Penny Abeywardena is an accomplished speaker, panelist and moderator.
Driven by her passion for human rights advocacy, she has spoken to a range of topics from women’s rights, social justice, government leadership as well as sustainability and post-Covid rebuilding strategies.
Penny’s profile with American Program Bureau here.
Columbia University
Penny Abeywardena gives Alumni Keynote Address to Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, Class of 2021.
Brut Media
How America's cities are fighting climate change: Donald Trump may not believe in climate change — but these U.S. cities are acting without him.
World Economic Forum, Davos
Striking a Green New Deal: Political leaders around the world are proposing "Green New Deals" that link goals to combat climate change, social justice reforms and economic development. What are the core principles and priorities for a green and equitable policy agenda? Speakers: Jesper Brodin, Mark Rutte, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Frans Timmermans, Penny Abeywardena.
World Economic Forum, Global Future Councils, Dubai
Moving from Thought Leadership to Systems Leadership: Systems leadership requires aligning the efforts of multiple stakeholders in order to accelerate positive systemic change. How can Global Future Councils demonstrate systems leadership? Speakers: Penny Abeywardena, Commissioner for International Affairs, Mayor's Office, City of New York, USA; Young Global Leader Christina Lampe-Onnerud, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cadenza Innovation, USA; Lee Sang-Yup, Distinguished Professor and Dean, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Republic of Korea; Lisa Witter, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Apolitical, Germany; Young Global Leader. Chaired by: Anil Menon, Managing Director; Head, Centre for Global Industries, World Economic Forum.
BSmart Guide
Commissioner Penny Abeywardena on her Global Vision for NYC + How You Can Activate Change: New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs and former Director of Girls and Women Integration at the Clinton Global Initiative, Penny Abeywardena has been advocating for the rights of women and girls and starting global conversations her entire career. Having worked with governments, multinational corporations, philanthropists, and NGO’s to increase investments in gender-focused development initiatives, Penny was poised to create new programs that amplify New York City’s leadership on issues relevant to the global community.