The University of Bergen, the International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP), the Caribbean Academy of Sciences and the International Union for Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine (IUPESM) demonstrated how their innovative research and initiatives contribute to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation in different contexts.
Building on a first successful inaugural edition in 2023, the second Science Day featured discussions on strategies and synergies needed to drive SDG acceleration towards 2030. The event included real-life case studies showcasing concrete examples of science-based SDG implementation targeting multiple goals and involving a wide range of stakeholders, from policymakers and the private sector to local communities.
From science to action: Leveraging scientific knowledge and solutions for advancing sustainable and resilient development
Position paper from the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group for the 2024 High-level Political Forum
Lori Foster, President of the International Association of Applied Psychology, shared her views and experience regarding the role of behavioural science at the UN, offering unique insights that can amplify the impact of various scientific disciplines.
“If we are going to make progress on sustainable development, we need to understand how people think about influence and relate to themselves, the environment, and one another.”
Lori Foster, President, International Association of Applied Psychology
One key concept is social proof — our tendency to follow the actions of others. By leveraging social proof, scientists can encourage broader public engagement and support for scientific initiatives.
Another crucial element is interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly the science of trust and teamwork. Building strong, trust-based collaborations across different scientific fields can lead to more effective and innovative solutions.
Lori shared her experiences and observations, noting that behavioral science has gained increased visibility within the UN and beyond. In 2021, the Secretary-General produced a guidance note highlighting the importance of behavioral science in achieving sustainable development. Since then, many UN agencies have begun incorporating behavioral science into their operations.
An example of this is the BIRD Lab (Behavioral Insights Research and Design), which focuses on applying behavioral science principles to enhance the effectiveness of UN initiatives.
As behavioral science continues to integrate into global efforts, its potential to drive sustainable development and elevate the influence of all sciences becomes increasingly evident.
Mark Wuddivira, Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine (UWI), and President of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, explained how both organizations are at the forefront of initiatives to bolster food security in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
In response to the pandemic’s stark revelation of the vulnerabilities stemming from SIDS’ heavy reliance on food imports, Wuddivira highlighted the severe impact on households, many of which faced food shortages. This crisis underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions to enhance food self-sufficiency and security.
In a bold and strategic move, the government of the CARICOM set an ambitious target to reduce its food import bills by 25% by 2025. To support this initiative, a collaborative consortium was formed, known as the Consortium of Universities of the CARICOM Involved in Agricultural Education and Research. This consortium brings together the expertise and resources of multiple academic institutions to tackle the island’s food security challenges.
The formation of the Consortium was presented to the ministerial task force and policy-makers, garnering their endorsement and support. The consortium is now actively collaborating with policy-makers and has secured a memorandum of agreement with the private sector to achieve their goal of reducing food imports.
This concerted effort exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector in addressing critical issues like food security. The consortium’s work paves the way for more resilient and self-sufficient food systems in SIDS, setting a model for other regions to follow.
Magdalena Stoeva, Secretary General of the International Union for Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine (IUPESM), talked about the notable strides made by IUPESM in enhancing the sustainability of global medical care.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, IUPESM focused on educational and training activities. The pandemic shifted this focus to online webinars, enabling medical professionals worldwide to gain certification in medical sustainability.
A key initiative of IUPESM is the Medical Physics College, which periodically trains scientists from the Global South, who then return to their communities to disseminate knowledge and promote sustainable medical practices.
Additionally, IUPESM contributed to the “Unlocking Science” series by the ISC and the BBC, highlighting the growing importance of medical physicists and biomedical engineers as healthcare becomes more technologically dependent. These efforts exemplify IUPESM’s commitment to advancing medical science and ensuring sustainability in healthcare.
Kerry Ryan Chance, Associate Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen and affiliated with the Global Research Programme on Inequality (GRIP), discussed insights emerging from the Habitable Air project, a research project looking at the impacts of air pollutants on vulnerable communities and the environment.
The most severe impacts of air pollutants are concentrated in low-income regions, compounding public health crises and accelerating global warming. Air pollution increases the risks of cancer and asthma among vulnerable populations, amplifying existing health disparities.
The recent study examined communities in interconnected energy hubs worldwide, utilizing three types of monitors—indoor, outdoor, and mobile—to track eight different pollutants. The findings revealed a stark lack of publicly available information about air pollutants and highlighted that current regulatory guidelines fail to address highly localized or cross-border air pollution effectively. These insights underscore the urgency of addressing SDG 1 (No Poverty) and 13 (Climate Action).
To better understand the complex interplay between air pollution and climate change, scientific evidence should be integrated with local knowledge and support the development of improved tools for measuring and monitoring community emissions. Networked citizen practices and multiscale interactions are key drivers in reshaping urban life and politics.
Radically life-threatening and unequal distributions of air pollutants must be prioritized in climate change policy agendas. Cross-sector qualitative and quantitative research is essential to achieving SDG 1 and 13, ensuring that efforts to combat air pollution and climate change are both effective and equitable.
The 2024 Science Day facilitated essential discussions on incorporating scientific evidence into policy-making for making advances on the 2030 Agenda, highlighting the power of inter- and transdisciplinary collaborations for addressing complex issues.
The forum showcased diverse scientific approaches to enhancing sustainability, demonstrating the transformative potential of science in addressing global challenges. Their work underscores the importance of continued investment in scientific research and the strengthening of science-policy engagements as we strive towards a sustainable future.
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