As Co-Chair of the United Nations Independent Group of Scientists (IGS) for the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), Professor Phoebe Koundouri led the recent mission to Incheon, Republic of Korea, for the Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation, held on 5–6 November 2025: https://sdgs.un.org/gsdr2027#regional_consultation.
Organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Division for Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Office for Sustainable Development) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), the consultation convened scientists, policymakers, civil society representatives, and private-sector experts from across the region. Participants engaged in in-depth exchanges on strategies to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to strengthen the science–policy–society interface.
In her capacity as Co-Chair of the IGS, Professor Koundouri delivered the opening and closing remarks, led reflections on regional outcomes, and contributed to dialogues on the following thematic areas:
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Ten years of SDG implementation in Asia-Pacific — successes, challenges, and lessons learned;
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Bridging insights from the 2023 and 2027 GSDRs to advance systems-based transformations;
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Strengthening science–policy–society interfaces for inclusive and just transitions;
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Building resilience and managing uncertainty to promote sustainable development beyond 2030; and
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Harnessing science, data, and innovation for evidence-based policymaking.
The consultation highlighted the indispensable role of science and multilateral collaboration in accelerating progress toward the SDGs. The insights and knowledge gathered in Incheon will directly inform the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report, shaping evidence-based recommendations for the international community as it advances toward 2030 and beyond.
Prior to the consultation, on 4 November 2025, the IGS held its working meeting, co-chaired by Professor Phoebe Koundouri and Dr. Adedoyin Adeleke, PhD, alongside colleagues from UN DESA. During this session, the group advanced the development of the report’s conceptual framework, agreed on key components to be included in the 2027 GSDR, and outlined strategies for outreach and regional engagement in the coming year.
UN DESA, UNOSD, UN ESCAP, and regional experts played a central role in contributing to this collective effort.
