The conferences’ main goal is accelerating and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and it was SDSN Portugal’s first flagship event since its creation in June 2023.
It brought together national and international experts who discussed the mobilisation of the higher education and innovation sector, and Portuguese society in general, for the urgency and opportunities of sustainable development. In attendance was Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Júlia Seixas, President of SDSN Portugal, as well as Nuno Sampaio, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Tiago Brandão Rodrigues, Former Minister of Education and António Leitão Amaro, Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
During the Conference, the Sustainable Development Report 2024, developed by UN SDSN, was also launched. This year's report highlighted five key findings:
- Only 16% of the SDG targes are on track to be met in 2030, with the remaining 84% showing limited progress.
- The pace of SDG progress varies significantly across country groups with poor and vulnerable nations lagging behind of the developed world.
- Sustainable development remains a long-term yet urgent investment challenge.
- Global challenges require global cooperation.
- The targets related to food and land ecosystems are particularly off-track in comparison to others.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) shares a deep commitment with the United Nations in addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity and reducing pollution. In order to try and achieve the net zero carbon target by 2030, AKDN is cutting its greenhouse gas emissions across the board in accordance with the most recent findings in climate science. It works with the most vulnerable and impoverished segments of society who are among those most affected by climate change but who contribute the least to it, particularly in diverse coastal regions of Asia and Africa.
Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, emphasised in his closing speech the honour of hosting such an event at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon.
“This is a place for dialogue and the convergence of ideas, where people of different sensibilities and visions find space to debate and find the best solutions to our common challenges.”
He also highlighted the importance of making sustainable choices, saying “(...) They have to be present in our day-to-day decisions and go from concern to action. Only in this way can we guarantee the future of our society."
Lastly, he thanked the presence of Professor Jeffrey Sachs at the conference, alluding to his inspiring contributions to a fairer and more sustainable future. The President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network later had the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the Centre.
