Why moonshot ideas are the future for both business and our planet

The influence new and emerging technology will have on future generations, and our ability to create a positive impact for communities around the world, needs to be recognized now – and harnessed – so the most significant solutions to global issues, such as climate change, can be implemented and the results felt sooner.

That’s one of the most moving takeaways from YPO’s United Nations General Assembly 2024: Moonshot for Impact event, and it’s one that attendee and purpose-driven CEO Suzanne Kimbel feels resonated with the 80-plus business leaders who gathered in New York.

"Technology is a huge opportunity," Kimbel said. "And it’s really important for us to recognize that technology itself is agnostic. It is neither good nor evil and it essentially represents an opportunity – we can make decisions to take responsibility, to develop technologies with our voice in the room, or we can step back and say, ‘AI is going to take over the world – I don’t even want to touch it’.

"We need more people dedicating time to making sure that these things are being used to build the future we want and that our voices are heard. We need to ask, ‘What does harnessing it for good look like? What does protecting ourselves from the downside of technology look like?’ Let’s be really intelligent and intellectually honest about those conversations."

Harnessing AI for good

From the outset of the event – held just before the United Nations General Assembly’s Summit of the Future in New York City, with a purpose to align on a ‘moonshot vision for impact’ to create a better tomorrow – the way in which AI could be applied to shape a more secure and stable world was examined.

"If we want to change the world fast, we really need to be thinking about everything that’s available, and technology and capital are the two biggest tools that we have," Kimbel said.

"Let’s talk about all the different dimensions of AI, data and the scaling opportunities. Let’s look at this through the lens of AI helping us solve humanity’s biggest problems.

"That is also an easier bridge back to balancing doing good and making money. Business models could emerge, which can accomplish both and transcend a little bit of the ESG fatigue going on in the world right now. When we’re really looking at paradigm shifts, there’s always opportunity for profitable business models there."

Holistic approaches give sustainable results

Technology could help address the challenges we face now and in the future, but we also need to shift to taking a holistic approach to solutions so that the impact is both meaningful and sustainable.

This is something Florian Kemmerich, a speaker at the event, knows all too well. His moonshot resilienture, aka RESI, is a vision to build disaster-resilient communities around the globe – and is already a reality.

The venture brings together several other YPO members and their specialisms to create a far-reaching complementary approach to coastal resilience.

"This was entirely thanks to the ecosystem of YPO changemakers," he said. "YPO is about bold ideas and pushing boundaries – daring to do things. I have a huge respect and gratitude for that; I’m blessed to be involved."

Kemmerich felt inspired and learned valuable lessons from speakers renowned for their transformative approaches, including Ronald Cohen, the godfather of Impact Investing, Jeanne Lim, who is recognized in the AI field, and Rohit Bhargava, a thought leader in ‘Non-Obvious Thinking’.

In addition to this, Kemmerich also appreciated the fact that young adult children of YPO members, known as the YNG community, were invited to the event. He took his son and noted that the fact impact lay at the heart of the moonshots was the reason his son was so keen to be part of the event.

Action now for future generations

"Legacy shouldn’t feed my ego," Kemmerich explained. "Legacy should be when I’m putting myself in the shoes of the younger generations and saying, ‘What will be their livelihoods? How will they be surviving and thriving if we do not correct our course?’

"Our contribution has to be true and competent. You cannot just do business for the sake of business. This is doing what I can in my lifetime and looking beyond my family, my bank account. Let’s see how people can actually get together and create moonshots because you have to continue creating."

Including YNG members and spouses in the Moonshot for Impact event was a strategic decision to enrich its reach and increase its potency.

"By broadening the audience, we not only included new perspectives but also strengthened the foundation for YPO’s long-term commitment to impact, sustainability and leadership," said Mouna Aouri, herself a spouse of a YPO member and also one of the event organizers.

"The addition of YNG members infused a generational perspective, enhancing intergenerational learning. This helped build a more comprehensive and inclusive vision for impactful leadership."

Supporting with knowledge and experience

The concept of rethinking capital markets and supporting business leaders determined to make the switch from profit-led to purpose-driven was at the heart of the event and the challenges were confronted and navigated.

Both Kemmerich and Kimbel said they have found the road to a new way of working and creating companies at times difficult and often lonely. The experience of lifelong learning, working with and sharing knowledge and aspirations with like-minded people cannot be underestimated, Aouri added.

"Events like Moonshot for Impact are critical because they not only inspire but also equip members to translate concepts into action. Each segment, from personal storytelling to expert insights and collaborative sessions, was crafted to encourage actionable outcomes," she revealed.

"By blending personal growth narratives with frameworks like ‘Non-Obvious Thinking’, these events bridge the gap between vision and execution, allowing leaders to set measurable goals aligned with their personal and professional impact."

Follow-up initiatives are in place to sustain the momentum, while virtual check-ins will help attendees stay connected and regional gatherings provide further opportunities for collaboration.

A YPO ‘Moonshoters’ group to gather the event attendees was created and the ongoing discussions allow attendees to access event materials, speaker frameworks and networking tools to continue their journey.

These follow-up actions are designed to keep the conversations and partnerships from the New York event thriving, turning ideas into lasting, measurable ways to create meaningful impact.