‘Why the future will be Blue: how to become an agent of change’ keynote will headline the sustainability agenda on the event’s second day.
Senior executives from United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) and the Smurfs are uniting to present a joint keynote at Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit, which takes place online from 9-11 June 2021.
Called ‘Why the Future will be Blue. How to Become an Agent of Change’, attendees will hear about the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the importance of collaborations – like the one with the Smurfs – to educate people all over the world about the importance of adopting sustainable values and habits for the sake of the planet.
The talk will also touch on the ActNow app, which is part of the UN’s campaign for individual action on climate change and sustainability, and its SDG Media Compact initiative, which seeks to inspire media and entertainment companies around the world to leverage their resources and creative talent to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The ambitious goals were launched in 2015 in 149 countries with the aim of eradicating extreme poverty, combating inequalities and injustice, and effectively tackling the problem of climate change by 2030, and the Smurfs are proud ambassadors for all 17 of them. The characters have been encouraging us all to ‘Think Blue’ and promoting the UN’s sustainability messaging through campaigns such as #EUBeachCleanup, ‘Save Our Blue Planet’ and the ‘Smurfs Experience’ educational package for primary school teachers and children.
“Why do we all have to change our previous bad habits?,” asked Philippe Glorieux, head of marketing, communications and family entertainment at IMPs. “Because we must be an example for the future of the planet and of our children; they are the leaders of tomorrow. For this reason, and by virtue of their common values, the Smurfs and the United Nations are joining forces through the Sustainable Development Goals to change the way we consume with the sole goal to live better.”
Caroline Petit, deputy director, United Nations Regional Information Center (UNRIC), added: “The Sustainable Development Goals are a roadmap for a better world, but we must recognise that they can only be reached in unity, with each of us doing our part.”
Caroline and Philippe will headline the CSR and sustainability agenda at 9am on 10 June, the second day of the summit alongside Products of Change founder Helena Mansell-Stopher, BBC Studios licensing director Rikesh Desai and Natural History Museum’s head of licensing Maxine Grant among others.
Early bird registration for the summit, allowing delegates to purchase three-day passes for £175 (£158 for Licensing International members), ends on 16 April. Qualified retailers are invited to attend free of charge.
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