Science for a Sustainable Future

Science for a Sustainable Future is a joint initiative of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) and Springer Nature. Now in its fourth year, the event brought together policymakers, government representatives, UN officials and leading global scientists to discuss and advance the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In April 2023 we hosted three webinars on topics such as energy and science communication, energy and social justice, as well as energy and the transition to net zero. Watch the webinars on-demand below and hear from the panellists as they reflect on their key takeaways from each session. Discover the key policy recommendations needed to achieve SDG7 that were identified during the series, by downloading our Policy Brief: Delivering Clean, Affordable Energy For All, on the right hand side of this page.

Policy Brief: Delivering Clean, Affordable Energy For All

Energy in the transition to Net Zero

Energy and Social Justice in the Global South

Energy and Science Communications

Reflections from our Expert Panelists

Lessons from COVID-19 for Climate Change

Download the white paper

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that the world is capable of acting with urgency to tackle crises on a global scale. It has demonstrated that the focused and coordinated efforts of global experts can lead to rapid and radical changes to address an emerging threat – for example in global mobility, ways of working, and medical advances.

It also highlighted the crucial importance of tackling misinformation, demonstrated that individual behaviors can benefit society collectively, and shown how structural inequalities predetermine who is most affected and how - all issues that have clear parallels to the climate crisis.

This white paper explores the development of strategies through an interdisciplinary approach to motivate behaviour change, tackle misinformation and address inequality in times of crises.

Lessons from COVID-19 for Climate Change

Learning from Crises - from COVID to Climate

On November 1 2021, Springer Nature and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) brought experts together from across industries and disciplines for a virtual event to coincide with climate conference COP26.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that the world can act with urgency to tackle the biggest crises; it has demonstrated that the focused and coordinated efforts of global experts can lead to radical changes in global mobility, economies, and entirely new vaccines. It has also highlighted the crucial importance of tackling misinformation and motivated ignorance, encouraging individual behaviours that benefit society collectively, and shown how structural inequalities dictate who is most affected - issues with clear parallels to the climate crisis. How can the lessons from the covid-19 global emergency inform climate action?

Watch the recording now

2nd Annual Science for a Sustainable Future Conference - Watch the recordings

Springer Nature and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) hosted their second annual virtual conference on science for a sustainable future on October 5th 2021. This global virtual conference brought together policymakers, government representatives, UN officials, as well as leading scientists from around the world to discuss the role of science in achieving the SDGs. The conference included opening remarks by Nature editor in chief Magdalena Skipper, a conversation between Scientific American editor in chief Laura Helmuth and President of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Jeffrey Sachs as well as panels on the topics of Food Systems, Climate Finance and Universal Health.

You can watch the recordings below.

Harnessing Science for a Sustainable Future – Watch the recordings and download the white paper

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about mass global disruption and presented a significant setback to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, it has also paved the way for more science-informed decision-making, enabling the research, scientific, and policy communities to join together like never before, and proving the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to combating the crisis, developing effective policies, and accelerating innovation.

On May 3, 2021, on the sidelines of the UN Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation, Springer Nature and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) hosted a special virtual debate on how to bridge the divide between the research and policy communities to accelerate innovation on the SDGs and build resiliency post COVID-19. The debate also drew on insights from a new white paper (available for download to the right) on how to foster greater collaboration and inclusive problem-solving between these communities.

You can tune into the event below.

First Annual Science for a Sustainable Future Conference – Oct 8 2020 – Watch the recordings

You can tune into each of the individual sessions below.

About SDSN

SDSN-logo-standard The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was established in 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society.

Visit the SDSN website here.