NEW YORK, August 18, 2026 — Following a 43-day, 15,000-kilometer journey across 11 countries from Rome to Hong Kong, Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and Dr. Sonia Sachs are returning home to New York. On August 28, the Forum for World Education will host a Welcome Home Reception celebrating the completion of The Marco Polo Drive.
Inspired by the historic Silk Road and the travels of Marco Polo, the journey across Europe and Asia carries a message of peace, cultural exchange, sustainable development, and people-to-people connection. Guided by the spirit of “We go together, and we go further,” The Marco Polo Drive reflects an enduring belief that dialogue and direct human engagement remain among the strongest foundations for peace.
The New York reception will carry that spirit forward by bringing together leaders from diplomacy, education, business, sustainable development, and international affairs. FWE has invited permanent representatives to the United Nations from countries along the route. Confirmed participants include the permanent representatives of China, Georgia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Slovenia, and Uzbekistan, with additional representatives expected to join.
The program will feature remarks by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs; Dr. Sonia Sachs; Fred Teng, President of the America China Public Affairs Institute; and permanent representatives from countries along the route. Other distinguished guests from international organizations and the education community will also participate.
More than a celebration of a remarkable journey across Europe and Asia, the Welcome Home Reception will provide an opportunity for participants to exchange perspectives on the values at the heart of The Marco Polo Drive: peace, sustainable development, cross-cultural dialogue, and people-to-people connection.
The gathering also reflects FWE’s broader commitment to advancing education, dialogue, and direct human engagement as bridges to greater understanding and cooperation among countries, institutions, and communities.
Event Details
Welcome Home Reception Honoring Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and Dr. Sonia Sachs
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Location: The Penn Club of New York
30 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
About Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs
Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs is a University Professor at Columbia University and Director of its Center for Sustainable Development. He is also President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. A globally recognized economist, bestselling author, and leader in sustainable development, Professor Sachs has advised three United Nations Secretaries-General and has worked for decades to advance sustainable development and international cooperation.
About the Forum for World Education
The Forum for World Education is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education as a bridge among people, institutions, and nations. Through global dialogue, educational partnerships, and cross-cultural initiatives, FWE brings together leaders from education, business, policy, and civil society to address shared challenges and advance international cooperation.
Media Contact
Forum for World Education
April Lai
Operations Director