Arrived in Geneva: May 2021
Organization: International Institute for Sustainable Development / SDG Lab at UN Geneva
Hometown: Small village an hour outside Copenhagen, Denmark
Tell us who you are and what you do in Geneva.
I just moved from New York City to Geneva to start my new role as Ecosystem Manager for the Geneva 2030 Ecosystem. I am taking over from Kali Taylor (huge shoes to fill) who is now coordinating the second edition of the exciting Building Bridges Week, an initiative that aims to advance financing for the SDGs by bridging the gap between the finance and development communities in Geneva and beyond.
How does your organization reflect the 2030 Agenda’s paradigms of innovation, integration and collaboration in its activities?
At the SDG Lab we experiment with different approaches to multi-stakeholder collaboration to arrive at unexpected partnerships with the ultimate goal of strengthening the implementation of the SDGs. With the three paradigms as our guiding principles, we work to make the knowledge of the Geneva 2030 Ecosystem accessible and actionable for governments and other actors working on SDG implementation.
To mention a concrete example, last year we launched the “SDG Lunch Collider” in partnership with CERN. This initiative is an informal and randomized way of networking for members to exchange knowledge on a monthly basis related to SDGs projects and partnership opportunities.
What do you think is one of the most important assets of the Geneva ecosystem of actors?
In our fast-paced everyday lives, where we are all occupied with our respective bits and pieces of the sustainable development puzzle, the Geneva 2030 Ecosystem provides members with an informal and easy way to stay connected with colleagues and our common goals. I believe the connection, mutual support and inspiration that ecosystem members can offer one another is key to staying motivated and energized, enhancing our joint efforts to achieve the SDGs while avoiding duplication. This is in my opinion one of the most important qualities of the Ecosystem.
What is on your mind right now?
Our informal briefing for ecosystem members on June 24 on ‘all you need to know’ to get ready for the upcoming High-level Political Forum (HLPF). You can sign up here to join the briefing.
More broadly, I am thinking about how to best support the Geneva 2030 Ecosystem members by tailoring our meetings and activities to the needs of this diverse group of actors.
What’s your favourite thing to do in and around Geneva?
I just arrived in Geneva and I can´t wait to explore life around the lake this summer. I am also planning to put on my hiking boots in search for the best view of the city. Also, I am a big fan of train journeys, and one of the most beautiful train rides I´ve ever been on was the Bernina Express during thick winter snow - magic!
What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I boarded the flight from New York with a guitar on my back, perhaps giving the impression of a travelling musician – in reality I´m a complete beginner and only just getting the grip of my first chords.