On April 22, the beating heart of Times Square transforms into something far greater than a crossroads of the world—it becomes a living, breathing celebration of the Earth itself. Earth & Water Day 2026 is not just an event; it’s a movement, a call to consciousness wrapped in music, unity, and purpose.

At the center of it all stands visionary producer Paul Sladkus, whose decades-long dedication to peace, sustainability, and global connection once again brings this powerful gathering to life. Through his leadership and the ongoing mission of Good News Corporation, Times Square is reimagined—not as a place of commerce, but as a sanctuary of awareness, creativity, and hope.

From 2 PM to 7 PM, the energy will surge through the streets as artists, activists, and visionaries take the stage in a free concert and exhibition designed to inspire action and reflection. This is not passive entertainment—it’s an immersive experience where music becomes a message and performance becomes purpose. The event honors environmental pioneers, future generations, and the urgent need to protect our planet’s most vital resources.

What makes Earth & Water Day so striking is its ability to blend spectacle with sincerity. Beneath the towering screens and electric chaos of Times Square, there is a rare stillness—a collective understanding that something meaningful is unfolding. Voices rise not just in song, but in solidarity, echoing themes of clean energy, peace, and responsibility to the Earth.

Sladkus has long believed in the power of unity through media and music, and this event stands as one of his most profound expressions of that vision. Year after year, he gathers diverse talents and global voices, creating a platform where awareness meets artistry and where inspiration becomes action.

In a world often overwhelmed by noise, Earth & Water Day cuts through with clarity. It reminds us that celebration and responsibility can coexist—and that even in the center of one of the busiest places on Earth, there is still space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

https://entertainmentindustryreporter.com/earth-water-day-2026-times-square-becomes-a-stage-for-the-planet/

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Originally, the Central Park Band Shell was created in New York, with hundreds of volunteers led by Susanna Basstarica and James Harding.  Paul Sladkus hosted and produced the event video.  However, in 2014, Paul and his nonprofit Good News Corporation brought the event to Times Square, Father Duffy Square.

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A Global Virtual Gathering Honoring Mother Earth Through Unity, Music, and Peace

New York, NY — April 22, 2026 — Planet Heart, in collaboration with We, The World, is proud to present the 18th Annual World Peace Earth Day Celebration, taking place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 PM ET.

This inspiring global event will be held virtually in Room ONE following the Unity Earth Weekly Call and streamed live across Facebook and other platforms, bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders, spiritual teachers, musicians, and changemakers from around the world.

Founded by peace ambassador Andrew Kaen, Planet Heart has been producing World Peace Earth Day celebrations since 2007, creating a sacred space each year to honor Mother Earth and foster unity across cultures, traditions, and communities.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Planet, Healing Our Heart,” invites participants into a powerful shared experience of connection, reflection, and collective intention for a more peaceful and harmonious world.

The evening will feature:

• Inspirational talks from global leaders and visionaries
• Live music performances and artistic expression
• Prayers and blessings for world peace
• A worldwide interactive gathering dedicated to healing the Earth and all beings

Featured participants include:

Ben Bowler, Mitchell Rabin, Rick Ulfik, Jonathan Granoff, Chief Phil Lane Jr., Grandmother Shirley Barclay, Patricia Ann Davis, Kristin Hoffmann, Fumi Stewart, Dot Maver, David Young, Dana Tomasino, and Andrew Kaen.

“Earth Day is a sacred opportunity to come together as one human family,” says Kaen. “Through shared intention, music, and prayer, we can elevate consciousness and contribute to a more peaceful and unified planet.”

The event is free and open to all. Participants are encouraged to invite friends and communities worldwide to join this collective celebration.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Time: 7:00–9:00 PM ET

Location: Virtual (Zoom + Livestream)

Zoom Link: zoom.us/j/6060001111

Website: www.PlanetHeart.org

Contact: EarthDay@WeTheWorld.Org

About Planet Heart

Planet Heart is a global peace and unity initiative dedicated to fostering oneness, environmental stewardship, and collective awakening. Since its founding, Planet Heart has brought together thousands of individuals worldwide through events, media, and collaborations centered around the message: One Planet, One Race, One Heart – We Are All One.

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MEDIA ALERT:  EARTH & WATER DAY “LOVE YOUR MOTHER” CONCERT, CLEAN ENERGY BROADCAST AND EXHIBITION LIVE IN TIMES SQUARE ON APRIL 22, 2026, 2 PM – 7 PM EST.

Tribute to Dr. Jane Goodall, Pete Seeger, Future Generations & More

WHY, WHERE, WHAT: Earth & Water Day FREE Concert & Exhibition in Times Square (46^TH/47^TH St.) April 22, 2026, 2 PM – 7 PM EST WORLD BROADCAST.  Tribute to Dr. Jane Goodall (Exec. Dir Goodall Institute Accepting), Pete Seeger (NYC Friends of Clearwater Accepting), Future Generations (Hudson Henley, son of Kate Hudson/Hugh Jackman in Song Sung Blue), and Mia Narciso (NYC Performing Student. Tony Orlando shares a message) Plus Outstanding Performers, Speakers, Exhibition, NYC involvement, UN Official Indigenous Event, Nobel Prize Recipient, Segment from Broadway Shows Pinkalious AMAZE & More. Go to www.pausetheworldforpeace.org for the latest details. 5-Hour LIVE BROADCAST will be on www.youtube.com/goodnewsbroadcast and other media.

To be part of the Major 2026 Earth, Health, and Peace Research Study, go to: https://forms.gle/1anfjLg9T1kFtbPf8.  To share a Gift Card for the Homeless on Mother Earth, go to: https://bit.ly/m/cbf.  To help build homes for the poor owners in polluted areas, go to:  https://immokaleefairhousing.org/donate/.  For Good News Corporation Nonprofit Humanitarian Broadcaster, est. 2002, go to: https://goodnewsplanet.com/pausetheworld/peace-day-donations/

WHO: OVER 50 performers and speakers will join the stage and exhibition area, along with virtual UN Peace Messengers: Stevie Wonder, Leonardo DiCaprio, and UNICEF’s Shakira, Broadway Shows, and so much more. For the entire Run of Show, go to: https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/2026/04/06/earth-water-day-concert-and-exhibition-run-of-show-as-of-april-06-2026/

PRODUCERS:  For 24 years, Good News Corporation a nonprofit, along with 1,000’s have been producing in Central Park or in Times Square, NY, a FREE CLEAN ENERGY Earth Day and International Day of Peace Concert.  This year, 2026, GNC partners with the NYC Comptroller, Mark Levine; the Earth Day Founders; and OMMM.  MOTHER EARTH & PEACE NEEDS YOU. 

For information, contact: paul.sladkus1@gmail.com, 917-687-1790, or rockstarjournalist33@gmail.com.  Interviews available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EARTH/WATER DAY: LOVE YOUR MOTHER – LIVE CONCERT BROADCAST & EXHIBITION TAKES OVER TIMES SQUARE APRIL 22

New York, NY – April 15, 2026 – The 24th Annual Earth & Water Day “Love Your Mother” FREE Concert & Exhibition returns to Times Square (46th–47th Streets) on April 22, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST, uniting global voices for a powerful World Clean Energy Broadcast dedicated to peace, sustainability, and future generations.

Produced by Good News Corporation (GNC), a nonprofit humanitarian broadcaster founded in 2002, in collaboration with the Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, OMMM, and the Founders of Earth Day, this landmark event continues a decades-long tradition of inspiring environmental action through music, unity, and global participation.

Founder Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual, who has led International Day of Peace and Earth Day concerts for over 20 years, shared: “We have been honored to work with icons like Jane Goodall and Pete Seeger. Today, we celebrate that same mission—peace, love, and hope—carried forward by future generations and millions worldwide. This is a historic nonprofit broadcast at a time when the world needs unity more than ever.”

This year’s program includes special tributes to Dr. Jane Goodall (accepted by the Jane Goodall Institute) and Pete Seeger (accepted by NYC Friends of Clearwater), as well as emerging youth voices representing the future, including Hudson Henley, son of Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, in the movie Song Sung Blue.  Featured participants include virtual messages from global icons and UN Peace Messengers, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Stevie Wonder, and UNICEF’S Shakira, alongside Indigenous leaders, a Nobel Prize recipient, and segments from Broadway productions including Pinkalicious and AMAZE.

The five-hour LIVE broadcast will stream globally via YouTube at www.youtube.com/goodnewsbroadcast and through the world’s largest environmental broadcaster, We Don’t Have Time. Media outlets and partners may request a free broadcast feed.

In addition to live performances and speakers, the event features an interactive exhibition spotlighting humanitarian initiatives. Attendees can participate in the 2026 Earth, Health, and Peace Research Study, contribute gift cards for the homeless through the Charles Bruce Foundation, and learn about housing and environmental justice efforts with Immokalee Fair Housing. Supporting partners will also highlight global water initiatives, including efforts in Tanzania and Uganda, and will include participation from Pat Boone’s nonprofit initiatives.

Since its founding, Good News Corporation has supported communities in need worldwide, including disaster relief efforts dating back to Hurricane Katrina and 9/11, and continues to expand its mission through global broadcasts and grassroots engagement.

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

For the latest run-of-show schedule, visit: www.pausetheworldforpeace.org

Media Contact:

Good News Corporation (GNC)

Phone: 917-687-1790

Email: paul.sladkus1@gmail.com

Alternate Contact: rockstarjournalist33@gmail.com

Interviews available upon request.

Peace & Love,

Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual, Founder, Good News Corporation, est. 2002 as a 501 C 3 Nonprofit 917 687 1790

www.pausetheworldforpeace.org

http://www.instagram.com/sladkuspaul

http://www.facebook.com/paulsladkus

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Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal

Listen to “Miesha Smith Deputy Manhattan Borough President” on Spreaker.
Uptown Stories shares Good News

Listen to “Uptown Stories shares Good News” on Spreaker.

https://nyc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=846ed74da9b1b253274bc1140&id=7c742c6808&e=1bb98d50c9

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Earth Day: The Official Site | EARTHDAY.ORG

Decoding Earth Day 2026: Our Power, Our Planet Earth Day 2026 highlights how community action worldwide supports environmental protections that reduce costs, manage shared risks, and strengthen public health, infrastructure reliability, and economic stability across regions and borders.

Why Imperfect Climate Action Is Better Than Perfect Inaction Eco-perfectionism fuels guilt and burnout. Imperfect, collective action creates real environmental progress.

Colorful Ghosts Haunt Our Wetlands This World Wetlands Day, discover the algal ghosts sucking oxygen from our wetlands and poisoning ecosystems from Lake Erie to the Hartbeespoort Dam.

7 Ways to Ship Greener To celebrate Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, here are seven greener replacements, their pros and cons, plus current swapping progress and alternatives in development.

Support EARTHDAY.ORG Since 1970, we’ve been mobilizing over 1 billion people annually on Earth Day, and every day, to protect the planet. Make a direct and positive impact on the environment today by donating to help fight climate change, plastic pollution, deforestation, and the scourge of fast fashion.

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Sharmeika Davis-Boyd is an accomplished author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and community leader, best known as the Founder and Owner of Qiky Kidz LLC—an educational entertainment brand dedicated to inspiring young minds through literacy, creativity, and engaging experiences.

She has been recognized in several newspaper articles in her community and rewarded citations by both the New York City Council and the New York State Assembly for her outstanding community impact, Sharmeika has built a reputation for transforming learning into fun, memorable moments for children and families across New York.

Through Qiky Kidz, she has led impactful initiatives including McDonald’s Read Aloud programs, library book signing, YMCA youth events, and other organizations, also interactive storytime sessions at schools and daycare centers. Her work focuses on promoting early childhood literacy, confidence, and imagination, especially in underserved communities.

She has written over 13 manuscripts. She has two published books. Her books are available online everywhere books are sold. Her first book “Grandma Has A Mouse in Her House” is in several library through out Queens, New York.

Her third book will be published in,

May of 2026.

As an author, Sharmeika brings stories to life that empower children to dream big and embrace learning. As a business owner and visionary, she continues to expand Qiky Kidz into a dynamic platform that bridges education and entertainment. Sharmeika goals are to bring families together through engaging activities that encourages bonding time together with parents, grandparents and children. We want everyone to put down their electronics in participate. Qiky Kidz puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Her mission is simple yet powerful: to make learning exciting, accessible, and impactful—one child at a time.

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In global development, few professionals have seen the system from as many vantage points as Hermina Johnny. A former United Nations specialist in partnerships, sustainable development, and gender equality, Johnny built her career navigating complex institutions designed to shape the future.

But it was a simple, recurring question—one she found herself asking in meeting after meeting—that ultimately changed her path:

Where are the women and youth?

“I sat in rooms focused on solutions for women and young people,” Johnny says. “Yet they were often missing from the decision-making spaces themselves.”

That disconnect—between intention and inclusion—became the catalyst for Aspire Artemis Foundation, the global nonprofit she founded to bridge the gap between policy and access.

From Global Frameworks To Ground-Level Impact

Johnny’s work across the UN system, the European Parliament, and international organizations placed her at the center of high-level coordination on issues ranging from climate change to human rights.

Her mandate was clear: build partnerships and design solutions.

But over time, she began to see a structural flaw.

“Too much of the system is built around conversation,” she says. “Not enough is built around access.”

Despite widespread commitments to gender equality—including global targets for parity by 2030—Johnny observed that representation in leadership remains uneven, particularly for women and youth from underserved communities.

Her response wasn’t to push for incremental reform—it was to build a parallel pathway.

Building A Pipeline, Not Just A Platform

Aspire Artemis Foundation operates at the intersection of education, workforce development, and innovation—with a focus on underserved youth, especially girls and communities across the Global South.

Its mission is both ambitious and pragmatic: equip, empower, and educate the next generation of leaders in a digital economy that is rapidly leaving many behind.

“At Aspire Artemis, we don’t just talk about opportunity—we structure it,” Johnny explains.

The organization delivers programming across STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), combining technical training with mentorship, leadership development, and real-world exposure. Its initiatives range from AI and digital literacy to entrepreneurship, policy engagement, and cultural innovation.

Central to its model is what Johnny calls the EMI framework—Educate, Mentor, Intern—a three-part system designed to move young people from potential to placement.

“We’re not just preparing young people to participate in the future,” she says. “We’re preparing them to shape it.”

The Mentorship Gap—and Why It Matters

One of Johnny’s key insights is that talent is universal—but access is not.

“Mentorship is one of the most underestimated drivers of success,” she says. “It’s often the difference between someone seeing a possibility and actually achieving it.”

For many young people, particularly in underserved communities, that access is limited or nonexistent.

“In places where youth unemployment is high, internships and unpaid opportunities are not realistic options,” she notes. “You can’t build a career pathway if you’re focused on survival.”

Aspire Artemis addresses this gap by connecting young people with global mentors, creating pipelines into industries where representation has historically been low.

The model is already showing results—from students gaining international exposure to young leaders advancing into professional roles and leadership positions.

Rethinking Women’s Leadership In The Digital Economy

Johnny is particularly focused on the future of work—and who gets left out of it.

In the tech sector, the disparities are stark: only 2% of venture capital funding goes to women-led startups, with even fewer resources reaching women in developing markets.

“That’s not a pipeline problem—it’s an access problem,” Johnny says.

Her solution is to rethink how talent is identified, trained, and supported—starting earlier and scaling faster.

Aspire Artemis integrates arts and creativity into STEM, promoting a more holistic approach to innovation—one that prioritizes emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and human-centered design.

“The future of technology isn’t just about code,” she says. “It’s about context. It’s about who is building—and who it’s being built for.”

Why Representation Requires Action—Not Rhetoric

While global conversations around diversity and inclusion have gained traction, Johnny is clear-eyed about what’s still missing.

“We’ve moved past awareness,” she says. “Now it’s about execution.”

That includes measurable commitments to representation across business, government, and industry—and a broader cultural shift in how leadership is defined.

She also emphasizes the role of men in accelerating change.

“The most effective progress happens when men are active participants in advancing gender equality—not just observers.”

A Founder’s Mindset: Resilience, Speed And Vision

Johnny’s leadership style reflects the environments she’s worked in: fast-moving, high-pressure, and outcome-driven.

Her guiding principle?

“Think of yourself as falling into oncoming traffic—get up, dust yourself off, and move forward at great speed.”

It’s a mindset rooted in resilience—but also urgency.

In a world shaped by rapid technological change, Johnny believes the cost of inaction is too high.

“We can’t afford to wait for systems to evolve,” she says. “We have to build new ones.”

The Bigger Picture: Inclusive Innovation At Scale

With a growing global network of partners spanning governments, corporations, and multilateral institutions, Aspire Artemis is scaling its impact while maintaining a focused mission: create equitable access to opportunity in the digital age.

Its flagship initiatives—including high-level summits held during the United Nations General Assembly—bring together policymakers, technologists, and young leaders to drive cross-sector collaboration.

But for Johnny, the real measure of success isn’t attendance—it’s outcomes.

“We’re creating pathways,” she says. “Real, tangible pathways for people who have historically been excluded from them.”

The Bottom Line

Hermina Johnny isn’t just building an organization—she’s building infrastructure for inclusion.

Her work sits at a critical intersection: where global policy meets local reality, and where the future of work will be defined not just by innovation—but by who has access to it.

“We don’t just want young people to have a seat at the table,” she says.
“We want them to build the table.”

About Hermina Johnny

Hermina Johnny is a humanitarian and global development leader specializing in gender equality, human rights, and sustainable development. She has worked across the United Nations system, the European Parliament, and the International Organization for Migration, as well as in the private sector.

She is the Founder of Aspire Artemis Foundation, a global nonprofit advancing equity through STEAM education, mentorship, and inclusive innovation.

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Brand Experience Design Immersion Advanced Intelligence

The April Advertising – Branding Event: The Evening Keynote Roundtables Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 Keynote Roundtables: Session I: 8 pm – 8:50 pm Eastern Time Zone Microdrama at Scale: Format, IP, and Monetization Speakers Confirmed: Joanna Popper, founder, Laurel Beach, Founder, & Co-Founder, SatireAI, Moderator Shicong Zhu, Head of Studio (LA), Dramabox Speakers to be announced Session II: AI & Cinematic Creativity: A Roundtable of AI Filmmakers & Creators Speakers Confirmed Charlie Fink, Producer, Podcast Host, Author, Adjunct, Columnist, Covering AI, XR, Metaverse for Forbes, Moderator Jeff Gipson, Creative Director, Operative Games, former Creative Executive, Disney & Universal Katya Alexander, Head of Production, Fable Studios Jason Zada, founder, Secret Level Nik Kleverov, CCO, Native Foreign Larry Cutler, CTO and Co-Founder, Baobab Studios 9 pm – 9:45 pm Eastern Time Zone Session I: Brand + Agency + Technology = Next Level of Strategies & Partnerships Speakers Confirmed Dennis Bajec, Partner, User Experience & IBM Distinguished Designer Elav Horwitz, Chief Innovation Officer, WPP Mark Figlilulo, Founder and Creative Chairman, FIG Rhonda Hiatt, Global CEO, M+C Saatchi Consulting Stephanie Layser, Global Head of Publisher Ad Tech Solutions, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Sarah Buckler, Chief Operating Officer, Fifty Thousand Feet, Moderator 9 pm – 9:45 pm – Eastern Time Zone Session II: The Creator Economy & Unique Vision: Algos, Analytics & Monetization Speakers Confirmed Zach Katz, co-founder, Fixated Aaron Sisto, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Chronicle Studios Jessica Berger, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Publicis Media Francis Mekhail, Head of Creative, First Round Collective Adrienne Lahens, CEO, Infinite Studios, former, Global Head, TikTok Creator Marketing, Moderator

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