The panel discussed raising the level of ambition on climate action and how these efforts can go hand-in-hand with implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are at a critical point in time, where we have a 10-year frame window to fundamentally change the development pathway globally. It is very positive that more actors are recognizing the need to look at urgent climate transitions and the SDGs together, so we don’t undermine either set of goals,” says Åsa Persson.
Photo: Aina Virginia Bituin Eriksson / SEI
The panel included SEI Deputy Director Åsa Persson, Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former head of the UNDP, Inger Buxton, Deputy Head of Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and Karin Isaksson, Senior Policy Specialist Environment and Climate, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida),
Other notable guests include the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation, Peter Eriksson, HE Ambassador Andrew Jenks, and HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
Ms Clark was firm in her belief that while it was the UN’s role to develop the framework countries need to take responsibility to drive agendas. The UN also has a role in providing reporting at country level, making it possible for countries to scrutinise other’s progress. When asked about what Sweden needs to be doing, Ms Clark responded simply, “keep going”.
