The first day of the WAAS@65 Conference (21/07/2025) began with a compelling, solution-oriented panel discussion titled “Global Solutions to Raise the World’s Platform – The UN SDGs,” moderated by Prof. Phoebe Koundouri.
The panel explored the critical importance of accelerating progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a means of addressing rising global insecurity. In her opening remarks, Prof. Koundouri emphasized the urgency of collective action, citing data from the 2025 Sustainable Development Report, which reveals that only 17% of SDG targets are currently on track.
Access the report here
Prof. Koundouri also presented systemic transformation models developed by AE4RIA – the Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aephoria – and the SDSN Global Climate Hub. These frameworks offer integrated, science-based pathways to achieving climate neutrality and SDG-aligned development across sectors and countries.
Read the latest SDSN Global Climate Hub report on European National Commitments for Climate Neutrality
The panel featured insightful contributions from:
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Christian Hansmeyer, Head of Research, Force for Good, on the need for solution-oriented financing to close the SDG funding gap
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Dr. Chantal Line Carpentier, Head of Trade, Environment, Climate Change & Sustainable Development, UNCTAD, on policy frameworks to support sustainable investment and MSMEs
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Amanda Ellis, former Deputy Secretary for International Development (New Zealand) and Senior Director at ASU Global Futures Lab, on the role of business, civil society, and local governments in advancing the SDGs and promoting human security
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Prof. Dr. Thomas Reuter, Asia Institute, University of Melbourne, on empowering local communities and embracing cultural diversity as key drivers of sustainable global transformation
The full session is available to watch here.
