UNITAR Online Catalogue
CIFAL Atlanta - Creating, Implementing, & Measuring the Sustainable Development Goals
Background
The 7th annual Liam's Legacy Symposium features Jessica Espey, Senior Advisor to the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). In 2015, after a 4-year negotiation process, 193 United Nations member countries agreed upon a new global framework for development that included 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The “SDGs” span nearly every developmental issue facing the world, from climate change to poverty to sustainable production and consumption. They are as relevant in the United States as they are in places like Somalia. The ambition of this universal agenda is to shepherd the whole world towards a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future, where no one is left behind. Jessica Espey, who was a lead negotiator in the SDG process, will reflect on the negotiation process and shares insights into SDG implementation in diverse locations around the world. Her talk will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Bruce Stiftel, chair of the School of City and Regional Planning, and featuring GT faculty and partners from the newly forming Greater Atlanta U.N. University Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE): Danny Boston (GT International Affairs), Shatakshee Dhongde (GT Economics), Serena Newhall (CIFAL Atlanta at Kennesaw State), and Fatemeh Shafiei (Spelman Political Science).
Event Objectives
At the end of the presentation and panel, participants will be able to:
- Describe the origins and purpose of the SDGs
- Identify key challenges in implementing Sustainable Development Goals
- Create space for ideas to emerge on how to prepare for an efficient and holistic implementation of the Goals
- Recognize how Georgia Tech can harness its influencing power to help shape a new, sustainable society
Content and Structure
The presentation and will consist of the following components:
- History of the UN-MDGs
- Background of the SDGs
- The SDG negotiation process
- Insights into SDG implementation in diverse locations around the world.
- How the work of students, researchers and faculty at the university can be engaged in the goals of the Agenda.
Methodology
A presentation will be given and a panel will answer questions from the moderator and the audience. Questions, answers and dialogue will be integrated and encouraged.
Targeted Audience
University faculty and students and significant invitees from the local community.