Prince William has urged global tech leaders to 'be the leader you wanted to be when you were growing up' during a plea to combat environmental degradation. The future king convened a forum of major tech bosses at London Climate Action Week, securing a historic commitment to end wildlife trafficking on their platforms.
Tech Giants Pledge to End Wildlife Trafficking
At the launch of London Climate Action Week, the Prince of Wales hosted an event at the Frameless exhibition near Marble Arch. CEOs from Google, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Alibaba, Baidu, eBay, Etsy, and Pinterest announced a first-time commitment to end wildlife trafficking on their platforms. The pledge was made through the Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife initiative.
William's Call for Courage and Ambition
Speaking to the assembled business leaders, Prince William said: 'You have the power to influence, your voice matters in your business, your direction matters and here more than anything, your leadership matters.' He added: 'Many of you can be more ambitious and courageous in what you do for the planet and for the environment.'
When asked by host June Sarpong what argument CEOs should make to their boards, William replied that addressing environmental issues 'is going to make your business.' He urged them to 'be the leader you wanted to be when you were growing up, not the one you are in the business right now.'
Earthshot Prize Optimism
The prince praised innovators involved in his Earthshot Prize awards, saying their planet-saving solutions 'keep my environmental anxiety at bay' and 'helps me sleep at night.' He encouraged tech leaders to 'embrace for good' the rapid changes in technology and innovation.
The event also featured actors and environmentalists Emma Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch, who joined William in discussions on climate action.
