SDSN Hosts Pre-Summit of the Future Event at UNGA 2024 and Climate Week
As world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) high-level week and the Summit of the Future, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is set to host a series of high-profile events. The flagship event, the High-Level Pre-Summit of the Future, will take place on 20th and 21st September 2024, held both at Columbia University and online, coinciding with Climate Week.
SDSN, one of the largest global knowledge network for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), plays a critical role in bringing together universities, think tanks, and research institutions worldwide. It works to identify innovative solutions to pressing sustainable development challenges. SDSN mobilises scientific research, policy expertise, and international collaboration to support the achievement of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.
The network operates across six continents and includes over 1,900 member institutions, predominantly universities. These are coordinated through 57 National and Regional Networks, which tackle sustainability issues specific to their local contexts. Through education, research, and policy analysis, SDSN is a vital player in global efforts to address climate change, poverty, inequality, and other critical issues.
Focus of the Pre-Summit Event
The Pre-Summit of the Future aims to address key global concerns such as sustainable development financing, education for a peaceful and sustainable future, and global peace and security. The event's diverse agenda reflects the SDSN’s broad scope of work, touching on climate action, ethics, digital futures, and youth empowerment.
Key sessions:
- Financing the Future will explore innovative strategies for sustainable development financing. Keynote speaker Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, will be joined by a panel of experts from local government and development institutions.
- Reimagining Education for Peaceful and Sustainable Futures will feature the launch of Ages of Globalization, with contributions from UNESCO representatives and global education advocates.
- Another session, Turning the Tide, will focus on the ethical and practical dimensions of global peace and security. High-profile speakers include Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, and key figures from international diplomacy.
- The Future of Energy will present discussions on advancing sustainable energy and the global transition towards greener energy sources. Speakers include His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho and key UN officials.
- A discussion on the intersection of Science Fiction and Climate Action will feature Kim Stanley Robinson, author of The Ministry for the Future, a novel that explores future climate crises and their solutions.
Youth and innovation in focus
SDSN places significant emphasis on youth engagement and education. The final session of the event, Empowering Youth and Future Generations, will spotlight initiatives that promote meaningful youth involvement in sustainable development. Awards will also be presented for innovative youth-led solutions to SDG challenges, with the Siemens Gamesa Award being a highlight.
Global cooperation for sustainable futures
SDSN's Pre-Summit of the Future exemplifies the network’s commitment to fostering cooperation between knowledge institutions, governments, and the private sector. The discussions held during these two days will contribute to shaping policies for the Summit of the Future, where world leaders will deliberate on transforming global governance in line with the evolving needs of sustainable development.
This event underscores SDSN’s leading role in advancing global action towards achieving the SDGs, showcasing the power of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time.
More information: https://www.unsdsn.org/