The 9th Annual Social Good Summit: Uzo Aduba, Amber Heard, Padma Lakshmi, and more to speak in day-long event to elevate solutions to leave no one behind

The annual Social Good Summit, a unique gathering of global thought leaders, new media and technology experts, grassroots activists, and influential voices around the globe, today announced the initial roster of speakers for its 2018 edition. Taking place on September 23 in New York during the United Nations General Assembly week, the Social Good Summit will focus on how technology and innovation can help advance global progress for everyone, everywhere. The Social Good Summit is a collaboration between Mashable, the United Nations Foundation, the United Nations Development Programme, and 92nd Street Y; tickets are available at www.socialgoodsummit.com.

As the international community converges on New York each September at the United Nations General Assembly to discuss and tackle issues of global importance, the Social Good Summit showcases the voices and ideas of an international community of concerned citizens. Using the hashtag #2030NOW, the summit brings together influential and inspirational experts who are passionate about media and technology as drivers of meaningful change.

Confirmed speakers to date include:

● Uzo Aduba – Emmy winning actress, advocate, and Heifer International Ambassador to Africa

● Sonita Alizadeh – Rapper and activist

● Zubaida Bai – Founder & CEO of ayzh Inc. and UBS Global Visionary

● Kathy Calvin – President & CEO, United Nations Foundation

● Pete Cashmore – Founder, Mashable

● Nanette Cocero – Regional President, Emerging Markets, Pfizer Innovative Health

● Dennis Crowley – Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Foursquare

● Amber Heard – Actress, Activist and Human Rights Champion, UN Human Rights

● Padma Lakshmi – New York Times best-selling author, host/executive producer of “Top Chef,” and advocate for the UN Development Programme

● Andrew Lee – Head of Sustainable and Impact Investing, Chief Investment Office Americas, UBS Global Wealth Management

● Monica Ramirez – Founder, Justice for Migrant Women

● Achim Steiner – Administrator, United Nations Development Programme

● Henry Timms – President & CEO, 92nd Street Y

Join us:

● In person: Tickets for the Social Good Summit are available now at www.socialgoodsummit.com/

● Online: The summit will be livestreamed on socialgoodsummit.com and available in eight different languages

● Press: Applications are now open to join the Digital Media Lounge

The Social Good Summit is a part of Global Goals Week 2018, a collective effort to maximize the value of events and activations held during the opening of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 73) and focused on driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals. Global Goals Week was originally piloted in 2016 by organizing partners Project Everyone, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Foundation.

As the world tracks progress against the Sustainable Development Goals, it has become increasingly clear that individuals, business, and governments must deeply collaborate — now more than ever — to ensure a world that is fair, just, and humane. The Social Good Summit is supported by a number of sponsors this year, including UBS and Pfizer, who share a commitment to advancing progress towards achievement of the Global Goals.

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About the United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual donors. Learn more at: www.unfoundation.org.

About the United Nations Development Programme

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.undp.org

About Mashable

A part of Ziff Davis’ growing portfolio, Mashable (www.mashable.com) serves as the go-to source for tech, digital culture and entertainment content for its dedicated and influential audience around the globe.  Ziff Davis, a subsidiary of j2 Global, Inc., is a leading global digital media company operating in three core verticals: Technology, Gaming, and Shopping. Its brands – PCMag, Mashable, Speedtest, ExtremeTech, Geek, Toolbox, IGN, AskMen, Offers.com, TechBargains, emedia and Salesify – produce and distribute premium content across multiple platforms and devices. Ziff Davis delivers advertising, performance marketing, data services and licensing solutions to thousands of clients worldwide. Ziff Davis publishes in 25 languages and successfully partners with local publishing operators across 114 countries.

About 92nd Street Y

92nd Street Y is a world-class, nonprofit cultural and community center that fosters the mental, physical and spiritual health of people throughout their lives, offering: wide-ranging conversations with the world’s best minds; an outstanding range of programming in the performing, visual and literary arts; fitness and sports programs; and activities for children and families. 92Y is reimagining the community center in the digital age with initiatives like the award-winning #GivingTuesday, launched by 92Y in 2012 as a day to celebrate and promote giving. More than 300,000 people visit 92Y annually; millions more participate in 92Y’s digital and online initiatives. Established in 1874, 92Y embraces its Jewish heritage and welcomes people of all backgrounds and perspectives. For more information, visit http://www.92Y.org.

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Media contacts:

United Nations Foundation:  Serena Jiwani, sjwani@unfoundation.org

United Nations Development Programme:  Adam Cathro, adam.cathro@undp.org

Mashable:  Sophie Laplante, sophie_laplante@mashable.com

92nd Street Y:  Carrie Oman, coman@92y.org