , IBM Cloud , and IBM’s embeddable AI portfolio , including IBM Watson Assistant . Solutions should address at least one sustainability issue, such as:

· Improve the ability to measure, analyze, or take decisive action on carbon emissions

· Address issues of water scarcity and quality

· Improve supply chain transparency and traceability to bring fast and accurate visibility to sustainability issues where

they arise

A full list of topics within the sustainability theme can be found here .

“Call for Code offers developers a hands-on opportunity to build new skills and put their problem-solving superpowers to work using IBM’s open hybrid cloud and AI technology,” said Kate Woolley, general manager, IBM Ecosystem. “It’s also been inspiring to see the support for Call for Code from our IBM Ecosystem business partners over the years, demonstrating the impact an ecosystem can have on addressing real-world issues - from improving connectivity in the wake of natural disasters, to efficiently monitoring safe water conditions and reducing food waste. I can't wait to see what solutions the community produces throughout this year to help accelerate sustainability."

Call for Code for Startups is a new program that connects startups, independent software vendors (ISVs), and venture capitalists (VCs) with select enterprises around new business opportunities. Participating startups and ISVs will create solutions using IBM AI technology that help address a specific sustainability need chosen by each enterprise. Interested participants learn how to get involved here .

About Call for Code Global Challenge
Developers have revolutionized the way people live and interact with virtually everyone and everything. Where most people see challenges, developers see possibilities. That's why David Clark, the CEO of David Clark Cause, created Call for Code in 2018, and launched it alongside Founding Partner IBM and Charitable Partner United Nations Human Rights. In 2022 Call for Code was selected as the preferred innovation platform for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, the largest public/private initiative in the world promoting climate justice.

Augustana students take home grand prize at Call for Code Global Challenge

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:54:46 GMT

A team of four Augustana University students has been named the grand prize winner in a global coding competition.

Juniors Abemelech Mesfin Belachew and Manusmriti Budhathoki and sophomores Deepak Krishnaa Govindarajan and Prana Mohanty will leave the competition in New York City with a $200,000 prize to advance their app, GardenMate, along with solution implementation support from IBM and the Call for Code ecosystem.

GardenMate targets the problem of food waste with a marketplace for excess produce and serves as an educational platform for sustainable garden practices. The students were notified in mid-November that their team, GardenMate, was a top five finalist among thousands of entries across the globe.

“Winning (is) a game-changer for the app,” Belachew said. “The next step is incorporating machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence). Then, we can get more people working on the project. If this project goes worldwide, or even locally, it’s actually doing something good, so I’m really excited about that.”

The members of the group are pursuing majors in a variety of fields: business administration, computer science and software engineering, data science, economics, finance and mathematics. All four are also international students. Govindarajan and Mohanty are from India, Belachew is from Ethiopia, and Budhathoki is from Nepal.

The students found support from Augustana Call for Code faculty representative Dr. Matthew Willard, who helped them land on the idea for GardenMate.

“If we can all come together as a society, we can definitely solve this generation’s issues, like global warming,” Govindarajan said. “I feel like Call for Code is making that happen. All the participants — not just the finalists — did something to help sustainability, and that’s what matters.”

This is the fifth Call for Code Global Challenge and second consecutive year that an Augustana team has made it to a final round — seniors Onajite Taire and Gedion Alemayehu were a part of a team that was named a global finalist for the 2021 Call for Code University Challenge .

“Solving such big problems seems attainable, but we just need to focus on what our team can do about it and do our best,” Mohanty said. “And, when everybody does their best, the only outcome that I can see is success. But let’s say that we did not succeed — that does not mean we stopped. We are still motivated, so we just keep going until we succeed.”

Vetting of human rights commitments next step in global climate summit – University of Colorado Boulder

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:45:31 GMT

This past weekend, experts and activists from around the world shared knowledge and stories about the devastating impacts of climate change on fundamental human rights, the obligations governments, corporations and individuals have to address the crisis, and solutions needed for a sustainable future.
After three days of dynamic and thought-provoking panels and keynotes at the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit co-hosted by United Nations Human Rights and CU Boulder, the work now begins on moving the talk about the human rights crisis that climate change is to action.
At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27) at Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative for rights-based climate action, the Human Rights Climate Commitments.
Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights instruments, the first draft of the commitments will be an outcome of the just-concluded summit at CU Boulder for which 4,300 people representing 99 countries registered to attend in-person and virtually. Organizers are aiming to provide an update on the commitments in April and unveil them at COP28 in Dubai.
CU Distinguished Professor S. James Anaya, an expert in international human rights, summit steering committee chair and the former UN special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples, said he came away from the global summit “energized.”
“That is the sentiment I feel, and it is pretty prevalent among those who were panelists and keynote speakers and many in the audience: a renewed sense of resolve, as well as hope.”
Anaya said the post-summit commitments will play a key role as an aspirational and prescriptive living document, including specific commitments that governments, corporations and educational institutions will be urged to make to prevent and minimize the harmful effects of climate change. The commitments will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect the highest human rights standards and latest science.
In her closing remarks, Human Rights Officer Therese Arnesen, of the UN Human Rights Office, said: “We need to unite. We need to stand together to continue promoting human rights-based climate action. That’s what this summit is about. This is what the Human Rights Climate Commitments coming out of the summit is about, and I hope you will take with you some of the inspiration, despair and anger and excitement that I, at least, felt during the last three days.”
In multiple sessions, panelists pointed out that it has been women, Indigenous people and activists from developing countries or the Global South who have pushed forth some of the most critical advancements in fighting climate change. That includes the Paris Agreement goal to limit global warming to, preferably 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, and the recent establishment at COP 27 of a “loss and damage” fund for nations most vulnerable to the climate crisis.

Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson called for a new women-led global climate justice movement, a feminine version of the male-led “moonshot” of the 1960s to hold the duty-bearers, including government and industry, to task for protecting the planet. “They said putting a man on the moon was impossible but it was achieved in eight years.”
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, made a video appearance: “Human rights are our compass guiding the decisions that need to be made around climate change. This alliance represents the power of change that we can do things differently. That one of the best parts of what makes us human is that we are endlessly creative.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis kicked off the summit with a stark reminder that no corner of the globe is immune to the impacts of a rapidly warming planet. Less than one year ago, Boulder County suffered the most destructive fire in the history of the state, a rare wintertime blaze that burned more than 1,000 homes. “There’s no denying that climate change is also a humanitarian crisis.”
Sheila Watt-Cloutier, global advocate for indigenous rights and health and a leader focused on the impact of climate change on human rights, said: “Indigenous wisdom is the medicine the world seeks to attain sustainability, and we’ve got to start to tap into that wisdom. We can show the world about sustainability because we still rely on our environment, our lands, our water to sustain our way of life.”
Kumi Naidoo, South African-born human rights and climate activist , former international executive director of Greenpeace International and secretary general of Amnesty International, said: “We are at a moment in history when all of us must now take on a mantle of leadership. And we must do it in a way that energizes and motivates rather than saying ‘It’s too late. What’s the point of resistance?’”
Youth activist and poet Selina Leem , from the Marshall Islands, spoke of growing up in a place just 2 meters above sea level where global warming could literally mean the submergence of her homeland. “We are not accepting of the idea of permanently relocating from our country. It is where it is and that is where we deserve to be.”
Several panelists suggested that for industry to be able to fully respond to the climate change crisis, the global economy, including investors, must rethink the “Milton Friedman mindset” that success is inextricably tied to short-term profit. “The actions we need to take may not be profitable in a narrow sense in the short-term, but if we don’t take those actions, human civilization itself is threatened,” said Gillian Marcelle, CEO and founder of Resilience Capital Ventures, LLC.
Kera Sherwood-O’Regan (Kāi Tahu), Indigenous and disabled climate justice expert and community advocate from Te Waipounamu, the South Island of New Zealand, said: “Loss and damage getting across the line at COP27 is absolutely massive. It is critical that we give credit where it is due. They have not been given space by developed nations, it has happened because people have banged down the doors of those negotiation rooms.”
Hilda Flavia Nakabuye, youth activist, Uganda , said: “This is the time in history where humanity has to understand that we own the power that will change the world. For so long we have been looking to political will to make change and where has that gotten us? We have to stand up and hold each other’s hands and create the difference we so badly need.”
Vivien Luk, executive director at WORK , an organization with a mission to accompany families in Haiti out of poverty through good, dignified work, said: “I find hope in the number of tools, the expansion of tools and resources and strategies that we have in addressing climate change today. Even just with the 4,000 people who have signed up to be a part of this conference. It’s incredible. It’s an incredible force of hope and power. And also that the inclusion of human rights into this discussion, more and more of that is happening.”
Naderev ‘Yeb’ Sano, executive director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, stressed that economics and law aside, human empathy will be key to achieving real progress: “Litigation can only go so far. The battle will be won or lost in the chambers of people’s hearts.”
Elizabeth Robinson, director of the Grantham Research Institute : “For children born today, their whole health outcomes are going to be defined by the extent to which we tackle climate change. If we allow emissions to continue as they are, we’re denying our children basic rights.”

IBM and David Clark Cause Aim to Reduce Food Waste; Name AI-Powered Gardening App Winner of 5th Annual Call for Code

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:48:28 GMT

ARMONK, N.Y., Dec. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Call for Code founding partner IBM (NYSE: IBM), creator, David Clark Cause, charitable partner United Nations Human Rights, and program affiliate, the Linux Foundation announced the winner of the fifth annual Call for Code Global Challenge, which invited innovators across the globe to help accelerate sustainability and combat climate change with open source-powered technology. The top prize this year went to GardenMate for creating an app that uses IBM Watson® to connect gardeners with excess produce to people in need.

IBM's commitment to Call for Code is an extension of the company's mission to better equip enterprises with the skills to develop impactful sustainability solutions. By providing access to leading hybrid cloud and AI technology, developers can leverage open source-powered software such as Red Hat OpenShift , IBM Cloud , and IBM's AI portfolio including IBM Watson Assistant . Since launch, the challenge has garnered participation from a community of 500,000 developers and problem solvers participating across 180 nations.

"Since the inaugural competition in 2018, IBM and Call for Code have empowered developers to take on the challenge of tackling the world's biggest problems, such as fighting pollution and food insecurity," said Kate Woolley, general manager, IBM Ecosystem. "This year's Call for Code demonstrates the impact developers can have working with our Ecosystem partners to help affect change and create a better future through the use of technologies such as Hybrid Cloud and AI."

Winning 2022 Call for Code Global Challenge Solutions

GardenMate will receive $200,000 USD, as well as assistance from the Linux Foundation to open source their application and support to deploy their solution from IBM Ecosystem partners. Four additional sustainability solutions were also honored:

pπ, an AI-powered camera that monitors drainage and sewage canals, was awarded second place and $25,000.
Nearbuy, a shopping assistant helping point consumers to pre-loved items found locally, was awarded third place and $25,000.
ESSPERA, a machine learning-powered app that can help farmers choose the best seeds for the upcoming growing season, was awarded fourth place and $10,000.
SwachBIN, a machine learning algorithm that helps waste bins classify materials into trash or recycling, was awarded fifth place and $10,000.

Chelsea Clinton , vice chair, The Clinton Foundation , named TransXEnergy the winner of the Call for Code University Edition, a collaboration between IBM and the Clinton Global Initiative University . A team of student developers from Monash University Malaysia developed TransXEnergy, an auction and blockchain-based peer-to-peer energy trading platform, that pulls available energy data from sources like electric vehicles and smart homes and can connect buyers and sellers through a mobile application. As the Call for Code University winner, TransXEnergy will receive a $15,000 prize.

"I want to congratulate GardenMate for their remarkable innovation, and all the other problem solvers around the world who contributed their time and talent to help make Call for Code such a remarkable success," said David Clark , Founder and CEO of Call for Code. "I also want to thank our Founding Partner IBM for their longstanding passion and commitment, along with our global partner United Nations Human Rights, The Linux Foundation, Clinton Global Initiative University, and all of our ecosystem partners who came together to empower developers to create sustainable solutions to help the most vulnerable among us, by creating software that helps to mitigate and adapt to the escalating effects of climate change."

The winning solutions demonstrate IBM's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy that marries collaboration between clients, partners, and governments with the application of technology, such as Hybrid Cloud and AI, to help build a safer and more equitable future.

IBM Ecosystem Partners and Open-Source Community Advance Call for Code Solutions
The IBM Ecosystem played a pivotal role in this year's challenge, providing subject matter experts to help teams advance their solutions, as well as encouraging employee participation. Partners such as Arrow Electronics , EY , Intuit , Persistent Systems, Ingram Micro and New Relic also supported new projects with developer resources, and technical expertise.

"The annual Call for Code event is close to my heart. The event is a great way to empower and inspire our developers to create solutions that can make a difference to the world," said Dr. Anand Deshpande , founder, chairman, and managing director, Persistent. "Call for Code is a part of our ESG strategy, and we encourage our employees to participate in thinking out-of-the-box and sharpening their problem-solving skills. By partnering with IBM, we work on solving the world's most pressing business and societal issues for clients."

Developers can now also contribute to two new open source projects governed by the Linux Foundation, including 2020 Call for Code Global Challenge winner Agrolly 's OpenTempus , its annual weather forecast for temperature and rainfall; and winner of the 2021 Call for Code IBM Challenge, OpenHarvest 's technology to help farmers manage crops through a machine learning-powered recommendation engine.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

This $30 million global initiative is a rallying cry to developers to use their mastery of the latest technologies to drive positive and long-lasting change across the world through code. The Call for Code community includes United Nations Human Rights , Linux Foundation , Slack , Clinton Global Initiative University , Arrow Electronics , EY , Intuit , Persistent Systems , Ingram Micro , New Relic , BeMyApp , Clemson University , EMARATSEC, Emirates Digital Association for Women, Kasten by Veeam , Manush Labs , Morgan Stanley , NYU Abu Dhabi , Optics Boss, Samsung Electronics , Sustainable Practices , Teach For All , and Women in AI MENA .

CONTACT:
Chris Blake
blakechr@us.ibm.com
(415) 6 13-1120

U.N. Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit: Shift in corporate mindset needed to tackle climate crisis

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 15:38:02 GMT

Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, chair of The Elders and former U.N. special envoy on climate change, left, provides the keynote speech to a nearly full house on the second day of the Right Here Right Now Climate Summit at the Glenn Miller Ballroom in the University Memorial Center on the CU Boulder campus on Saturday. (Glenn Asakawa — University of Colorado)

Companies have obligations to their shareholders, employees and customers, but do they have any broader obligation to society at large?

For too long, the answer has too often been no, said panelists at the United Nations’ Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit hosted this weekend by the University of Colorado Boulder.

A shift in the way corporations and their leaders view their role and responsibilities is necessary to make a meaningful climate impact.

For industrialized nations, those most responsible for creating the climate crisis, the question leaders must grapple with is “whether our mindsets sees business as part of society or separate from society,” Resilience Capital Ventures LLC CEO Gillian Marcelle said during Saturday’s panel called “The Responsibility of Business and Industry to Respect Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change.”

Businesses must be seen as partners in our society with the same responsibility to do the right thing as any global citizen, she said.

“By and large, corporate America is going to do what’s profitable. … The transition to a carbon-free world is only going to happen if we change the incentives for corporate actors and make it clear to them that they can’t continue to engage in business practices that are destroying the environment,” said Monte Tarbox, executive director of investments for the National Electrical Benefit Fund, which provides pension benefits to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union members.

Companies that engage in climate-destructive business activities are driven by a short-term profit motive and refuse to make any sacrifice for the global good, Marcelle said. But “if they don’t take those (climate-sustainability) actions, then human civilization itself is threatened.”

These types of corporations often pay lip service to sustainability while continuing to engage in environmentally harmful activities.

Energy companies “are all about greenwashing,” Tarbox said. “In their heart of hearts, they don’t really want to do anything different. They want to pump, refine and sell as much as they can before society tells them they can’t do it anymore.”

On the other hand, he said, car companies, based on their economic self-interest, are “busting their hump trying to bring us electric cars that we’re willing to buy.”

Investors, by requiring certain sustainability efforts of the companies they fund, can help provide the economic incentive companies often demand before doing the less-profitable but more-conscientious thing, panelists said.

“We can’t tell corporations how to operate, but we can nip at their heels and create expectations and create guidelines,” Tarbox said.

Techstars Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Stacy Carter said her accelerator and investment platform is now offering sustainability training for all of its startups, which are in a phase of business growth where adopting green practices is most effective.

“When companies are at the five- to 10-person stage, they can start thinking about responsibility to the planet and be able to integrate that so much more easily than when they’re at the 50- (to) 100-person stage,” she said.

As economies transition away from carbon, there are, of course, industries and workforces that will be negatively affected.

“We need to think about reskilling, upskilling, alternative opportunities” to position workers for success in a green economy, said Caroline Rees, president and co-founder of Shift, a nonprofit organization that works with companies on responsibility and human rights initiatives.

Takeaways from the Right Here, Right Now climate summit

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 15:34:12 GMT

University of Colorado Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano speaks at the welcome reception for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. (Jessi Sachs/CU Independent)

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The University of Colorado Boulder and the United Nations Human Rights cohosted the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit on Dec. 1-4, a conference highlighting the relationship between climate change and human rights. Panelists from all over the world spoke about the impacts of climate change and potential solutions.

Here’s a recap of some of the panels throughout the summit.

The disproportionate impacts of climate change

On Friday, Dec. 2, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit hosted a panel titled “The experiences of those whose human rights are disproportionately impacted by climate change.”

The moderator, NPR anchor Lakshmi Singh, interviewed panelists Mattias Åhrén, a lawyer and professor from an indigenous reindeer herding community in Sweden; Nahla Haidar, a vice chairperson on the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women from Lebanon; Selina Leem, a youth activist from the Marshall Islands and Hilda Flavia Nakabuye, a youth activist from Uganda.

Several panelists discussed their personal encounters with the effects of climate change.

“Our country is two meters above sea level,” Leem, who also spoke at a protest encouraging CU to divest from fossil fuels on Friday, said. “So growing up in the Marshall Islands, it’s not a choice that you have to be involved or be aware of the climate crisis.”

The reduction of natural resources due to climate change and other issues resulting from human activity is a part of this problem.

“Nature in its original form is not a natural resource,” Åhrén said. “Nature becomes a resource only when viewed through the eyes of a particular culture of people.”

The views that more wealthy nations have towards natural resources have created various inequalities, according to the panelists. The world’s richest countries make up 16% of the global population while accounting for nearly 40% of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Nakabuye said when looking towards solutions, these views must change.

“The same systems that brought about the challenge we are facing today cannot be the same systems that will put us out of this challenge,” said Nakabuye.

Nakabuye also spoke about the CU Boulder university system’s investment in fossil fuels.

“CU Boulder has scientific research that shows that climate change is a very big challenge, but there are still investments in fossil fuels,” Nakabuye said.

Several audience members clapped, including a few clad in bright orange who had protested this issue earlier in the day.

Haidar said these issues cannot get in the way of working together to find a solution.

“I don’t think it’s about not working with those who have caused the situation. It’s about how we bring those who have caused — because of ignorance, of lack of knowledge. We bring them the knowledge, and we make them aware so that we call on them also to change,” Haidar said in a later interview.

To bring about change, the majority of the panelists said representation was part of the solution. Leem said that this means making those who are more privileged and distanced from the impacts of climate change aware of the current situation.

“I think one of the most detrimental things is when people talk about climate change as if it’s in the future,” Leem said. “That could be as simple as [saying] ‘Oh, there are people who are going to be affected,’ when it should be ‘There are people who are already being affected by the impacts of the climate crisis.’”

Climate change education

On Dec. 3, the summit focused on the term “obligation.” The panel, “Education’s role: knowledge and inquiry about human rights and climate change,” focused on encouraging audience members educate themselves and others on climate change.

“Learning is a lifelong process. You don’t have to learn from classrooms, and it is never too late,” said panelist Ili Nadiah Dzulfakar, the chair and program director for Klima Action Malaysia.

The panelists said that climate education and action are necessary for all, regardless of age, gender or other demographics. The panelists all discussed the idea of marginalized groups “taking a seat at the table” of climate change discussion.

One panelist and youth science prodigy, Gitanjali Rao, a member of the Forbes 30-under-30 list, discussed her hopes for the future of STEM-based climate action.

“[In the future] there is going to be no such thing as ‘young people in STEM,’ no such thing as ‘women in STEM,’” Rao said.

CU Boulder alum Ann Toll, who attended the summit, said the panelists’ urge for youth to participate in climate action was especially impactful.

“I knew, because I’ve raised three young people in the Boulder community, how limiting it feels to be young and have good ideas and have the energy and a sense of urgency about something. To be discounted and told ‘Oh, you’re too young’ or ‘Oh, you don’t know enough,’” Toll said.

Panelist Jono Anzalone, the executive director of the Climate Initiative, focused on the advancement potential brought about by having a variety of demographic perspectives.

“There is so much polarization in communities across the United States…this blending of ideologies and cultural identities is a beautiful opportunity for policymakers,” Anzalone said.

As the panelists urged an expansion of education and discussion, they also urged for changes within existing education systems. Panelists said the standard climate education should expand to include a human rights focus as well.

“Climate has always been told from a very scientific perspective…people can’t see the human face from these graphs. You can’t see death, you can’t see mortality,” said Dzulfakar. “I learned about human rights on the streets.”

Caroline Conzelman, an associate teaching professor for the Global Studies Academic Program at CU Boulder, said she agrees with Dzulfakars beliefs on getting involved in learning about climate change.

“I teach sustainability, democracy, decolonization, social movements and a lot of different issues like that. My goal is always to model to my students to get involved,” Conzelman said.

Involvement was a recurring theme throughout the summit, with panelists urging audience members to leave the event ready to work towards climate action.

“You can’t just wait around for someone to solve the world’s problems, you have to take that first step regardless of how small it is,” Rao said.

Financing climate reform

Community members gathered on Sunday, Dec. 4 to hear from a panel about equitable ways to finance climate change initiatives.

The panel “Economics, pricing, policy: How do governments and various stakeholders pay and otherwise take action to develop climate policy solutions in a manner that is equitable?” discussed the economic factor of climate solutions.

Panelist Kelly Sims Gallagher, an academic dean and professor of energy and environmental policy at Tufts University, said that governments should allocate revenue from climate taxes and carbon offsetting to climate reparations, which pay for the loss and damage caused by the climate crisis.

“When a country like Pakistan — a less developed country — has a catastrophic event, they have to go and borrow more money to be able to recover from that disaster event,” Gallagher said. “This is becoming this vicious cycle for a lot of developing countries.”

Gallagher suggested this be done by suspending interest on the money these countries must borrow in the event of a climate disaster, such as the monsoons Pakistan experienced earlier this year.

Panelist Mercedes García Pérez, the head of global issues and innovation at the Delegation of the European Union to the U.S., suggested investing in moving workers out of jobs within the fossil fuel industry as a solution to the climate crisis.

“[There needs to be] massive investment to create new jobs in the renewable energy sector so that there are enough employment opportunities for people to transfer out of the fossil fuel industry,” Pérez said.

Many of these new jobs are not in the same location, which makes it harder for workers who are already skeptical of change to transfer out of their old jobs, according to Pérez.

“The way to bring them to the table is saying, ‘Ok, this [current job] might be the job for you, but it’s not a future for your children and your grandchildren,’” Pérez said.

Another issue presented with this solution is the inequity of financing such programs, as countries in the global south often do not have the resources or money to facilitate this switch.

Panelist Ying Chen, an author and assistant professor of economics at The New School, said this inequality must be addressed first before economic solutions are considered.

“If you don’t address the preexisting inequality, then even with a renewable energy transition, all the other inequality will still persist,” Chen said.

Chen said changing the political climate is more important than thinking about solutions because, without the right political climate, these solutions cannot be implemented.

“Climate activism is so important. We shouldn’t just leave things to the experts and trust that they will solve it all,” Chen said. “It’s very encouraging to see that the young generation is actively participating in the climate movement. I think it’s going to make a great impact.”

Using Indigenous knowledge

Indigenous panelists spoke about how to properly use Indigenous knowledge as a climate solution in the panel “Traditional knowledge and climate solutions” on Sunday, Dec. 3.

Panelist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the author of CU Boulder’s 2022 Buffs One Read pick “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants,” said those considering climate solutions which include Indigenous knowledge need to be careful about how they do so.

“There is a tendency of data mining of traditional knowledge, taking the pieces that fit a western conception but not fully engaging with [an] Indigenous world view, philosophy and values,” Kimmerer said.

These Indigenous values are what make practices — like more sustainable agriculture — complete, according to panelists.

“If you just take our knowledge for what it is and you don’t take the values, the interconnectedness and the relationships that come with that you are missing the whole point,” said panelist Cristina Coc, a program director, organizer and co-spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance.

Coc said that by taking and using Indigenous knowledge without considering those values, Indigenous people will continue to be silenced.

“Mining our knowledge is a way to make us invisible. Doing so without taking into account our value systems is a way to make us invisible,” Coc said.

Indigenous knowledge is sacred to Indigenous people, according to Coc, and it should not all be shared to create climate solutions.

“The protection of culturally specific knowledge is really important and the sharing of that knowledge needs to be in the hands of our people,” Kimmerer said.

Coc also focused on the importance of Indigenous people making decisions about how their knowledge is shared and in what way it is used.

She said part of the issue lies in that Indigenous people are not in the “decision-making seat” when it comes to how to share their knowledge or how their knowledge is used for solutions.

“When you’re asking about our traditional knowledge, you’re not saying ‘Come sit with me at the table so we can make decisions together,’ you’re saying ‘Tell me what you know so I can use it,’” Coc said. “You have to shift that power imbalance.”

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Ann Marie Vanderveen at anva3588@colorado.edu.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jessi Sachs at jessi.sachs@colorado.edu.

Contact CU Independent Breaking News Editor Celia Frazier at celia.frazier@colorado.edu. The University of Colorado Boulder and the United Nations Human Rights cohosted the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit on Dec. 1-4, a conference highlighting the relationship between climate change and human rights. Panelists from all over the world spoke about the impacts of climate change and potential solutions.

Here’s a recap of some of the panels throughout the summit.

The disproportionate impacts of climate change

Lakshmi Singh discusses climate change with Nahla Haidar, Selina Leem, and Hilda Flavia Nakabuye at the UMC on Friday, Dec. 2. (Ann Marie Vanderveen/CU Independent)