Blog Post

SDSN at the 2022 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)

Maëlle Voil • Jun 27, 2022

SDSN and our networks are hosting a number of events alongside the UN's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). We are thrilled to invite you to join us at the following events, which SDSN is hosting or are organized by our partners.

>>> Be sure to check you local time here!

International Spillover Effects and Their Impact on SDG Achievement Across Countries

Date: Tuesday, 5 July 2022
Time:07:00 to 08:00 a.m. (EST) / 13:00 to 14:00 (CEST)
Place: Online Event
>>> View the recording of the event on our YouTube channel.
>>> Download the presentation of the event

The side event to the HLPF 2022 on International Spillover Effects, organized by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the GIZ project “Supporting the SDSN” on behalf of BMZ, invites you to familiarize yourself with the latest research on spillover data and policies in the context of the SDGs and to participate actively along leading experts and researchers of SDSN and OECD.

In a globalized and interconnected world, actions of one country can have positive or negative impacts on other countries concerning their ability to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ‘Spillover Effects’ exemplify the urgency for global responsibility and partnership as well as for coherent and integrated international policies. Outlining how many social and environmental problems are being systematically passed on to countries in the Global South, international spillovers can include greenhouse gas emissions that result in polar melt and rising seas, and which threaten to submerge whole countries and coastal communities around the world. That same dynamic applies to a tolerance for poor labor standards in international supply chains that harm the poor, particularly women, in many countries of the Global South.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Ingolf Dietrich, Commissioner for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
  • Including interventions from Salma Dahir and Zach Wendling, from the Sustainable Development Solutions Network's (SDSN) index team
  • Carina Lindberg, Policy Analyst at the OECD’s Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development Unit
  • Moderated by: Emily Johnston, Co-Founder and CEO at Unity Effect


Transformative Education, Digital Learning, and Partnerships toward a more Sustainable and Equitable Future
Date: Tuesday, 5 July 2022
Time:02:00 to 03:45 p.m. (EST) / 20:00 to 21:45 p.m. (CEST)
Place: Online
Registration

The workshop is specifically focused on SDG 4, which is under review at the High Level Political Forum 2022 (HLPF). Transforming education is an umbrella term that encompasses the common objectives and methodologies of the types of education outlined in SDG Target 4.7, including education for sustainable development, global citizenship education, environmental education, human rights education, among others. Working towards a more equitable and sustainable future requires the international community to prioritize transformative education, and the HLPF is a global event to monitor and review progress on commitments to SDG 4. Therefore, this session will also allow participants and speakers to dive into: 1. What we need to continue doing 2. What we need to invent 3. What we should abandon, and 4. How to transform education ( UNESCO Futures of Education Report ). Finally, links will be drawn to connect this session with the UNESCO Higher World Higher Education Conference 2022 this past May as well as the Transformative Education Summit to be held in September 2022.

Panelists:


  • Moderation: Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General, IAU, France
  • Global Schools: Amanda Abrom, Program Manager, Global Schools, US, & Patrick Paul Walsh, Director, SDG Academy, Ireland.
  • My World Mexico: Abigail Martinez Renteria, #SDGAction Mentorship Programme Deputy Coordinator, MY World Mexico & Postgraduate Researcher at UEA UNESCO Chair in Adult Literacy and Learning for Social Transformation, University of East Anglia, UK.
  • IAU: Youth Representative, Sherine Omondi, Global Student Forum, Kenya
  • YorkU: Helen Balderama, Director, Global Engagement Programs & Partnerships, York International , and Charles Hopkins, UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Toward Sustainability , York University, Canada


A Green and Inclusive Recovery for the Amazon
Date:Thursday, 7 July 2022
Time: 13:00 to 14:30 (EST) / 19:00 - 20:30 (CEST)
Place: Online
Registration

The Amazon is one of the regions most affected by the COVID-19 crisis and has also long been approaching a tipping point of no return. The Amazon's ecosystem services are threatened, which could lead to major humanitarian and environmental crises, including future pandemics and catastrophic global climate change impacts. This event will highlight how the Amazon has been affected and discuss potential solutions to build resilience, avoid future pandemics, avoid irreversible tipping points and advance sustainable development pathways—including restoration, investments in science, technology, innovation, and bioeconomy.

Launch of the Benin Sustainable Development Report ( Interprétation en français lors de l’évènement )
Date:Wednesday, 13 July 2022
Time:7:30 to 09:00 a.m. (EST) / 13:30 - 15:00 (CEST)
Place: Online
>>> View the recording of the event on our YouTube channel.

The presentation of the SDSN report on Benin will provide an opportunity to discuss effective policies and best practices in financing the SDGs and their role as an appropriate channel to reach beneficiary populations more quickly.
This report is an important tool for decision-makers committed to a safe, coherent and progressive approach to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda of the SDGs. More specifically, the session will:

  • Present Benin's starting point including the state of play on the SDG indicators and targets, their trend, policies and progress;
  • Share Benin's practice and experience in issuing bonds to finance high-impact projects to achieve the SDGs;
  • Promote a high-level dialogue on the development of the green, social and sustainable bond market and the innovative financing solutions that developing countries need to implement their policies;
  • Discuss effective policies used by countries to ensure coherent implementation of the 2030 Agenda of the SDGs.


Financing for Sustainable Development in Vulnerable Countries
Date:Wednesday, 13 July 2022
Time:7:30 to 9:00 a.m. (EST) / 13:30 to 15:00 (CEST)
Place: Online
>>> View the recording of the event on our YouTube channel.

After two years of the pandemic, and in the midst of multiple international crises, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is at risk globally. Achieving the SDGs requires significant investments on human capital, physical infrastructure, and environmental protection. Nevertheless, many countries in the world still struggle to mobilize the financing needed to achieve the SDGs.

This event will bring together government and United Nations (UN) officials, as well as representatives of International Financial Institutions (IFIs), civil society and academia, to discuss the issue of financing to take concrete actions for the SDGs. The UN Resident Coordinator of Samoa and SDSN will debate on the role of public expenditure for achieving the SDGs and on the relevance of measuring the scale of financing that countries need to achieve the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda. Representatives of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and other international organizations are expected to engage in a conversation on how they can help expand financing for the SDGs, while government officials will share their experience on the use of innovative financing mechanisms such as SDG bonds and blue bonds. The role of private finance in promoting sustainable development will also be discussed.

By SDSN Kenya 28 Mar, 2024
On 25 March 2024, SDSN Kenya joined WRI Africa and other Kenyan partner organizations in co-hosting an interactive workshop and debate format entitled: ‘Carbon Markets: Which Way for Kenya? A Carbon Markets Clinic and Debate’. The full-day event was hosted at Strathmore University in Nairobi, a local SDSN network member institution, ahead of an official Carbon Markets Conference organized by the Kenyan government on 26-27 March. Close to 200 participants were in attendance with leading experts and practitioners from the Nairobi Climate Network, Aspen Initiative, Green Belt Movement, Climate Action Platform-Africa (CAP-A), as well as community and civil society leaders throughout Kenya. In addition to bringing in Kenyan climate and development researchers from the SDSN Kenya network , we were able to facilitate the active involvement of Kenyan ‘carbon’ farmers through contacts of the SDSN FELD (Food, Environment, Land and Development) Programme. These farmers are members of the vast TIST network that links more than 100,000 Kenyan farmers across 5,000 villages with regular payments from global carbon markets for more than a decade. A representative of TIST actively joined the discussion panel to present on the everyday experience of her fellow farmers with already existing carbon market mechanisms – an important practical contribution on what unfortunately is often a controversial, polarized, and abstract issue in Kenyan development discussions. To stimulate vivid debate, expert-led clinic sessions that explained key issues in carbon markets were followed by an Oxford-style debate in the late afternoon. Key issues raised during the event include: Carbon credits and their role in the pursuit of climate commitments under the Paris Agreement to reach “Net Zero”; Carbon pricing mechanisms and controversies around them; Carbon trading transaction costs and project finance; Land ownership and its implications for carbon markets; Inclusivity, benefits sharing, and community safeguarding; Current concerns around integrity, transparency, and the pervasiveness of corporate greenwashing; and Kenya’s legal and policy provisions regulating carbon trading, and their effectiveness. Carbon markets continue to garner significant interest in Kenya, where the government is currently developing a ‘Carbon Credit Trading and Benefit Sharing Bill’. This full day of civil society and expert-led discussions with stakeholders from across the spectrum in Kenya demonstrated both the demand and the importance of bringing complex development and financing issues to a broader audience, alongside government meetings. SDSN is grateful to its partners in Kenya, especially WRI Africa and the FOLU Coalition Kenya Platform, and its funders at the Robert Bosch Stiftung for their support and partnership.
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!
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