New York - As world leaders and diplomats convene for the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Verizon continues to focus on responsible business and the power of cutting-edge technology to deliver compelling story-telling that reinforces the need for urgent climate action.

During UNGA, Verizon will focus on its support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 13: Climate Action, through social responsibility programs such as Verizon Innovative Learning and the company's sustainability efforts. Verizon has also joined the UN Global Compact, as part of a long-term pledge to a principles-based approach to corporate sustainability that upholds a commitment to people and the planet. 

As part of UNGA, the 2019 Climate Action Summit kicked off with an immersive look at the devastating impacts climate change is having right now, as well as the vast opportunities ahead as the world moves from the grey to the green economy, with technological innovation playing a key role. Created through innovative projection mapping technology, this original content delivered a powerful message about the urgency of climate action.

Using data visualization, real-world footage and CGI scenes from the climate solution film “2040”, with technology powered by RYOT, a Verizon Media company, the content flooded the walls of the United Nations General Assembly Hall and conveyed a realistic picture of a planet in need of change and the power we all have to move it forward. The immersive 4-minute video was developed to reinforce the urgent need for the world to enact change while creating a unique experience.

“We are passionate about protecting our planet and sharing with the public how climate change impacts our daily lives. Through Verizon Media’s commitment to the marriage between technology and storytelling, we are thrilled to help evoke the impact of climate change and highlight the power of developing global solutions with this experience,” said Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg. 

In an effort to advance private sector investment in solutions to address the effects of climate change, Verizon and Yahoo Finance will host Green Cocktails on September 24 at BUILD Studio in NYC's East Village. The invitation-only event will focus on how business leaders can address global societal challenges, set aggressive goals to align with climate action, and Verizon’s own commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. Verizon's sustainable commitments include, sourcing renewable energy equivalent to 50% of its total electricity usage by 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality for direct operations by 2035. Earlier this year, Verizon also launched the telecommunications industry’s first green bond in the U.S., providing $1 billion of financing to help fund a variety of green investments over the next three years. 

On September 28, Verizon will join Global Citizen for the second year to engage socially minded citizens around the importance of quality education for all. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and STEM-infused curriculum to some of the most under-resourced Title 1 middle school students across the U.S. Verizon Innovative Learning highlights the company’s focus on digital inclusion and the company’s commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education.

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