UNITAR Online Catalogue

Launch of the e-learning course "Harnessing Climate & SDGs Synergies"

Planet

Deadline
5 Jul 2021
Type
Briefing
Location
Web-based
Date
Duration
1 Days
Programme Area
Climate Change
Price
$0.00
Event Focal Point Email
TIANYI.ZHAO@unitar.org
Contact Number
2129639196
Partnership
United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)

Background

The world community faces major crises at the same time: The global COVID-19 public health crisis is worsening in many countries, causing loss of life, human suffering, and economic and social stress at levels not seen in decades. There is continued poverty in many countries across the world, with increasing socio-economic disparities. Despite the slow-down during the pandemic, recent reports on the continued rise in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are alarming scientists and development policymakers. Without more ambitious action on climate, the world community may not be able to reach the main goals of the Paris Agreement of keeping climate change and global temperature increases in check.

As countries seek to address these interlinked challenges, harnessing climate and SDG synergies in recovery plans, in the updated NDCs, and in national efforts to advance the SDGs, present an unprecedented opportunity to raise climate ambitions, to leave no one behind, and to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda.  It is in this context that UNDESA, UNFCCC, and UNITAR came together to develop an e-learning course to share the science, evidence, and tools that enable climate and SDG synergies. The course builds on the 2019 Climate and SDG Synergies Conference and the 2020-2021 Synergies Learning Series, going into more depth to provide policymakers with tools and evidence they may use to advocate for climate and synergies in related intergovernmental fora as well as their local context.

Event Objectives

The main objective of this event is to highlight the importance of climate and SDGs synergies, particularly in the context of the challenges facing the global community today. It provides an opportunity to hear about concrete examples of synergies that demonstrate the potential of tying climate action to job growth and poverty reduction; human health; financing; food security. The event will include insights from representatives of UN missions and countries who have already embarked on creating synergies between SDGs and climate action and whose experiences are featured in the e-learning course.

Content and Structure

Moderator: H.E. Mr. Marco Suazo, Head of Office, UNITAR New York

Opening remarks:

Mr. Nikhil Seth, Assistant Secretary-General, Executive Director of UNITAR

Mr. Ovais Saramd, Deputy Executive Secretary, UNFCCC

Keynote Speaker:

H.E. Mr. Zhenmin Liu, Under-Secretary-General, Economic and Social Affairs, UN DESA

Country Representatives:

H.E. Mr. Rodrigo A. Carazo, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the UN

H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN

H.E. Mr. José Alfonso Blanco, Permanent Representative of Dominican Republicto the UN

H.E. Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN

Course Demonstration

Ms. Amy Tianyi Zhao, Learning Consultant, UNITAR