Stukkerts Company
New York City, April 22, 2025 —
International finance and sustainability leader Maria Spartalis took center stage at the 55th Anniversary Earth Day celebration in Times Square, where she co-hosted the landmark event alongside Reverend Paul Sladkus of Good News Corporation. With the crossroads of the world as her platform, Spartalis delivered a powerful appeal to political, financial, and cultural leaders: “It’s time to put real capital behind climate action.”
Held on the Times Square Pedestrian Plaza, the free public concert and environmental showcase highlighted this year’s EarthDay.org theme, “Our Power, Our Planet.” Spartalis called for concrete support of climate innovation, urging banks, investors, and institutions to fund the next generation of green startups and sustainable infrastructure.
The evening featured musical performances by OMMM (“Love Your Mother”), Jarvis Smith, Antonique Smith, and AY Young. Virtual messages of support came from high-profile advocates including Ringo Starr, Leonardo DiCaprio, Dr. Jane Goodall, Stevie Wonder, and Shakira (on behalf of UNICEF). The UN Development Programme and Equator Initiative also participated.
Soprano Giorgia Fumanti and pianist Katya Grineva added a note of global unity with performances dedicated to peace and sustainability.
Following the program, Spartalis engaged in discussions with representatives from Valley Bank, Swift Rails, American Oriental Arts Foundation, Hugg A Planet, Necromantic Brew Co., Gitterman Wealth Management, and others. These meetings led to renewed pledges of financial support for green innovation.
“As New York celebrates its 400th anniversary, we must think not only of the past but of the world we’re shaping for future generations,” Spartalis said. “Sustainability is not a trend — it’s a responsibility.”
Maria Spartalis’s presence at the event reaffirmed her role as a global voice for sustainable finance and climate-conscious leadership.
