2026 Suliver Public Forum NY

A Suliver Pulic Forum was held, Titled, “Climate Change, Urban Risk Management, and Sustainability,” The forum attracted a wide array of participants. Among the keynote speakers at the event was the Mayor of the City of Yonkers, Mr. Mike Spano. The Mayor commended Suliver for putting together the event with such a lofty objective of promoting sustainability and climate education in the community. He highlighted the imperative for sustainable energy policies in cities such as the Green Building initiatives in the City of Yonkers. Other participants include Directors at The New York City Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, UNISDR, UNDP, private businesses, and other Expert Panelists.

The purpose of the forum was to provide communities and organizations with practical information and strategies they need to enhance disaster reduction decisions so they can survive and prosper. Key players in government, corporate organizations, international development agencies, and academia participated in the forum. Participants at the forum shared insights on adopted strategies and innovations on energy, water, and transportation for urban sustainability.

Disasters caused mainly by climate change are significantly hitting parts of the world where people are unprepared and living in extreme poverty. Poor communities suffer disproportionately from the impact of disasters. Hence, efforts to reduce poverty and disaster are complementary. In the same vein, participants shared strategies that are essential for supporting sustainable growth in urban communities in developed countries. The forum brought together over 95 participants from all sectors of society. The gathering provided a dedicated, informative, and interactive space for members of the community, business leaders on various issues such as renewable and sustainable energy, sustainable mass transit, intense storms, and climate change, and coastal floods and climate hazards.

A vital component of the forum was the presentation of plaques in recognition of their contributions to urban resilience and sustainability.  Those recognized were Mr. Mike Spano, the Mayor of Yonkers, Jainey K. Bavishi, Director of Resilience and Recovery in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, and Mr. Dan Connors, the COO, and co-founder of Aris Renewable Energy, LLC.

The Sustainability and Livelihood Research Organization (Suliver) remains focused on educating and empowering communities and businesses on the imperatives of building climate-ready systems.