On June 24th, 2025, AE4RIA participated in the 13th Systemic Innovation Workshop (SIW), organized by the United Nations Climate Change Global Innovation Hub (UGIH) during the Bonn Climate Change Conference. This high-level event convened global experts, policymakers, city and county leaders, researchers, financial institutions, and solution providers to co-design transformative, climate-resilient futures for both urban and rural communities.
Professor Dr. Phoebe Koundouri delivered a keynote address titled “Innovative Systems Transformations for the Sustainable Interaction between Nature–Economy–Society”. She also participated in the High-Level Panel on Financing Climate and Sustainability Innovations.
During her address, Professor Koundouri presented findings from the SDSN Global Climate Hub reports, which explore decarbonisation pathways for 35 countries across Europe, the UK, and the Balkans. These pathways are based on an integrated systems modelling approach that spans the energy, food, land, water, and maritime sectors.
Access the reports:
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An Integrated Assessment of the European National Commitments for Climate Neutrality
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Climate Neutrality Pathways for Greece: Integrated Assessment and Decision Support Tool (2025)
Dr. Ebun Akinsete and Dr. Dimitris Raptis contributed actively to the interactive breakout sessions, working with representatives from cities, counties, and innovation stakeholders to co-create Global Innovation Projects. These projects address fundamental human needs—such as energy, mobility, food, health, and education—within the limits of planetary boundaries.
The outcomes of this workshop will inform discussions at COP30, where participants will assess the feasibility, methodologies, and progress of these systemic innovation projects.
Photograph: © Jörn Wolter/GIZ
Participating Organizations:
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ReSEES Research Laboratory, Athens University of Economics and Business
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Department of International and European Economic Studies, AUEB
