How can policymakers and scientists accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?

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IIASA researchers have helped identify three focus areas at the intersection of science and policy that can drive transformative action to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their priorities include leveraging SDG synergies, modeling long-term policy impacts, and co-developing tools with relevant stakeholders.
At the recent Future Summit, world leaders agreed to take bold, ambitious, just and transformative steps to achieve the SDGs. To make this agreement actionable, a group of 50 researchers and policymakers collaborated as part of a recent workshop led by the University of Groningen to develop scientific and We have summarized the main focuses at the policy interface.
Their findings are summarized in a paper published in the journal Nature Communications, co-authored by IIASA scientists Caroline Zimm and Samir KC, and Klaus Hubacek, professor at the University of Groningen and visiting researcher at IIASA.
“Achieving sustainable development requires expanding our understanding of the interrelationships between human behavior, society and the environment,” Jim explains.
“Systems thinking is key to ensuring we can navigate those interconnections, and incorporating it with evidence-based solutions not only addresses immediate threats, but also helps people and the planet.” We can design policies that create long-term benefits for both parties and help solve some of the most complex global challenges we face today.”
Main findings
First, experts call for actionable strategies that can help navigate the complex interactions between the various SDGs and develop coherent, systemic solutions that align economic, social, and environmental goals. . Identifying potential synergies that can help address multiple SDGs simultaneously is key to accelerating progress.
Second, scientific models can be used to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs and analyze the long-term impact of policies. These models can help design forward-looking strategies and identify additional measures needed to achieve the SDGs. Experts call for further development of the SDG model and its use in policy making.
Third, experts need tools to support the implementation of the SDGs, as various tools can translate scientific findings from SDG interactions and models into practical solutions for policy makers. It claims to support co-development with stakeholders. These tools facilitate the monitoring and optimization of SDG processes and support integrated planning and decision-making.
However, experts emphasize that such tools have so far been poorly developed and could be further refined to include stakeholder-specific actions.
“Our three-fold focus provides policymakers with the means to realize the integrated and indivisible nature of the SDGs,” said lead author Prajal Pradhan, assistant professor at the University of Groningen.
“By understanding the complex interactions between the various SDGs, we can develop coherent strategies that balance economic, social and environmental goals.”
“Understanding how the SDGs interact is critical to designing strategies that advance multiple SDGs simultaneously and ensuring that efforts in one area do not conflict with progress in another,” Zimm added. Ta.
“At the same time, knowing the needs of all stakeholders involved in the policy-making process and using cutting-edge tools to address them will help accelerate progress and navigate the complexities associated with policy-making. ” SDGs. ”
Need to address trade-offs and enhance collaboration
One of the key challenges highlighted in this article is addressing trade-offs, such as balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability. Experts provide policymakers with guidelines for navigating these tradeoffs and help them develop sustainable and equitable strategies.
This article also highlights the need for collaboration and inclusivity. Successful implementation of the SDGs requires input from diverse stakeholders, including scientists, policy makers, and local communities. Experts are calling for more inclusive decision-making processes that incorporate these perspectives to produce better, more sustainable outcomes.
“Advances in understanding the interactions between society, the economy, and the environment are an important outcome of the SDGs,” said co-author Nina Weitz, senior research fellow at the Stockholm Institute for the Environment.
“As we approach the post-2030 agenda, leaders must leverage this knowledge and prioritize scientific evidence to ensure effective and integrated solutions are delivered,” she concludes. I am.
Further information: Prajal Pradhan et al., Three foci at the science-policy interface for accelerating systemic sustainable development goals, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52926-x
Provided by International Applied Systems Analysis Institute
Citation: How can policymakers and scientists accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals? (October 17, 2024) https://phys.org/news/2024-10-policymakers Retrieved October 17, 2024 from -scientists-sustainable-goals.html
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