IREES Colloquium: From Aspiration to Actions: A System Perspective of Sustainable Development Goal Interactions | Anne Warchold, PhD student

Speaker: Anna Warchold, PhD student IREES

Title: From Aspiration to Actions: A System Perspective of Sustainable Development Goal Interactions

Abstract: Even before the 2030 Agenda’s adoption, scientific challenges, such as climate change, gender inequality, or water scarcity, were well-documented. By bringing these multidimensional problems to the forefront of political discourse and public awareness, the 2030 Agenda served a somewhat dual purpose: tangibilizing sustainability issues and offering a global, holistic blueprint for implementation. However, while aspirational, the 2030 Agenda fell short of providing explanations on how to take actions. Additionally, due to polycrisis and limited efforts, the SDGs` aspirations have been significantly derailed.

To bridge this gap, an evidence-based systems approach is essential to understand the interconnectedness of the SDGs and to effectively translate their aspirations into tangible action. In this colloquium, reflecting my PhD thesis, I will present how system dynamics can facilitate a shift towards an SDG discourse grounded in systems thinking that is needed to accelerate progress. I will provide insights into the structures of SDG systems and their causal relationships, emphasizing potential interactions between SDGs and other sustainability initiatives, such as the bioeconomy.