Climate Diplomacy in Action

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On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 12:00–1:30 p.m. PT, the USC Center on Public Diplomacy will host a special Climate Diplomacy conversation in Wallis Annenberg Hall (ANN), Sheindlin Forum (Room 106). As climate change increasingly reshapes global politics, economic systems, and international cooperation, this event will explore how sustainability leadership is becoming an essential tool of diplomacy. The program will feature a conversation with Georgina Grenon, sustainability director for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, followed by audience Q&A.

The discussion will examine how governments, institutions, and global events are integrating sustainability into policy, infrastructure, and diplomacy. From the Olympic Games to universities and cities, large organizations increasingly function as laboratories for climate innovation, testing new approaches to reducing emissions, managing resources, and building resilient systems. By bringing together a leader from one of the world’s most ambitious sustainability initiatives with USC’s own chief sustainability officer, the conversation will offer insights into how climate action can be embedded in complex institutions and translated into global impact.

The event also reflects USC’s growing engagement with climate diplomacy and sustainability leadership. As universities, international organizations, and major global events take on larger roles in shaping climate solutions, the conversation will highlight how cross-sector collaboration—spanning public policy, business, technology, and sports—can help accelerate meaningful progress. The program will conclude with an interactive audience discussion on the evolving relationship between sustainability, governance, and international cooperation.

The event is presented as part of CPD’s “Climate Diplomat in Residence” program, made possible through the generous support of CPD Advisory Board Member Markos Kounalakis.

Georgina Grenon

Georgina Grenon is a sustainability and clean-technology expert with more than three decades of experience spanning industry, government, consulting, and international sport. From 2018 to 2024, she served as Sustainability Director for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where she embedded sustainability principles across all aspects of the Games, helping reduce their environmental footprint while building long-term models for climate-conscious global events. She previously worked in the French Ministry of Ecology and Energy supporting renewable energy policy and innovation, and represented France in international energy and climate initiatives.

Grenon began her career in energy and strategy consulting with YPF and Booz Allen Hamilton, working across Europe, the United States, Japan, and South America on energy efficiency, renewables, and emissions reduction. She now serves as an independent advisor through her firm GEOVIVAL, supporting organizations pursuing sustainable transformation. A graduate of the Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires and INSEAD, Grenon holds multiple advisory and board roles and has been honored as a Knight of the French National Order of Merit for her leadership in sustainability.

RSVP to Attend

This program is open to all eligible individuals. USC Annenberg operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.