On Wednesday, 4th of April, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDNS) organized the online event ‘How to strengthen the EU Leadership on the SDGs – Civil Society’s and Experts’ Contribution to the UN HLPF and beyond‘, which took place at the EESC headquarters in Brussels.
The workshop aimed to discuss priorities to strengthen the European Union’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) leadership in achieving climate neutrality and sustainable development, both at home and internationally, ahead of major international summits – including the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July, and the SDG Summit in New York in September.
Participants shared their thoughts on how the EU leadership can ensure meaningful involvement of civil society; continue to mobilize stakeholders, scientists, and practitioners over the next seven years; advance the SDGs in Europe and globally.
Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, in her capacity as co-Chair of SDSN Europe, was invited to moderate the panel discussion on “Academic Contributions: Systemic Solutions for wicked challenges”
Speakers:
- Kirsten Dunlop, CEO, EIT Climate-KIC
- Margaretha Breil, Senior Researcher, Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (IT)
- Hannah Arpke, European Projects Coordinator, Fundacio Eurecat
- Lydia Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia, Programme Director, KWR
- Sevim Aktas, Policy Officer, DG Climate Action, European Commission
An outcome document will be prepared based on the main conclusions of the meeting, which will aim to support informed discussions on SDG priorities for the EU at HLPF, the SDG Summit in 2023, and the Summit of the Future in 2024. The document will also provide concrete recommendations to accelerate action on the SDGs and foster structured engagement with civil society by the current and next European Parliament and European Commission (following the May 2024 elections).
Learn more here
