The SDGs in Times of Crises

After two years of pandemic, in the midst of the new armed conflict and geopolitical tension as well as an inflation and debt crisis, pursuing the 2030 Agenda with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global climate goals has become less relevant for some observers. For others, refocusing on these goals will help not only to address some of the root causes of the crises we currently face but will also help regain common ground between nations.

The online event of SDSN Europe, organized in the framework of the Siena International School on Sustainable Development, will discuss the importance of the SDGs in times of crises and the role of Europe in achieving them. The event will feature European and global leaders and will address a broad audience of policy makers as well as actors from business, academia, and civil society.

The discussion will revolve around key questions, including:

• How to maintain consistent, high-level focus on achieving the SDGs at a global level without being overwhelmed by the crises of the moment?
• How to ensure that efforts to resolve current crises also lead to positive transformation on key sustainable development challenges? and
• How can collective transnational efforts to resolve current crises help build momentum for a more cooperative international environment for achieving the SDGs?

Speakers will include:

• Enrico Giovannini, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy
• Dirk Messner, President of the German Environment Agency
• Markus H.-P. Müller, Managing Director, Global Head of Chief Investment Office Private Bank at Deutsche Bank 
• Peter Schmidt, President NAT Section, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
• Massamba Thioye, Project Executive UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub at UN Climate Change
• Jeffrey Sachs, President of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network

The discussion will be opened by Angelo Riccaboni, Director of the School and Co-Chair of SDSN Europe and will be moderated by the co-chairs of SDSN Europe – Adolf Kloke-Lesch and Phoebe Koundouri.

The event will take place via Zoom and Youtube Livestream. Register here for Zoom Webinar or Watch the livestream.