Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Leadership and Legacy: Governing the Future of a Shared Planet

The final evening of EarthX 2026 brings the week to a close with a more intimate and forward-looking gathering—focused on the role of leadership in an era defined by geopolitical tension, economic realignment, and shared environmental risk.

As North America prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a rare moment of continental visibility and cooperation—the region finds itself navigating a more complex landscape: evolving trade relationships, shifting supply chains, rising energy demand, and the urgent need to manage land, water, and resources across borders. Against this backdrop, the question is no longer whether collaboration is necessary, but how it can be sustained—and led—amid uncertainty.

The EarthX Presidential Dinner features a fireside conversation with Former President Felipe Calderón of Mexico, whose leadership sat at the intersection of energy policy, economic development, and international cooperation. Drawing on his experience, the conversation will explore the realities of governing across borders—how to align growth with sustainability, navigate political and economic constraints, and identify where meaningful collaboration remains possible in a fragmented world.

The evening is an invitation to consider the future of North American leadership—and the broader role of cooperation, diplomacy, and shared ambition in shaping what comes next.

Featuring:

Felipe Calderón
Felipe Calderón is a former President of Mexico (2006-2012).

Born on 18 August 1962 in Morelia, in the State of Michoacán, Mexico, Mr Calderón obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City. He also graduated with a Masters in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), as well as from the Master of Public Administration program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government in Harvard University in 2000.

Calderón entered politics in his early twenties, serving as the president of the National Action Party (PAN) youth branch. He then went on to serve as the national chairman for the party from 1996 to 1999, and as Federal Congressman in the Chamber of Deputies between 2000 and 2003. Under the presidency of Vicente Fox (PAN), Felipe Calderón was appointed as the director of the state-owned development bank, Banobras, and later, as Secretary of Energy.

Calderon was named the 2011 “Champion of the Earth” for environmental leadership by the United Nations and the 2012 “Statesman of the Year” by the World Economic Forum, among other distinctions. He also holds several honorary titles given to him from countries ranging from Brazil to the United Kingdom. Such titles include the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Bath, received from Queen Elizabeth II; the Knighthood of the Order of the Elephant, granted by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark; and the Grand Cross with Collar from the Order of Isabel the Catholic, bestowed on him by King Juan Carlos I of Spain.

Currently, Calderón is president of the Sustainable Human Development Foundation; member of the Board of Directors of the World Resources Institute; Chairman of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, responsible for the 2014 “Better Climate, Better Growth: The New Climate Economy” report; and an Angelopoulos Global Public Leaders Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Isolde Fair — Musical Guest
Isolde Fair (aka Mozart Girl), the ascendant singer, violinist, and songwriter, is starting to make a name for herself in numerous disciplines as a star on the rise.

Growing up, Isolde initially studied classical violin. Songwriting and singing at an early age for Isolde was a way to cope with being bullied at school, as well as a way to express herself. Though by the time she was 13 years old, those roles had reversed. Isolde had already sung and performed for 3,000 people at Lincoln Center in NYC for a song she co-wrote, “To All the Little Girls.” The song was inspired by Hilary Clinton’s concession speech. A few weeks after posting it to social media, Hilary Clinton tweeted it to her 13 million followers and to wide critical success.

Two years later, Isolde returned to Lincoln Center and performed the song for 2,000 people with the Moderna Orchestra, conducted by Amy Anderson. Amy Anderson subsequently produced an album and included Isolde’s song, “Rise Until We Stand.” Upon the release of the album in 2021, it was nominated for a Grammy Award in the “Best Classical Compendium” category. A few months later, the recording won a Grammy Award. At the age of 16, Isolde became a Grammy Award-winning artist. A week later, right before Isolde graduated from high school, BMI wanted to honor the Album and Isolde’s song, “Rise Until We Stand,” with their prestigious Impact award.

 

To purchase tickets: Click here