The SDGs in Times of Crises: Summary of the Event

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Held on May 20, the online event of SDSN Europe “The SDGs in Times of Crises”, organized in the framework of the Siena International School on Sustainable Development,  discussed the importance of focusing on the SDGs in times of multiple crises and global challenges. 

After two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, in the midst of new armed conflict and geopolitical tensions as well as inflation and debt crisis, pursuing the 2030 Agenda with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global climate goals must not become less relevant. Refocusing on these goals and 6 transformations will actually help address some of the root causes of the crises we currently face and will allow us to regain common ground between nations. Europe’s role in pursuing those transformations is crucial. 

 This event, moderated by Prof. Phoebe Koundouri and Adolf Kloke-Lesch, featured European and global leaders addressing a broad audience of policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society actors.

The event opened with the comments from Prof. Angelo Riccaboni, Director of the Siena International School on Sustainable Development (SISSD). Angelo Riccaboni first appreciated the success of the SISSD which welcomed over 375 participants from 60 countries during its first, online phase. Also, he anticipated the launch of the SDSN’s 2022 Sustainable Development Report which marks the stagnation of the SDGs achievement for the last 2 years. Riccaboni highlighted that now was a critical moment for both dealing with crises and maintaining high attention to achieving the SDGs.

Dirk Messner, President of the German Environment Agency underlined some of the long-term implications of the current war on sustainable development, particularly their repercussions on the quality and stability of the global cooperation system, which he addressed from three perspectives. First, Messner stated that pursuing the cycle of crises in the next decade will be a threat to the international system, entailing backlashes for sustainable development. Second, underlining the importance of global unity, he called for a strategy that involves actors with distinct interests in climate negotiation and alliances for SDGs. Finally, he addressed some of the criticism directed at the western countries for their eurocentric outlook and hypocrisy in dealing with war and pandemics. Messner concluded by emphasizing the need for solidarity and consideration of the aforementioned arguments for the global cooperation system to function properly.

Markus Müller, Managing Director, Global Head of Chief Investment Office Private Bank at Deutsche Bank, proposed that nature be viewed as a capital that provides us with services. In his view, valuing ecosystem services and protecting biodiversity are critical components of changing our economic model. He commented that this perspective should be part of the political decision-making process on both the business and government levels, highlighting the role of banks as agents for political change.

Peter Schmidt, President NAT Section, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), extended the analysis of crises to a social dimension, emphasizing the need for a systemic change, using the SDGs as a framework, in order for the economy to work for our lives and the planet. Even if current crises pose a threat to supportive measures such as the EU Green Deal or the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, more engagement is needed to ensure that these measures are implemented on a daily basis, even during the crisis.

Massamba Thioye, Project Executive UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub at UN Climate Change, accentuated a holistic approach and transnational collaboration for the implementation of the SDGs. A high level of trust and interdependence is required for achieving a common goal and embracing different perspectives. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of developing an alternative value chain and achieving transformational change through innovative climate and sustainability solutions.

Enrico Giovannini, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy, proposed several key elements to follow in order to drive a paradigm shift and get on an SDG-based pathway. To begin, for a country to follow the pathway, he suggested integrating sustainability into its constitution. It is also necessary to consider a portfolio going beyond the stereotype approach, not only in the government but also in the business sector. Moreover, in addition to the GDP, sustainable development indicators should be embedded in statistical measurements, and an impact assessment of the SDGs should be designed. Finally, international organizations may define the norms, agreements, and treaties that incorporate SDGs. 

Jeffrey Sachs, President of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, spoke about the need for peace and ending the pandemic, as well as about the implementation of new tools for governments to plan for a sustainable future. Faced with extreme poverty and climate crisis, capital flows to low income and low and middle-income countries should be increased through the multilateral banking system, and investment in the SDGs Agenda should be encouraged.

All speakers agreed that international cooperation has to be prioritized in order to solve the current crises and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals together. Also, the need for transformational change based on the SDG framework was highlighted multiple times. 

Big crises have always been moments for great decisions. With transnational efforts and cooperation, now is the time for policymakers to focus on the SDGs and ensure the investment for transformation.

Watch the recording of the event here.

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