Billie Eilish, Harrison Ford, Jane Fonda, Stella McCartney, and Brian Cox join inaugural event honoring nature’s heroes
NEW YORK, NY – September 21, 2025 – On Sunday evening, THE NAT, a new entity dedicated to mobilising capital for nature-positive initiatives, hosted its inaugural NAT Gala in New York City. THE NAT was created to unite culture and capital in addressing the $711 billion nature finance gap. Taking place on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly and serving as the opening event of Climate Week, the Gala marked a major cultural and philanthropic moment on the international climate calendar. The evening raised critical funds for nature-focused initiatives led by Conservation International, UNICEF, and Open Planet.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING
The Gala brought together leaders from culture, business, philanthropy, and conservation at the Classic Car Club Manhattan. The evening unfolded as a series of powerful tributes and creative performances designed to show how culture can accelerate finance for nature.
- Opening remarks from THE NAT’s Gail Gallie set the tone: “What began as a simple idea – to put culture at the heart of nature, and nature at the heart of culture – has brought us all here tonight”
- Harrison Ford, joined by Hindou Ibrahim, spoke passionately about the urgency of protecting nature for future generations
- Led by host Van Jones, the honoree tributes became the emotional heart of the evening, celebrating icons whose work has shaped how the world sees and protects nature:
- Jane Fonda honored Stella McCartney for redefining fashion through sustainability and proving that luxury can be ethical
- Billie Eilish presented Dr. Sylvia Earle for her pioneering ocean advocacy, inspiring generations to protect marine life
- Sophie Hunter recognised Nemonte Nenquimo for her groundbreaking Indigenous leadership, defending one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth
- Lisa P. Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, and Conservation International Board Member, opened the third act, highlighting the role of business, partnership, and innovation to drive systemic change for nature.
- Peter Seligmann, Founder of Conservation International, was honored with a special tribute recognising his decades of leadership and lifelong commitment to global conservation.
- Sabrina Elba, also a Conservation International Board Member, brought the evening to a close by reminding guests that personal stories and lived experiences connect us to nature – and that each of us holds the power to leave a lasting legacy through action.
The honoree moments became the emotional anchor of the Gala, spotlighting those whose work has shaped how the world sees and values nature.
CREATIVE PROGRAM
The immersive program featured:
- Julian Charrière, presenting ecologically focused artworks that connected audiences to endangered ecosystems
- A culinary journey from We Are Ona and Chef Rōze Traore, blending sustainability with artistry
- A live performance by Rozzi, who performed two songs mid-evening, bringing soulful energy to the room before the honoree tributes
IMPACT & PARTNERS
Proceeds from the Gala will fund landmark restoration, education, and communication projects through partnerships with Conservation International, UNICEF, and Open Planet. These initiatives will restore critical forests, safeguard marine ecosystems, and equip young people to address nature-focused challenges. Each impactful investment will support high-integrity efforts with measurable results – from large-scale reforestation to enabling the next generation of climate leaders and storytellers.
The event was supported by The Climate Pledge (Amazon), Deloitte, ServiceNow, Bank of America, Salesforce, L’Oréal, Spotify, and Global University Systems as official higher education partner, with additional partners including Planetary Guardians and EAT Foundation.
The inaugural NAT Gala represents the launch of an annual convening series that will expand globally, positioning THE NAT as a cultural and financial platform to accelerate action for nature.
About THE NAT
THE NAT is a global initiative with a mission to amplify awareness and accelerate action for nature. Its annual NAT Gala is a first-of-its-kind event combining the creative forces of art, fashion, film, food, and music to spotlight nature on the global stage. Beyond the Gala, THE NAT’s year-round Solutions Series drives progress across key sectors in support of the Global Biodiversity Plan.
Nature needs our respect. Nature needs our protection. Nature needs our investment. Nature needs us to rally together and champion change. Nature needs THE NAT.
