PRESS RELEASE: SDG Webinar
11 June 2020
Press Release
28 May 2020
Sustainable Development Goals as a Strategic tool for conquering the socio-economic challenges in the “new normal” emerging with COVID-19 – online webinar
The COVID-19 pandemic marked an unprecedented time which posed huge challenges in economies around the globe. UN member states are expected to deliver an agenda consisting of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
In this context, the United Nations Association of New Zealand carried out an Online Webinar and Discussion Forum to discuss the objective of exploring a SDG strategic framework to reform economic structures while facing arising challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar emphasized building a material-efficient society, biodiversity protection, eco-innovations, and sustainable consumption and production with fresh thinking on economic governance. A new paradigm for regional integration, investments, and trading measures, were crafted by various speakers to highlight different policy priorities that stresses a “leave no one behind” vision. This will enable several UN members states committed to support and deliver the sustainable development goals by 2030.
Chaired by Peter Nichols, President of the United Nations Association of New Zealand, the Online Webinar and Discussion Forum took place on 18 May 2020, hosting over 100 viewers.
The online event featured the following distinguished keynote speakers: Professor Girol Karacaoglu, Ned Clarence-Smith, Dr Mia Mikic, Dr Stefanos Fotiou.
Professor Girol Karacaoglu Heads the School of Government at Victoria University of Wellington. He discussed the 2030 SDG agenda and reshaping the economic governance taking into account the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic.
Ned Clarence-Smith was a former (UNIDO) Director where he Head the South-East Asian Region and also Head of the National Cleaner Production Centres Programme. He discussed the importance of strengthening Sustainable Consumption and Production strategies to build a material-efficient society.
Dr Mia Mikic is the Director at the Trade, Investment, and Innovation Division at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. She discussed Reshaping the Regional Integration, investments, and trading supporting for Sustainable Development.
Dr Stefanos Fotiou, is the Director of the Environment and Development Division at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. He discussed Getting Back Better: Protecting biodiversity and supporting climate action through economic stimulus.
A Questions and Answers session followed with stimulating questions.
Please follow the UNA of New Zealand on Facebook: @unanewzealand, and for further information on the exhibition please contact: [email protected]
