SDSN USA members and partners met last week to discuss “America in 2020: Mobilizing for a Decade of Sustainable Development.” This two-day event featured discussions on deep decarbonization; metrics and indicators for universities, cities, and states; lessening hunger; education and curriculum for sustainable development; localizing the goals; and more. The meeting included ample opportunity for networking and brainstorming, culminating in an invitation to contribute to SDSN’s US Deep Decarbonization Plan and commitments for exploratory working groups in four areas of activity: (1) Hunger in the United States; (2) Indigenous Science; (3) University Metrics & Reporting on the SDGs; and (4) SDGs and Curriculum.
The meeting opened with a warm welcome from hosts and co-directors of George Mason University’s Institute for a Sustainable Earth, Aurali Dade and Tom Lovejoy, who highlighted GMU’s emphasis on inclusive excellence and the Arlington campus and communities’ commitment to a just and sustainable world, including a net-zero elementary school! SDSN Director and SDSN USA co-chair Jeff Sachs opened his remarks at the conference focusing on how the US is behind on the SDGs. He expressed hope in the power of the US network of researchers and universities in making real progress in the next 10 years. Co-chair Dan Esty emphasized that there are both challenges and opportunities to combat climate change. He spoke about the value of holding both of these ideas at the same time as a strategy for bringing more people to the table. Finally, co-chair Gordon McCord emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the SDGs and the network. These themes permeated the sessions throughout the meeting, along with a clear deep commitment from members towards increased collective research, action, and education towards achievement of the SDGs. This includes work of members and the SDSN USA team to improve diversity and representation in our meetings, and to provide additional opportunities for discussion and engagement in 2020.
The full meeting agenda and notes from each session can be accessed via this link. SDSN Members interested to join or develop new working groups should contact Caroline Fox for more information.