During the 78th annual United Nations General Assembly in September 2023, I served as the Creative Director at Empire Entertainment, collaborating closely with renowned designer Es Devlin to bring to life the SDG Pavilion. Hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, this project responded to the urgent call for renewed global solidarity and accelerated action towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda.
The Pavilion emerged as a beacon of unity and purpose, offering a dedicated platform for world leaders, business influencers, NGOs, celebrities, and advocates to convene and drive progress on the SDGs. Under Es Devlin's visionary guidance, the Pavilion featured a captivating interactive scenic installation, housed within a custom tent structure, symbolizing the essence of the 17 SDGs.
Inside the Pavilion, guests were enveloped in an immersive environment reminiscent of a lush forest, complete with over 100 living trees and native flora. Video and light projections further enhanced the ambiance, creating a multisensory experience. Notably, all plant life found a new home post-event through a partnership with the New York Restoration Project, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
The Pavilion's diverse programming catered to the interests and priorities of its global audience. The Halftime Show, commemorating the halfway mark to the 2030 deadline, featured captivating performances by local youth groups and thought-provoking speeches by esteemed figures such as Orlando Bloom and Sabrina Dhowre Elba. Special sessions, including the Women’s Rise lunch and the SDG Advocates Meeting with Secretary General António Guterres, fostered dialogue and action on critical issues.
Collaborating with esteemed partners such as the United Nations Office of Partnerships and Project Everyone, Empire Entertainment was honored to present the 2023 SDG Pavilion. This project exemplifies the power of creative collaboration in driving meaningful change on a global scale.
To learn more about the 2023 SDG Pavilion and explore its programming, visit un.org.