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UNECE 2024 Regional Forum addresses climate-related threats and explores solutions to urgent crises
Held in March at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, the 2024 Regional Forum for Sustainable Development took place at a time of multiple crises. We are facing a planetary crisis that goes beyond climate change; it impacts all facets of society and poses threats to the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In recognition of the strong affirmation of the 2030 Agenda at the SDG Summit, governments and stakeholders across the UNECE region are now looking for impactful, innovative and crisis-resilient policies and solutions to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.
Against this backdrop, the theme of the 2024 UNECE Regional Forum was: "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Economic Commission for Europe region in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions". The Regional Forum convened Member States, civil society, youth, and the UN System to assess progress on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
The forum featured plenary and peer-learning sessions, along with youth preparatory consultations, providing a platform for exchanging knowledge, best practices and policy solutions aligned with regional priorities, all in effort to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNESCO, through its Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, contributed to the success of this year’s edition of the Regional Forum, co-organising the Peer Learning Session on SDG13 and supporting youth participation, as well as experts’ attendance. In addition, it collaborated with other UN agencies of the Regional Issue-Based Coalition (IBC) on Environment and Climate Change and the UN Digital Transformation Group for Europe and Central Asia.
Adolescents and youth frame priorities and demands in the lead up to the RFSD
Blaz Lipovšek, President of the Youth Parliament of the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC), participated in the Youth Pre-Meeting 2024 (12 March), a self-organised event that offered a dynamic platform for policy discussions, training and capacity building for youth engaging at the Regional Forum.
Young activists from the UNECE region gathered with the aim of focusing on strengthening the 2030 Agenda amid the current multifaceted crisis. Blaz was particularly involved in discussions on SDG 13 Climate Action. Despite differences in age and nationality, the youth found common ground and proposed solutions for achieving the SDGs.
Participating in the forum was an invaluable experience, it expanded my knowledge and strengthened my commitment to sustainable development. The discussions and presentations further deepened my understanding of the importance of collective effort in the field of sustainable development and challenges such as climate change, poverty, and social and economic inequality.
Solving the Rubik’s cube of the planetary crisis: lining up policy solutions for climate risks and biodiversity loss
The interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss demands integrated policy solutions including budgeting and participatory approaches. Holistic policies require a science-based understanding and effective communication on the role of nature. Turning policy into practice demands integrated planning, nature-based solutions and consensus building.
In this context, on 13 March, the IBC on Environment and Climate Change co-chaired by UNESCO, UNECE and UNEP organised a Peer-learning round table on SDG 13 titled "Solving the Rubik’s cube of the planetary crisis: lining up policy solutions for climate risks and biodiversity loss".
The round table was moderated by Magdalena Landry, Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau, alongside IBC co-chairs Marco Keiner, Director of Environment Division, UNECE, and Arnold Kreilhuber, Director of Europe Office, UNEP. It emphasised the importance of strengthening the preparedness for climate extremes through multi-hazard early warning systems and highlighted the need for seeking holistic policies to tackle the intertwined issues of climate change and biodiversity loss simultaneously.
Effective prevention and preparedness actions are crucial for managing climate-related risks and extreme events. The Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework highlight the importance of strengthened early warning systems in building resilience to disasters.
Blaž Lipovšek also participated in the round table, where he emphasised the role of youth frameworks in advancing SDG 13. Blaz who is an 18-year-old student from Slovenia was raised on a farm and pursued studies in nature protection. "Climate change affects both young and old; we all have to face the consequences. This is why it is crucial to engage youth in both local and international events, providing mentorship," he remarked. As an example of this is a competition launched in 2021 by the Sava Youth Parliament, with the support of UNESCO and the SHELTER EU project consortium, dedicated to the protection of Cultural and natural heritage in the Sava River Basin.
Supported by the UNESCO Regional Bureau, Daniel Cronan, Assistant Professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, served as a panellist. Representing the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve (USA), Professor Cronan presented the progress of “An Atlas of Climate & Environmental Change”, the innovative climate solution being developed within the second cycle of the project Promoting sustainable development through UNESCO’s programmes and sites, funded by abrdn Charitable Foundation. The role of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves was showcased as learning places for sustainable development and how UNESCO Biosphere Reserves could join forces with other parties in combatting the climate crisis.
The scientific evidence and stories of success can lead to collaboration between academia, communities and the private sector on shared sustainable, evidence-based policy solutions.
Building Effective Partnerships for Digital Transformation
Supported by the UNESCO Regional Bureau, Prof. Mitja Jermol, International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), UNESCO Chair on Open Technologies for OER and Open Learning, participated in the Peer-learning round table on SDG 17, titled “Building effective partnerships for digital transformation", held on 14 March 2024.
The round table concluded that digital divides persist, and new ones are emerging, highlighting the necessity to bridge these gaps and advance gender inclusion. Participants agreed that a human-centric approach should be at the core of digital development. Digital infrastructures need to be robust and resilient, which is a particularly pertinent challenge in the least connected regions.
Unveiling the potential of Artificial intelligence (AI) is significant in policymaking process notably by facilitating the real-time data driven by AI to support policymaking for member states and harnessing global networks for addressing global issues and contributing to SDGs through AI.
