Business and Human Rights Centre is pleased to invite you to attend its upcoming NYC Climate Week event “A common future: shared prosperity, human rights and conflict prevention in the energy transition”.

Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026

Time:  1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (New York time)

Venue: Virgin Hotels New York City, Larger Room (in-person only)

The energy transition has a trust problem. Around the world, governments and companies are moving at unprecedented speed to expand renewable energy generation and secure the minerals needed for a low-carbon future. This model of energy addition is generating growing community grievances, project disputes, litigation and social conflicts. Too often, these tensions are treated as obstacles to be managed. In reality, they may be among the clearest indicators of whether the transition is succeeding.

Recent legal and political developments have reinforced that climate action and human rights cannot be pursued separately. From landmark international legal opinions on states' climate obligations to new commitments on just transition, there is growing recognition that the transition away from fossil fuels and into renewable energy must be fair if it is to succeed.

Drawing on BHRC's evidence base, including brand new data from the forthcoming 2026 update Just Transition Litigation Tracking Tool this event will bring together experts and leaders from civil society, Indigenous Peoples, business and government to explore the drivers of conflict across renewable energy value chains, the role of communities and Indigenous Peoples in shaping successful projects, and the practical actions governments, investors and companies can take to build trust, reduce risk and create shared prosperity.

Moderation by Michael Clements, BHRC Executive Director

Speakers:

• Shalanda Baker - Professor of Environment and Sustainability; Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action, University of Michigan
• Joan Carling - Executive Director, Indigenous Peoples Rights International
• Eivind Flateland - SVP Sustainability, Statkraft
• Bobbie Sta. Maria - Executive Director, EarthRights International
• Betty Yolanda - Regional Programmes Director, BHRC

This event is free to attend, but advanced registration is required and capacity is limited. Please register here.