Celebrating Ed Barry

It is with sadness we share news of the passing of our colleague Edwin A. Barry (pictured in center) on Saturday night after a long battle with cancer. He founded the Sustainable World Initiative in 2008 at our sister organization, the Population Institute. Ed was a former business executive who believed in an ethical responsibility to advance our societies and communities in ways that preserve the ecological health of the planet for this generation and the next. He dedicated many years of his life to that cause.

Ed was extensively involved in advocacy efforts at the United Nations to impact the global agenda for sustainable development. He spoke before and advised many diplomats and political leaders and had a notable influence on the global strategy for achieving sustainability.

Ed passed away on May 21st listening to some of his favorite music and was very clear that he wished for his passing to be a celebration of life. He lived what he called “A Privileged Life” and took great joy in many things, including music, travel, backgammon, and his family. He wrote, “I am the father of two beautiful daughters and a third adopted daughter, my niece, all of whom I am extremely proud. I have indeed been privileged to lead a very full life.”

Talking about his passing he asked “How many people are lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to positively affect the course of human development? How many people have been blessed with daughters who make them proud every day? And for a celebration we should have some music, a bit of fun, and a virtual toast to life.”

Cheers to our friend and colleague, Ed Barry. We hope to continue this work with the same vigor — and the same joy.