Public Event: Changing Course for Sustainable Development

Bold Alternatives to Business as Usual
Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2018
Geneva Launch of the Civil Society Reflection Group Report
MONDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2018, 1.00 – 3.00 PM; ROOM XII, PALAIS DES NATIONS

“The world is off-track in terms of achieving sustainable development and fundamental policy changes are necessary to unleash the transformative potential of the SDGs.” This is the main message of the Spotlight Report 2018.

Civil society organizations have a key role to play as independent watchdogs holding governments and international organizations accountable for their actions that help—or hinder—the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2018 report, produced by a global coalition of civil society organizations and trade unions, provides a wideranging independent assessment of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2018 edition shines a light on existing bold alternatives to business as usual that can help to change the course towards more coherent policies for sustainable development aligned with human rights principles and standards.

But it goes far beyond that, seeing policy reform as necessary but not sufficient. More fundamental shifts in how and where power is vested are necessary to unleash the transformative potential of the SDGs. In particular, the report calls for more coherent fiscal and regulatory policies, and a “whole-of-government” approach towards sustainability.

At this event, co-organized by UNRISD and FES, some of the key findings and recommendations of this year’s global Spotlight Report will be presented and discussed from various perspectives.

PANELISTS:

  • Gita Sen (DAWN)
  • Kate Donald (Center for Economic and Social Rights)
  • Sandra Vermuyten (Public Services International)
  • Ziad Abdel Samad (Arab NGO Network for Development)

DISCUSSANTS:

  • Paul Ladd (UNRISD)
  • Victoria Tauli-Corpuz (United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples)

MODERATOR: Hamish Jenkins (UNRISD)

OPENING REMARKS: Hubert René Schillinger (FES)

Sandwiches and light refreshments will be served prior to the event

Registration: here.

Download the invitation here and the flyer here.