Blog Post

Outcomes from Implications of COVID-19 for Public Health and the SDGs

Lauren Barredo • Apr 27, 2020

On Monday, 27 April, SDSN held its second virtual conference to examine the implications of COVID-19 for public health and the SDGs, making recommendations on science-based responses. Speakers also discussed successful public health interventions, looked at how to ensure responses promote health equity and reduce inequality, and explored different scenarios for ending isolation and returning to normal.

Professor Jeffrey Sachs , University Professor at Columbia University and United Nations SDG Advocate, spoke first ( slides ), giving an overview of the different responses across different countries. Sachs said that differences in outcomes were mainly a matter of strategy; that countries with successful responses shared a number of key characteristics, including intensive testing and contract tracing, isolation of infected individuals, enforcement of isolation, and wide use of face masks.

The first panel looked at comparative public health interventions against COVID-19, and many national contexts were explored. Dr. Jae-Seok Kim , Member of the COVID-19 Committee of the Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine and Professor at the Hallym University College of Medicine, shared South Korea's perspective ( slides ). He contrasted Korea's experience responding to MERS in 2015, and the lessons learned to mount a stronger response to COVID-19. Dr. Srinath Reddy , head of the Public Health Foundation of India and Co-Chair of SDSN’s Health for All Network, presented the experience of India, while Dr. Patrick Aboagye , Director General of the Ghana Health Service, shared Ghana's experience. As emerging economies with high levels of inequality, both presenters shared challenges with growing primary care services to be able to cope with this challenge, despite indication that incidence may be lower in these countries. The panel closed with Dr. Antoni Plasencia , Director General of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), and Co-Chair of SDSN’s Health for All Network. He shared ( slides ) the experience of European countries, particularly Spain, highlighting the high impact of COVID-19 in Spain, and it's early impact. Plasencia said the wide spread of COVID-19 by patients who were asymptomatic was an obstacle to recognizing and addressing the crisis early, and also that the de-centralized governance structure led to inequalities in response measures across space.

Our second panel looked at the steps needed to re-open the economy while also protecting public health. Ms. Mercedes Garcia Perez , Head of Global Issues and Innovation Sector at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States of America, shared what the EU has been doing. Their priorities going forward are to ensure that testing remains widespread as people slowly begin transitions back to work and school, as well as coordinating action and lessons learned across EU member states, and making sure health system capacity is maintained long-term. Dr. Ho Kee Yum , Chairman of the Experts Committee of the COVID-19 Task Force of the Korean Medical Association, spoke after on the context of Korea. He presented several key rules for preventing community outbreak, including staying home 3-4 days if sick, maintaining distance from people, and washing hands.

A third panel explored how COVID-19 responses can promote equity and reduce inequality. Dr. Valérie Schmitt , Deputy Director of the Social Protection Department at the International Labour Organization, spoke first ( slides ). Her presentation focused on the importance of social protection in ensuring COVID-19 responses "leave no one behind," emphasizing that unemployment, health insurance, food, and housing need to be accessible to all to avoid exacerbating inequalities in a crisis. Dr. Paulo Buss , Emeritus Director of Fiocruz, shared experiences from Brazil, looking at vulnerable communities including people living in informal settlements, migrants, and people in overcrowded prisons. These populations do not have access to the same preventative measures other communities do, including clean water and sanitation for hand-washing, and housing that allows for quarantining and/or isolation.

The last panel of the day looked at global economic impacts and covered a wide variety of sectors and topics. We opened with a global perspective from Dr. Martin Muhleisen , Director of the Strategy, Policy, and Review Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He presented the IMF's response, including streamlining procedures for faster lending during the emergency, as well as passing a debt-servicing standstill agreement, and helping governments with liquidity. Dr. Laurence Boone , Chief Economist at the OECD, then shared some data ( slides ) on impact, looking at steep declines in retail, trade, and construction. Boone called for greater international collaboration, especially monetary-fiscal coordination, and reallocation of resources to minimize impacts. Dr. Carlos Gadelha , Coordinator of Prospection Actions at Fiocruz, shared ( slides ) some health supply chain vulnerabilities which also affect our ability to respond, as many critical medical supplies, instruments, and devices depend on global supply chains. In particular, just 10 countries account for 88% of medical patents held, and this imbalance threatens COVID-19 response efforts in underdevelopment countries.

Dr. Phoebe Koundouri , Professor at Athens University of Economics and Business, and President-Elect of the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, looked at COVID-19's impacts on the energy sector ( slides ). She called on participants to see the crisis as an opportunity to scale up investments in renewable energy as part of post-COVID-19 economic stimulus packages. She cautioned that recovery from the 2008 financial crisis was energy and carbon intensive, and that we should learn from this past and chart a new path as the economy recovers from this current challenge. Dr. Aniket Shah , Head of ESG and Sustainability Research for the Americas at UBS Group, shared a number of key messages on financial markets. He cautioned that we are living in a highly volatile time and that we have likely not yet seen the worst of the impacts on the global economy, but that if managed carefully this could be an opportunity to accelerate some of the needed financial transitions which we have been seeing, such as better engagement with stakeholders and increased attention to broader consideration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Closing out the session Dr. Maximo Torero Cullen , Assistant Director-General for Economic and Social Development Department at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), looked at the impacts of COVID-19 on the food sector ( slides ). Fortunately, the most affected countries to date are not those that are most food insecure, although as the pandemic progresses in the coming months this is something to monitor closely. However, some areas are experiencing high increases in food prices as a result of changes in global trade, and this has the potential to exacerbate hunger. In addition, in countries where unemployment is now high, countries where low oil prices have reduced GDP, and in countries that depend heavily on remittances for income, the situation has the potential to become critical rapidly, without an appropriate response. Solutions include improving the efficiency of trade, linking smallholder farmers to markets, using strategic reserves of grain, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring social safety nets for all people.

We were unable to answer all the questions from the floor, but some of our panelists were able to answer them later by email. Please see this document for some Q&A highlights!

This session is available for on-demand viewing!

By Science Panel for the Amazon 27 Mar, 2024
The Amazon, the world's largest rainforest and river basin, faces urgent environmental challenges such as deforestation, degradation, and criminality. In response, the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA) is taking an important step to foster a better understanding of these threats and their impacts to promote participation in developing solutions. In collaboration with the SDG Academy, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the World Bank (WB), and with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), today, the SPA launched its groundbreaking massive open online course (MOOC), "The Living Amazon: Science, Cultures, and Sustainability in Practice."
By SDSN Youth 27 Mar, 2024
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network Youth Initiative (SDSN-Youth) is delighted to announce the 2024 Local Pathways Fellows (LPF) cohort. Following an exhaustive selection process, we are honoured to introduce 103 exceptional young professionals from 51 countries and 85 cities. These individuals were chosen from a highly competitive pool of 1740 applicants for this prestigious fellowship.
By SDSN China Hub and SDSN Hong Kong SAR 25 Mar, 2024
On March 15, 2024, the 3rd edition of the Universities for Goal 13 Award (UG13) Greater China Finals was held. This event was co-organized by the host institutions of SDSN China Hub and SDSN Hong Kong SAR, the Institute for Sustainable Development Goals of Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SDG Institute) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) respectively. Sponsored by Pernod Ricard China, this event took place in the Auditorium Hall of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University.
22 Mar, 2024
ABOUT SDSN The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur. ABOUT SDGS TODAY The SDSN launched SDGs Today in July 2020 at the High-Level Political Forum with support from Esri and the National Geographic Society. SDGs Today aims to advance the production and use of timely and geospatial data for the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ). The program encourages countries, institutions, and civil society members to produce, share and engage with new data sources to help ensure that we meet the Global Goals by 2030. SDGs Today provides a snapshot of the state of sustainable development around the world. The team curates and produces accessible data products packaged in interactive formats that are accessible to a wide range of users and SDG stakeholders, and works with partners to share use cases and innovative projects through storytelling, to put a human face on quantitative data. SDGs Today also supports capacity development efforts and produces educational materials and programs that help integrate a data-driven approach into sustainability-related projects and research. BACKGROUND SDGs Today is involved in various projects and workstreams focused on sustainable development. One of our current initiatives involves contributing to the development of Ages of Globalization, an innovative online course inspired by Professor Jeffrey Sachs' influential book "The Ages of Globalization." This course explores humanity's journey across the world and through time, highlighting the interconnectedness of history, driven by factors such as climate, technology, and institutions. Our team is responsible for developing geospatial data visualizations and content for lectures, lessons, and hands-on activities. We are seeking an intern who can commit 20 hours per week to support our GIS activities. POSITION SUMMARY The GIS Intern will assist in identifying relevant data sources for the project, processing and visualizing data, and creating data tools. Additionally, the intern will aid in developing hands-on activities and interactive lessons showcasing the collected data. The intern will also offer comprehensive GIS support throughout the project. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES Research data sources utilized for the project Develop visualization and spatial analysis Support with the development of GIS lessons and activities Collaborate with the broader team on GIS activities related to the project Provide overall GIS support for the project QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE Enrolled in or graduated from a bachelor's or master's degree in Geographic Information Systems or related fields 2 years of experience in GIS Advanced knowledge of spatial data and GIS Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online Strong Design, cartography, and data visualization skills Familiarity with Python and ArcGIS Arcade is most preferred but not required Technical skills in data analysis and modeling are preferred Strong research skills Strong organizational skills and efficient management of multiple tasks and priorities Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of team members Ability to adapt and effectively respond to challenging situations and deadlines IMPORTANT INFORMATION Location: The incumbent will have the opportunity to work remotely or be based at the SDSN office in New York. ​​Contract Length: April 22 - September 30, 2024 Salary Range: A student currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a Bachelor’s degree program will be paid $16/hour, while a student currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from a Master’s degree program, will be paid $19/hour. Interns may work a maximum of 29 hours per week. Reports to: Head of the SDGs Today program Work authorization: Only candidates authorized to work in the United States will be considered. SDSN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER SDSN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, and physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. APPLICATION PROCESS Please apply via HR Partner and please share 1-2 samples of work, ex. map or data visualization.
By Info 22 Mar, 2024
The fourth edition of the Global Commons Stewardship Index Report presents the most recent data on domestic impacts and transboundary spillovers on the Global Commons. Building on the latest research and modelling tools in the field of industrial ecology and environmental science as well as the recognition that this work has now begun to receive we hope this report can support the efforts made by policymakers at the global and national levels to safeguard the Global Commons. The report was launched today at the Villars Institute Summit 2024 in Switzerland.
By Info 20 Mar, 2024
This policy paper presents the results of a survey jointly conducted by the OECD, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the European Committee of the Regions on how to localize the SDGs in a changing international landscape marked by disasters and shocks.
By Info 19 Mar, 2024
ABOUT SDSN The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. SDSN is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur. ABOUT AGES OF GLOBALIZATION Embark on a thrilling educational journey with "The Ages of Globalization," a high school course that propels students through time, inspired by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs' groundbreaking book. This isn't your average history class; it's an immersive adventure that combines world history, science, geography, and technology. Picture yourself traveling to UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Sites, where storytelling and exploration bring the past to life, making history an exhilarating experience that leaps off the pages. This dynamic curriculum doesn't just aim to educate; it seeks to connect and inspire. Through interactive maps and global classroom connections, students are not just learners but explorers on a mission to understand humanity's interconnectedness. ABOUT UN AT YOUR DOORSTEP “UN at Your Doorstep” is the live-lecture component of “Ages of Globalization,” envisioned for high-school assemblies, extra-curricular activities, Model UN clubs, community NGOs, or the traditional classroom. These online lectures will offer an unprecedented opportunity for high-schoolers to directly engage with world leaders and UN officials in the fields of history, science, and sustainable development. These sessions are not just lectures but vibrant forums for dialogue and inspiration, where students can ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights. Students will be at the forefront of global discussions, adding an enriching co-curricular element to their educational journeys. ABOUT THE CONSULTANCY In this position, you will support the implementation of a dynamic curriculum that intertwines history, science, geography, and technology with live global interactions. This pivotal role involves coordinating with world-renowned experts for the live lecture series and ensuring a seamless, engaging learning experience for high schoolers worldwide. In addition, it will involve creating key communications assets, strategy documents, and fundraising materials for the program. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for education, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to foster collaborative relationships across cultures and disciplines. It is a plus if the candidate has prior experience developing curriculum, teaching, and/or working directly with school administrators in international settings. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact the next generation of global thinkers and leaders. RESPONSIBILITIES 35% Administration, Fundraising, and Partnerships Liaise with all programmatic teams & partners, from SDGs Today, the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), the SDSN Communications team, the SDSN Administrative teams, Mission 4.7 partners, and the Global Schools Program on programmatic updates; Support the Global Schools Director with coordination and administrative tasks for the Ages of Globalization program; Support the Global Schools Director in the development of a roll-out plan for Ages of Globalization; Design pitch-decks and other key assets for UN at Your Doorstep and support in finding sponsors for the program; Support the Global Schools Director with following up on fundraising leads for the Ages of Globalization Program; Conduct partnership scoping and outreach for partners/schools joining the program, including targeted calls, emails, outreach at events/conferences, LOIs and/or MoUs; Establish partnerships with key educational influencers to raise awareness of the course through their channels. 40% UN at Your Doorstep Program Support Develop draft syllabi for the UN at Your Doorstep Program that includes proposed speakers/world leaders; Manage invitations, outreach, and communications with high-level speakers and partners; Prepare content for the AoG website on UN at Your Doorstep, according to the AoG style guide; Develop project-based curricular templates and assessment rubrics for students participating in the UN at Your Doorstep program; Gather permission forms and photo release forms from teachers, students, and/or parents; Maintain all email communications for the UN at Your Doorstep program, liaising with teachers, schools, and parents, using software such as mail merge and mailchimp; Work closely with Professor Sachs’ executive assistants to schedule time for UN at Your Doorstep sessions; Design program certificates and gather signatures from speakers; Design instructional guidelines for teachers/schools/parents participating in the program, including an onboarding video for the program; knowledge of child development and safeguarding considered a plus; Develop M&E mechanisms, as well as surveys, for program participants; conduct data analysis for the program; Gather photos and testimonials of the program, and feature these on the Global Schools/SDSN/Mission 4.7 blog, social media, and/or in news outlets 25% Communications Work with the SDSN Communications Team to shape a dedicated communications strategy for the AOG course and UN at Your Doorstep Program; Provide timely feedback and updates on the AoG website to ensure targeted content to key audiences and assist with website analytics as necessary; Work with the SDSN Communications team to craft and refine key messages to ensure course uptake across targeted stakeholders and geographic areas; Support the CSD team’s efforts in generating lists of target audience members (Ministries, school boards, principals, etc) and lead outreach; Build an events strategy into the communications plan, targeting key education conferences and workshops; Develop a promotional kit and assets for the course that are tailored to target audience members including a flyer, slide deck, social cards, etc; Work with the SDSN Communications team to map a robust digital communications strategy across social media and email to increase awareness of and enrollment in the course through video trailers, dedicated emails, and graphics; Build and maintain relationships with key communications partners including Columbia University Press, UNESCO, and the Ban Ki-Moon Center to cross-collaborate on outreach and communications efforts; Draft and develop regular mailings for target audiences with information on the course, including supporting the growth of the AOG’s mailing list; Create regular short-form content for the AOG’s social media and other digital channels leading up to the course launch, both owned and external. QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Professional fluency in English required; other languages are considered a plus; Exceptional writing, drafting, and oral communications skills required; Masters degree in education; communications; sustainability; project management; teaching; child development; and/or related field; Experience with curriculum development and/or teaching in a primary/secondary school setting is strongly preferred; Project management experience strongly preferred; Adept at communications and administrative software, such as word; excel; powerpoint; Graphic design, marketing; and communications experience strongly preferred; experience with video editing looked upon favorably; Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple teams and time zones; Proactive and willing to take initiative, leadership skills required; Ability to engage with high-level UN officials and leaders in a professional and timely manner. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Location: The position reports to the SDSN Office in New York City, but the candidate can be remote/virtual in another location Travel: Requires occasional domestic and/or international travel (up to 10%) Contract Type: Full Time Contract Length: Consultancy (7-months), May 1 to November 30th, with possibility of extension Benefits: SDSN team members have the opportunity to follow very stimulating discussions on sustainable development. As part of their work, team members have the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the world's leading sustainability leaders - professors, economists, best-selling authors, educators and academics. Additionally, the SDSN team is made up of bright and dynamic sustainability professionals from different countries and backgrounds. With this unique exposure and environment, every SDSN member can learn and grow while doing the work they love and contributing to making a positive impact. Reports to: Reports jointly to the Global Schools Director and SDSN’s Head of Communications & External Relations SDSN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER SDSN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, and physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter on the HR Partner platform until April 19th, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. In addition, please include 2-3 references, with contact information. Finally, please include a proposal with your required budget for full-time engagement for 7-months on the tasks described in this document. Budgets are subject to approval. Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
By SDSN Black Sea 19 Mar, 2024
SDSN Black Sea members discussed strategic regional collaboration across the 12 countries of the network
By SDSN 14 Mar, 2024
The SDSN has launched an 'Employee Spotlight Campaign' to showcase the passion and expertise of our staff. This employee spotlight showcases Managing Director of the SDG Academy, Amber Webb!
By SDSN Japan 14 Mar, 2024
On March 1st, 2024, Keio University SFC Research Institute xSDG Lab and the United Nations University, with the support of the Japan Foundation, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Japan, co-hosted a symposium titled GSDR 2023: "Accelerating Transformative Actions: The Role of the Private Sector in Sustainable Development."
Show More
Share by: