Sustainable Development Goals: how can the science-policy interface support implementation?

The workshop is endorsed by Future Earth and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and supported by the Ministry of the Environment Japan and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JSPS). Representatives from the Future Earth Secretariat and Governing Council, as well as from the Earth System Governance project, will attend.

The aim of the workshop is to explore possible institutional architecture of the science-policy interface for implementation of the SDGs. The importance of the science-policy interface for successful implementation of the post-2015 agenda has been repeatedly stated, with the recent zero draft of the of the outcome document for the UN Summit recognizing ”the central role that science, technology and innovation play in enabling the international community to respond to sustainable development challenges” (paragraph 33).

With this background, the workshop will focus on the role of science and scientific assessments and inputs in the implementation of the SDGs, as well as in the review and monitoring processes. Participants will consider what types of knowledge would facilitate successful implementation and monitoring of the SDGs, how such knowledge could be inserted in the global SDGs process, and what institutional architectures would enhance overall effectiveness from global to regional and national level science-policy interfaces for the SDGs.

Following the workshop a brief outcome paper will be prepared highlighting the main outcomes for immediate release. A few Policy Briefs will be prepared, and an academic paper may be prepared.