Forests at the heart of climate action: FSC at Climate Week NYC 2025

Climate Week NYC is once again bringing together business leaders, policymakers, civil society, and innovators to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. With over 900 events across New York City from September 21 to 28 – in person, hybrid, and online – this platform drives dialogue and action on the most pressing climate challenges. 

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) will join global climate leaders for the fourth consecutive year, advocating for the essential role of forest stewardship, including that of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. As a key enabler of forest Nature-based Solutions (NbS), FSC empowers governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to advance their climate and sustainability commitments. 

FSC has expanded our presence at the Climate Weeks each year, this year leading panel discussions and with participation from FSC International, FSC Canada, FSC US, FSC Investments and Partnerships, and the FSC Indigenous Foundation.

By showcasing its full value proposition, including Verified Impact and Forest Management certification, FSC demonstrates how credible and scalable solutions can mobilize investment in ecosystem services, sustainable forest management, and the forest-based bioeconomy, turning commitments into measurable action.  

FSC delegation  

We look forward to engaging with existing and prospective partners, financial institutions, government representatives, and industry leaders to explore collaborative pathways for advancing sustainable forestry solutions that drive climate action. Stakeholders are encouraged to contact our delegation prior to or during the event to arrange meetings. 

• Subhra Bhattacharjee - Director General, FSC International 
• Sharon London - Partnerships Director, FSC Investment & Partnerships 
• Michele Gonzalez-Mendia - Chief of Sustainable Finance, FSC Investment & Partnerships 
• Avia Matossian - Tech & Ecosystem Services Deputy Program Director, FSC Investment & Partnerships 
• Minnie Degawan - Managing Director, FSC Indigenous Foundation 
• Sarah Kutulakos - Director, FSC North America Regional Office 
• Sarah Billig - President, FSC United States 
• Shawn Collier - Director of Marketing, FSC United States  
• Vivian Peachey - Director of Climate and Landscape Solutions, FSC Canada 
• Darwin Velasquez- Accounting and Payment Support Consultant, FSC Indigenous Foundation 

FSC events at Climate Week NYC 2025 

Monday, 22 September 

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The Nature Hub  

Nature-Based Solutions Data CoLab (by invitation only) 

Tuesday, 23 September  

10:30 –11:30 a.m. The Nature Hub  

From Rights to Partnerships: Working with Indigenous Peoples for Nature - FSC Indigenous Foundation, Nia Tero, Global Alliance of Territorial Communities, Elatia, and Asociación Nacional de los Ejecutores de Contratos de Administración de las Reservas Comunales del Perú

Indigenous Peoples are among the world’s most vital forest stewards, protecting ecosystems critical to the planet’s health. This session will feature a powerful dialogue on building genuine partnerships that shift resources, power, and decision-making toward Indigenous communities. It will spotlight tools, funding models, and co-governance frameworks that are enabling equitable, Indigenous-led climate and nature solutions – including how FSC Verified Impact is unlocking a new class of trusted, data-based investments. 

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. The Nature Hub  

From Forest Floor to Sales Floor: Scaling Business Action for Forests, Climate, and Nature - FSC US with Procter & Gamble, HP, WWF, and FSC International 

From the forest floor to the sales floor, FSC provides a trusted framework for corporate climate and nature strategies. In a world of rising regulatory, investor, and consumer expectations, FSC certification enables companies to build resilient supply chains, mitigate risk, enhance brand trust, and drive measurable impact. Join us to explore practical solutions, hear real-world stories, and help shape a shared vision of forests as critical infrastructure for a climate-resilient, nature-positive future. 

Wednesday, 24 September  

10:30 –11:30 a.m. The Nature Hub 

Bridging the Scale Gap: Advancing Climate Solutions with Agentic AI - FSC Investment & Partnerships, Slalom, Salesforce, and UNU Centre for Policy Research

As the climate crisis intensifies, scaling effective Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is more urgent than ever. Could agentic AI –autonomous systems capable of decision-making and targeted action – help bridge the implementation gap? Join this event to learn how cross-sector partnerships, including FSC’s work in the Salesforce Accelerator – Agents for Impact, are unlocking new ways to operationalize and scale climate-positive initiatives. We’ll also examine the environmental footprint of AI and discuss strategies for responsible, climate-aligned deployment. 

3:00–4:00 p.m. – The Nature Hub 

Forests at the Frontline of Climate Action - FSC Canada, IKEA, Suzano, and the Clean Air Task Force

As climate and biodiversity pressures intensify, forest managers and communities are being called to deliver credible, scalable solutions. Forests are vital climate allies, but realizing their full potential depends on conservation, restoration, and sustainable management. This session explores how certification standards provide a trusted framework to connect forest practices with climate and nature strategies – making adaptation and mitigation not just important, but essential. (Inter IKEA group, Suzano, FSC Canada and ACR) 

Thursday, 25 September 

12:00 –12:45 p.m. - WCF - World Climate and Biodiversity Summit 

Plenary Panel: 'Forests and the Future: Harnessing Holistic Solutions' 

This session will explore how to drive systemic change that prioritizes nature, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Subhra Bhattacharjee, Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), will join other panelists to examine the root causes of deforestation and share innovative, scalable solutions that deliver for people and the planet. 

1:50 – 2:50 p.m. - WCF - World Climate and Biodiversity Summit 

Green Returns: Forest Investments for Sustainable Impact & Portfolio Resilience Roundtable (by invitation only) 

As emerging regulations like the EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation and the UK Environment Act raise the bar for compliance and heighten both reputational and credit risks for financial institutions with exposure to deforestation-linked assets, FSC sets the gold standard for due diligence, risk management, and impact-driven solutions – enabling stakeholders to unlock new market and financial opportunities. 

Looking ahead  

FSC’s participation in Climate Week NYC 2025 marks a pivotal step toward UNFCCC COP30 in Brazil this November. The organization remains committed to co-creating and scaling nature-based solutions that deliver lasting benefits for climate, biodiversity, and communities worldwide. 

 

To connect with FSC’s delegation at Climate Week NYC 2025, please email Sharon London at  s.london@fsc.org.  

For all media inquiries or to request an interview, please reach out to: media@fsc.org