IMPACT Drone Show IN NEW YORK CITY
UN General Assembly 2023
While world leaders gathered for the 78th UN General Assembly, we lit up the skies of NYC with 1,000 drones flying across the UN Headquarters to send a clear message while also creating a moment that would inspire, educate, unify, and activate our local and global collective.
VIEWING PARTY AT THE UN Headquarters
Where did the idea for drone-based education come from?
Drone shows have been popping up as a new form of firework entertainment, which is fantastic for a number of reasons, including that it is more environmentally friendly and safe. Another key advantage is that drone technology offers the ability to provide very clear messages, allowing for the opportunity to blend education into the moments of awe and wonder created by a show.
These moments are one of the most effective times to educate as people’s minds are open in a different way, leading to the information penetrating their hearts.
What inspired the themes for the evening's show?
It was important for us to bring awareness to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as they serve as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the range of global challenges we collectively face and must prioritize. Bringing that to the forefront of people’s attention was an obvious choice.
Our theme on Lethal Humidity and OurTMRW encouraged a “breakup with fossil fuels” and promoted clean energy. We’ve all been seeing and experiencing the rise in temperatures causing global fires and destroying communities. Ending fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy is a multifaceted solution that addresses environmental, health, economic, and geopolitical challenges – a vital step towards creating a sustainable future for all.
The Eat Differently campaign is linked to the personal core mission of our show’s director, Louie Psihoyos. In fact, 75% of the global interest to switch to a plant-based diet since 2004 has been attributed to his film, The Game Changers. Louie strongly believes that our world transitioning to a plant-based diet is the single most effective decision we can make to not only live longer without chronic disease, but to also help save our planet.
The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” plays a crucial role in our global environment and ecosystem. Protecting it and creating awareness around its importance is vital for many reasons including: biodiversity, carbon storage, climate regulation, cultural heritage, economic value, water cycle, and much more. As human activities have threatened its survival, informed public opinion can influence policy decisions, corporate behavior, and individual actions to better protect this invaluable resource.
POWER OF COLLABORATION
This show was made possible by a valiant collective effort of individuals and organizations coming together to share what they could in time, energy, talent, vision, and resources. There was a very tight turnaround to pull all the pieces necessary to bring this life, but the power of collaboration made all the difference.
The collaborative team includes Projecting Change, Oceanic Preservation Society, Nova Sky Stories, the UN Brazil Global Compact, Fortescue, Avaaz, Eat Differently, Ford Foundation, PVBLIC Foundation, Alternate Futures, Holtzman Wildlife, Alex Ionesco, Amazon Watch, 4H5H Media, Soren West Studios, Minds Over Matter Design, HELO, the city of New York, the office of Mayor Adams, and a long list of friends and allies who helped us spread the word to rally support.
Learn More:
LET'S GROW TOGETHER
Your donation will have a meaningful social and environmental impact. Thanks for making a positive difference! Every dollar counts. 🤍