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Journal article

Three foci at the science-policy interface for systemic Sustainable Development Goal acceleration

part of SEI and the Sustainable Development Goals

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Journal article

Three foci at the science-policy interface for systemic Sustainable Development Goal acceleration

This article in Nature Communications highlights the trade-offs in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. The experts provide policymakers with guidelines for navigating these trade-offs, helping them create sustainable and equitable strategies.

Nina Weitz, Therese Bennich, Henrik Carlsen / Published on 10 October 2024

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Citation

Pradhan, P., Weitz, N., Daioglou, V., Abrahão, G., Alle, C., Ambrosio, G., Arp, F., Asif, F., Bennich, T., Benton, T., Biermann, F., Cao, M., Carlsen, H., Chen, F., Chen, M., Daams, M., Dawes, J., ... & Zimm, C. (2024). Three foci at the science-policy interface for systemic sustainable development goal acceleration. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52926-x  

In the Summit of the Future, held on 22-23 September 2024, world leaders agreed to take bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative actions to achieve the SDGs. An international group of experts offers three foci at the science-policy interface to implement this agreement in Nature Communications.

The article is based on a workshop led by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, with more than 50 participants from various countries representing researchers and policymakers. One of the key challenges highlighted in the article is addressing trade-offs, such as balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

In addition to providing guidelines for navigating these trade-offs for creating sustainable and equitable strategies, the researchers also stress the need for collaboration and inclusivity. Successful implementation of the SDGs requires input from diverse stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers and local communities. The experts call for more inclusive decision-making processes incorporating these perspectives to create better, more sustainable outcomes.

While the 2030 deadline for the SDGs is fast approaching, the experts also offer a long-term vision, providing policymakers with insights that go beyond 2030. By planning for the challenges and opportunities that will arise after 2030, policymakers can ensure that sustainable development efforts continue in the decades to come. As a contribution to implementing agreements at the Summit of the Future, the three foci equip policymakers with new insights to accelerate SDG progress. By embracing these foci, governments worldwide can ensure a safer, more sustainable, and equitable future. The experts call for urgent, systemic action as the window to meet the 2030 goals narrows.

First focus: create actionable strategies to navigate the complex interactions between the SDGs and develop coherent, systemic solutions that align economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Second focus: utilizing scientific models can facilitate the implementation of the SDGs.

Third focus: various tools can translate scientific findings from SDG interactions and models into practical solutions for policymakers.

For details, read the paper in Nature Communications.

Read the paper

Open access

SEI authors

Nina Weitz
Nina Weitz

Team Leader: Global Goals and Systems; Senior Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

Therese Bennich
Therese Bennich

Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

Henrik Carlsen
Henrik Carlsen

Senior Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

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