Special addresses were delivered by Dr. Rosalía Arteaga, Dr. Erik Solheim, Dr. Mac McQuown, Mr. Viney Sahgal, Dr. Raja Luis, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Mr. Lance Ignon, Dr. Jim Garrison, Dr. Eduard Müller, Mr. Louis  Böhtlingk, Ms. Veronica Gonzalez and Dr. Saroj Pachauri and family. The speakers shared their memories of Dr. R.K. Pachauri and of his legacy and impact on the world. Viney Sahgal pointed out, “Patchy has created an enduring legacy that will continue to influence global policy in times to come.” The essence of Dr. R.K. Pachauri’s life was best captured by Dr. Raja Luis, who said, “There are some people Earth gives us to protect itself. R.K. Pachauri was one of them.”The speakers further addressed the importance of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report and the urgency of climate action.

Dr. Saroj Pachauri, wife of Dr. R.K. Pachauri, recalled her wondrous life-long journey with him and said, “He set his goals himself, set them very high, and then no matter what - no matter what - he would pursue those goals. And I think that’s the reason why he reached the highs that he did.”

Read more about the inspiring life of Dr. R.K. Pachauri.

The RK Pachauri Award for Youth-led Climate Action to Seas of Change

The RK Pachauri Award is aimed at young people who have the love and passion to make this world a better place and become the great generators and transformers of change. The award was won by a team of 18-year-old high-school students including Stephanie Evans, Melissa Chen, Gloria Thomas, and Thilara De Mel for Seas of Change, a project that aims to raise funds and awareness for marine life and their environments. The other projects contending for this award were The Color Book, Blue Warriors, POP Nigeria Initiative, and POP Ocean Initiative.

This award honors the work and leadership of the group for their inspiring project of science and innovation, community mobilization, entrepreneurship, and advocacy that is largely aimed at sustainability, environmental protection, restoration and climate action. Most importantly, it recognizes the actions and leadership of youth inspired by knowledge.

The John “Mac” McQuown Award for Youth-led Climate Technology and Innovation to Resilience 2020

The John “Mac” McQuown Award aims to identify and support innovative and technology projects that are already being implemented and have the potential for expansion and replication. The award was won by Kevin Morales Münstermann and Ivan Ransom for Resilience 2020, a sustainable project that seeks to implement eco-technologies in homes for free to increase their autonomy, reduce water consumption and carbon footprint, generate income and incorporate them into a circular economy scheme, by linking them with agricultural producers and businesses. The other projects contending for this award were Photovoltaic Systems and Interactive and Technology-Based Climate Solutions, Ervis Ship, Wind Turbine ASP, and Notes on Photovoltaic Energy in Rural Localities.

This award honors the team for their project that captures innovation and shares knowledge about emerging technologies and trends, hones its design and experimentation tool by applying robust research methodology, and engages new stakeholders by building partnerships and co-opting unique actors to implement innovative solutions.

A number of diverse and talented artists graced the momentous occasion with mesmerizing performances of art and music. The event bore witness to the captivating music performances of artists from Hong Kong, Mexico, United States of America, Cameroon, Germany, Uganda, and the Caribbean. While some artists demonstrated their expertise in a variety of instruments, others moved the crowd with their vocal skills. The crowd was also enraptured by the elegant dances that were performed during the event. In addition to these performances, Dr. Ash Pachauri performed a very special rap in memory of Dr. R.K. Pachauri.