On 2 December 2014, Michael Pedersen convened and facilitated a COP20 side event in Lima, Peru in the context of a project that aims at utilizing the unique power of sport to boost the fight against climate change. The event, which brought together professional athletes from Peru and a mix of leaders from business, government and civil society from around the world, was kindly hosted by the Peruvian Olympic Committee.

At what was a highly interactive event, the approx. 40 participants discussed how Lima2019 Pan American Games could become a model case of implementing the project. At its core, the project aims at utilizing the unique power of sport events and professional athletes to boost the fight against climate change by motivating behavioural change among sport fans.

The following three persons gave keynote speeches at the event:,

• Samantha Smith, Leader, Global Climate and Energy Initiative, WWF
• Gustavo Fernando Salazar Delgado, President, Badminton PanAm Confederation and Deputy President, Badminton World Federation
• José Quiñones, President, Peruvian Olympic Committee and President, Lima2019 Pan American Games Organizing Committee