How can policymakers and scientists help speed up progress to achieve the SDGs?

During the recent Summit of the Future, world leaders agreed to take bold, ambitious, just, and transformative measures to achieve the SDGs. Seeking to make this agreement actionable, a group of 50 researchers and policymakers worked together as part of a recent workshop led by the University of Groningen to summarize the main foci at the science-policy interface that could accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

Their findings have been summarized in a recent article published in Nature Communications, coauthored by IIASA scientists Caroline Zimm and Samir KC, as well as Klaus Hubacek, Professor at the University of Groningen and guest researcher at IIASA.

"To achieve sustainable development, we need to broaden our understanding of the interconnectedness between human actions, society, and the environment,” explains KC. “Systems thinking is key to make sure we can navigate those interconnections, and by incorporating it with evidence-based solutions, we can design policies that do not just address immediate threats, but also create long-lasting benefits for both people and the planet, helping us resolve some of the most complex global challenges we face today."

Key findings

First, the experts call for actionable strategies that could help navigate the complex interactions between the different SDGs, as well as develop coherent systemic solutions that align economic, social, and environmental objectives. Identifying synergies that could help tackle multiple SDGs simultaneously is key to accelerate progress.

Second, utilizing scientific models can facilitate the implementation of the SDGs and analyze the long-term impact of policies. These models assist in designing future-focused strategies and identify additional measures needed to achieve the SDGs. The experts call for further development of SDG models and their utilization in policymaking.

Third, experts argue in favor of co-developing tools together with stakeholders to support SDG implementation, as various tools can translate scientific findings from SDG interactions and models into practical solutions for policymakers. These tools make monitoring and optimizing SDG processes easier, supporting integrated planning and decision-making. However, experts highlight that few tools like that have been developed so far and they could be further improved to include stakeholder-specific actions.

"Our three foci offer policymakers the means to implement the integrated and indivisible nature of the SDGs,” notes lead author Prajal Pradhan, assistant professor at the University of Groningen. “By understanding the complex interactions between different SDGs, we can develop coherent strategies that balance economic, social, and environmental goals."

“Understanding SDG interactions is crucial to designing strategies that promote multiple SDGs simultaneously, ensuring that efforts in one area do not conflict with progress in another,” adds Zimm. “At the same time, knowing about the needs of all stakeholders involved in the policymaking process, as well as using state-of-the-art tools to address those, could help speed up progress, as well as navigate the complexities associated with the SDGs.”

Addressing trade-offs and enhancing collaboration required

One of the key challenges highlighted in the article is addressing trade-offs, 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.

The article also emphasizes 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.

“The advancements made for understanding interactions among society, economy, and environment is an important outcome of the SDGs,” says coauthor Nina Weitz, Senior Research Fellow at the Stockholm Environment Institute. “As we approach the post-2030 agenda, leaders must leverage this knowledge and prioritize scientific evidence to make sure effective, integrated solutions can follow,” she concludes.

Adapted from a press release prepared by the University of Groningen. Read the original article here.  

Publication

Pradhan, P., Weitz, N., Daioglou, V., Abrahão, G., Alle, C., Ambrosio G., Arp, F., Asif, F., et al. (2024). Three foci at the science-policy interface for systemic sustainable development goal acceleration. Nature Communications, 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52926-x