Blog Post

SDSN at the 2022 UN General Assembly (UNGA)

SDSN Secretariat • Aug 18, 2022

 

SDSN hosted a variety of events alongside the 2022 UNGA. Below you'll find summaries and event recordings.

 


The Lancet COVID-19 Commission Report Launch

 

September 15, 2022, 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT | Watch the recording
Virtual

Coinciding with this year’s 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA),
The Lancet COVID-19 Commission, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University convened a launch event where leading public health and global governance experts of the Commission discussed the final report of the COVID-19 Commission and key findings from two years of research. The findings covered the conceptual framework for understanding pandemics set forward by the Commission and the chronology of the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnoses of the various global, regional, and national successes and failures in the COVID-19 response, and urgent steps that should be taken to increase global resilience to future pandemics and other global health shocks.

 


The Amazon We Want: Science-Based Pathways for a Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Amazon

 

September 15, 2022, 1:45 - 3:15pm EDT | Watch the recording
In-Person:
Scandinavia House, New York, NY

In light of the 77 UNGA focus of “International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development”, the Science Panel for the Amazon (
SPA ) gathered to cover the state of the Amazon since the launch of the landmark Amazon Assessment Report at COP26, what is at stake with the loss of the Amazon, and the Western and Indigenous scientific solutions offered in the report that can catalyze sustainable development in the region and beyond.

 


Accelerating the rule of law and scaling sustainable development to end deforestation in the Amazon Basin

 

September 15, 2022, 09:30-­11:00 AM EDT

 

Bahá’í International Community’s Conference Room on 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY

 

 

On behalf of the Igarapé Institute and the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA) , this panel explored innovative solutions to end deforestation in the Amazon. The event focused on approaches to accelerate the rule of law and scale sustainable development solutions in the world's largest tropical biome and for the people who live there.

 


The Amazon as a Bioeconomy Superpower: Investing in Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development

 

September 16, 2022, 2:00 - 4:00pm EDT | Watch the recording
In-Person:
Scandinavia House , New York, NY

The aim of this session was to create awareness on the potential for a bioeconomy of standing forests and flowing rivers in the Amazon, leveraged by investments in science, technology, and innovation as called for in SDG 9. More specifically, this session aimed to leverage the importance of:(i) investing in education, science, research, technology, and innovation; (ii) creating fiscal and financial incentives to engage the private sector and multilateral institutions in innovation and sustainable value chains; (iii) promoting green job creation and capacity building; (iv) investing in rural, urban, and peri-urban sustainable infrastructure.

 


UNESCO Open Education Resource (OER) Recommendation within Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships

 

[Official Side Event of the UN Transforming Education Summit]

 

September 17, 2022, 16:30 - 18:00 EDT

 In-person: United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY | Room CR4

This session announced actions and investments by stakeholder partners to implement the UNESCO OpenEducation Resource (OER) Recommendation in support of education for sustainable development (ESD).

The International Commission on the Futures of Education recognizes that OERs are also essential for supporting educators, students and young professionals on their ESD teaching and learning journeys.

This session demonstrated the importance of creating Diamond OERs that are hosted in Findable,Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) Open Educational Resources Repositories (OERRs) that can be used in ESD and training at any stage of life, in any corner of the planet. Our initiative is to create education resources for sustainable development that are free, openly licensed, easily accessed and can be repurposed. This global repository of quality OER is essential if education is to be truly a Global Public Good.

Diamond Open Access refers to scholarly digital materials and platforms, shared under Creative Commons licences, that do not charge fees to either creators or users of content. Diamond partnerships work together to create and deliver content (owned under a creative commons license) to serve a fine-grained variety of multilingual, and multicultural communities of educators and practitioners.

It is an ambitious large scale initiative that includes governments, members of Mission 4.7, UN AcademicImpact, the UN Headquarters’ Library (network), OER Dynamic Coalition, UNESCO, the InternationalFederation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Creative Commons, and the Private Sector. Each partner adds unique value to a multi-stakeholder ‘Diamond’ partnership that can implement the OERRecommendation in practical terms. Our approach builds in sustainability, incentives and quality standards across the stakeholder partnership. Our gender, age, stakeholder and geographic diversity of partners, that includes youth representation, is excellent.


Ministerial Panel: Transforming Education for Prosperity, People and the Planet

 

September 18, 2022, 12:00 - 1:00pm EDT | Watch the recording
Virtual

 

To contribute to the UN Transforming Education Summit, Mission 4.7 convened Ministers of Education who joined a special Ministerial Panel to highlight their work and commitment towards making SDG 4.7 a reality. The panel showcased the good practices in countries that are leading the global conversation on transformative education.

 

The event began with keynote addresses by Mission 4.7 Patron and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education and Mission 4.7 Co-Chair Stefania Giannini.

 

Participating ministers included:

 

  • Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education, Ghana
  • Li Andersson, Minister of Education, Finland
  • Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Belize (TBC)
  • H.E. Niki Kerameus, Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Greece (TBC)
  • Hon. Agnes NyaLonje, Minister of Education, Malawi

 

The panel was moderated by Dina Buchbinder, Founder and President of Education for Sharing, and member of the Mission 4.7 Education Task Force.

 

Jeffrey Sachs, Columbia University Professor, SDSN President, and Mission 4.7 Co-Chair, delivered concluding remarks.

 


Deepening the Impact of Education for Sustainable Development through Social Emotional Learning and Happiness

 

September 18, 2022, 1:00 - 2:00pm EDT | Watch the recording
Virtual

 

The Global Happiness Council Education Policy Briefs give us the space to re-imagine education to support psychosocial well-being of learners and educators as a foundation for effective teaching and learning.

 

The panel “Deepening the Impact of ESD through Social Emotional Learning and Happiness” took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and the inaugural Transforming Education Summit, convened in response to the global crisis in education. The panel was co-hosted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), The World Happiness Report and Wall’s Ice Cream.

 

Panelists discussed the Education Brief of the Happiness Council to encourage countries and Ministers of Education to urgently prioritize strategies within education that take a more holistic approach and focus on learner mental health, well-being, and skills for resilience. The discussion also built on the topics shared in the Ministerial Panel in the previous session as well as recent research produced by the World Happiness Report in partnership with Wall’s Ice Cream. The panel discussed opportunities and holistic strategies to impact the resilience, mental health and wellbeing of every child and learner.

 

By bringing together policy interventions, practical strategies and evidence-based approaches, the event explored how social connection is a key driver for happiness and improved well-being, and a crucial player in achieving SDG 4.7.

 

Agenda

 

Opening Remarks: Jeffrey D. Sachs – University Professor, Colombia, Special Advisor to the UN

Moderator: Alison Bellwood , Founder and Executive Director, World’s Largest Lesson at Project Everyone

 

Panellists:

 

  • Dr. Lara Aknin – Editor, World Happiness Report; Professor and Lab Director, Helping and Happiness Lab, Simon Fraser University
  • Lisa Vortsman – Marketing Director, Good Humour (Wall’s Ice Cream)
  • Louka Parry – Founder and CEO, The Learning Future & Founding Member, Karanga

 

Key panel discussion points included:

 

  1. What is the role of happiness in development and progress, and why should it be used as an indicator and measure for economic growth?
  2. Social & Emotional Learning: why it matters and how it impacts ESD
  3. What are some effective Social-Emotional-Learning strategies that you have seen being employed in schools that have impacted the lives of the learners?
  4. What is your one key message to the Ministers of Education that they need to consider in their post-pandemic recovery efforts to support children and learners in schools?
  5. What are some of your personal COVID19 lessons on education that you would like to take forward to improve education design and delivery?
  6. What is the role of corporate institutions in supporting education for wellbeing and learner needs?

 


International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD)

 

September 19-20, 2022 | Watch the recordings
Virtual

The 10th International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) took place online from September 19-20, 2022. The event brought together 1,463 participants from 164 different countries to discuss celebrate A Decade of ICSD. The two day conference hosted 42 different sessions across multiple time zones to accommodate our global audience, with 190 oral presenters and 198 poster presenters.

 


Energy Transition Showcase: Costa Rica, Brazil, and United States

 

September 21, 2022, 10:00 - 11:30am EDT
Virtual
 

Land use policies impact every aspect of the transition to zero greenhouse emissions, including: siting of renewable energy, next generation biofuels, reforestation, etc. The complexity of policy choices in this area will require new efforts at RDD&D, new inter-agency planning, and enhanced cooperation. This panel explored these questions, as well as what is needed to enact policy to bring about the energy transition.


Speakers

  • Grace Wu, UC Berkeley
  • Emily Leslie, Montara Mountain Energy
  • Jamil Farbes, Evolved Energy Research

 

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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.
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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.
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