September 24, 2025

09:30 am - 03:30 pm

The Future of Living Systems

On September 24, 2025, leaders from finance, science, policy, arts, and culture will gather privately to explore how living systems can form the foundation of a regenerative economy.

Co-hosted by the Solomon Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga, the event highlights voices from biocritical hotspots worldwide—including Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Amazon, Sri Lanka, and Japan. These ecosystems are vital to our planet, science, and innovation, far beyond the usual narratives of vulnerability.

Kinetik showcases nature and culture as living capital—assets that generate measurable returns while restoring undervalued communities. Real-world case studies demonstrate how integrating nature and culture creates meaningful impact and economic value.

Past speakers include leaders from the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, and delegates from 34 countries.

Investors, leaders, and changemakers—don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and lead the bioeconomy, a regenerative future.

Register Your Interest
📍 350 Park Ave., NYC
Where capital meets culture and regeneration becomes the future of commerce.

Sign up to receive your invitation and all event details — we can’t wait to welcome you!

Agenda

9:10 AM

Doors Open: Registration, Coffee & Tea, Signup for a Workshop

9:30 AM

Welcome Remarks | Léonie Weerakoon

9:35 AM

Keynote Speakers - co-hosts Solomon Islands & Kingdom of Tonga

9:40 AM

Young Global Leaders - Our Future of Living Systems

9:45 AM

Sound Journey | Grounded in Sound with Néfur

10:00 AM

PANEL 1: Frequency and the Human Connection to Nature (SDG 8, 12, 15)

10:35 AM

PANEL 2: Nature Knows Best: Designing With, Not Against, Living Systems (SDG 9, 12, 13, 15)

11:05 AM

Lunch / Break

12:00 PM

PANEL 3: Islands Rethinking Nature & Ecological Knowledge as Economic Assets (SDG 8, 12, 14, 15)

12:35 PM

PANEL 4: Financing Biodiversity and Climate Solutions (SDG 8, 13, 17)

1:05 PM

Break

1:15 PM

PANEL 5: AI & Technology for Nature and Data Sovereignty (SDG 9, 12, 13, 15)

1:50 PM

Workshop: Nature, Culture & Global Innovation with Blue Planet Alliance

3:05 PM

Closing Remarks, Call to Action

Co-Hosts

Solomon Islands

The Kingdom of Tonga

Keynote Speaker

Solomon Islands

Sound Journey

Néfur

Opening the Summit with Sound: Introducing Néfur

We’re thrilled to open The Future of Living Systems summit with a breathtaking live performance by Néfur, the visionary singer, composer, and sound artist who records and crafts music with nature’s intelligence. Through the voices of nature and her own, she weaves myth and story, inviting us to reconnect with the living world and our shared imagination.

Néfur’s latest work, The Water, The Lover, blends field recordings of Icelandic glaciers with her vocals in a concert experience that is both intimate and expansive. Her performance is a powerful opening statement, a sonic journey that embodies the summit’s spirit of regenerative prosperity, cultural wisdom, and ecological connection

Speakers

Dr. Austin Shelton

University of Guam

We are proud to welcome Dr. Austin Shelton, Director of the Center for Island Sustainability and the Sea Grant Program at the University of Guam. A leading voice in Pacific Island environmental science, Dr. Shelton works at the intersection of research, education, and action — empowering communities to build resilience in the face of climate change.

His keynote will delve into innovative approaches to sustainability, the role of traditional ecological knowledge, and the critical importance of investing in island-driven solutions for ocean and climate challenges. Dr. Shelton’s work exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation necessary to secure a sustainable future for our coasts and communities.

Francois Rogers

Blue Planet Alliance

Francois Rogers is the Executive Director of the Blue Planet Alliance, focusing on global climate solutions. He brings decades of experience connecting communities, policy, and partnerships to islands for a sustainable future.

Pinar Balci

Néfur

Singer, composer and performer

Dr. Shelby Thomas

Ocean Rescue Alliance

Chief Executive Officer & Director of Research

Emily Wilkinson

ODI

Sarela Herrada

Founder, Simpli

Amanda Sturgeon

CEO, Biomimicry Institute

Hideyuki Shiozawa

Director, Sasakawa Peace Foundation

Freedom-Kai

Deloitte

Léonie Weerakoon

Kinetik

H.E. Mr. Viliami Va’inga Tōnē

Kingdom of Tonga

H.E. Jane Waetara

Solomon Islands

Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez

Ministry of Environment, Panama

2025

EVENTS CALENDAR

Sep

Lion’s Breath Meditation

Return for location details after September 10.

A guided practice to release tension, ground the body, and reconnect with the natural rhythms around us. A pause in the intensity of Climate Week to return to breath, voice, and the living world.

9:30 am

Sep

Future of Living Systems Summit

Registration link

Kinetik Main Event co-hosted by the Solomon Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga

9:30 am

Sep

Climate Impact Talks

Click Here for more details.

Kinetik and Partners will be at The Climate Impact Talks, organized by Blue Planet Alliance in partnership with Peace Boat US. Held at the Hard Rock Hotel New York featuring experts from various sectors discussing the urgent challenges of climate change. Presentations will cover the latest research, innovative solutions, and actionable steps for a sustainable future, with contributions from UN partners, government representatives, private sector leaders, and youth advocates. The event will conclude with a cocktail reception, offering networking opportunities and further inspiration for collective climate action. The discussions will also emphasize the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing global climate challenges.