Back to the UN: Challenging Critical Thinking, a Gala.

Did you know that the United Nations is not only an internationally recognized venue for fostering and repairing international relations, but it is also a great place to throw a party?  The outdoor terrace rivals the best of New York City’s “it” locales, and its popularity doesn’t wax and wane with the same mundanity—as Billy Zane, of who we will return to in a moment, so rightly said: “It’s the UN, come on!”  Yes, Billy Zane, it is.  And I will.  Standing on the terrace I contemplated the major talent that was to arrive this evening.  Yes, Lil’ Kim and Wyclef were due to appear at some point, but the real headliners were the award recipients. Dr. Daniel G. Nocera, one of the “Time 100” in 2009 and MIT professor received the prestigious Science and Technology Award, along with accredited Dr. Arthur Nozik, of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder, CO and recipient of the 2008 ENI Award.  Prince Malik Ido Adbrahim of Nigeria received the Best Practices Award as an investor in Solar Technology for the developing world.  (Side note: did you know that Kenya has the world’s highest rate of solar ownership per household?  Neither did I.)  Though I cannot name all of the award recipients, allow me to feature one more individual deserving of recognition:  Nikos Spirdakis. This 11 year old Junior Goodwill Ambassador, and Director of Climate Change PSA entitled “Save It,” is a welcome leader in the future of renewable energy and sustainability.  Inspired at the gas station, Nikos paralleled the dull beeps at the fueling station to those of a hospital heart monitor.  When it comes to energy use and disposal, we are all on the precipice of cardiac arrest. If an 11-year old can comprehend the disastrous implications of inaction, can we now hope that heads of state, with the ultimate power to effect rapid and necessary change, will as well?

Billy Zane thinks so.  As co-chairman of the Green Media and Entertainment Committee, Billy is lending his celebrity status and clout to the promotion of a necessary cause.  Looking debonair as usual, all eyes were on him from the moment he sauntered onto the terrace.  None came for the weather, and the fog clung to the corners of the sharp edges, offering no respite for reflection, for a momentary survey of the silent skyline.  Instead, all sought comfort in the moment, in the hope that the IREO and its representatives were on to something.  “This event is an outstanding showing of member states for the renewable energy initiative,” explained Mr. Zane.  “Diverse members of the private sector are also involved, from scientists to financial institutions,” he replied with collected and wonderful gravity. When asked if he will stick around for the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th annual Galas, Billy replied, “I’m in it babe, we’re in deep.”  Anything else, I asked? “Yes,” he said, “you can scratch the babe.” No, Billy Zane, we can’t.