31/10/2023

So What's Next Series: Emotions - A Missing Link Towards Long-Term Sustainability?

We are at the midpoint to 2030 and progress on the SDGs is nowhere where it should be. There are valid questions to be asked as to why the international community is not delivering on the promise of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement. Arguably, the lack of progress has led to frustration, complacency and ultimately inaction. So, what’s the missing link? Is it agency? Do people feel empowered to act? Are we omitting human emotions and psychology from the equation? Join us for a panel discussion on 29 November, 16h-17h30 followed by an Apéro, at the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

With only seven years left to accelerate action for the 2030 Agenda, the SDG Lab – UN Geneva’s policy and innovation space for the SDGs and long-term sustainability – launched the “So What’s Next” series, a platform for exchange and collective intelligence to explore and demystify emerging areas and trends in sustainable development with key stakeholders from the International Geneva community and beyond.

As part of this series, we will unpack the role of emotions and affective sciences in advancing the SDGs and long-term sustainability. Shedding light on these and other aspects will be experts and practitioners who will share both theoretical and practical insights into how tapping into human emotions and psychology could give the needed boost to deliver long-term and transformational change. You can read more about the SDG Lab’s commentary on emotions and sustainability in the recently published piece in the Emotion Review journal.

In collaboration with the Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, the American Psychological Association, the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations, and the Federation of Swiss Psychologists, the discussion "Emotions - A Missing Link Towards Long-Term Sustainability?" will focus on introducing and unpacking affective science and speak to its promising role and influence on our actions towards achieving long-term sustainability.‍

About the Series:
The “So What’s Next” series is built around the notion of promoting systems change. It strives to overcome short-termism in favour of a long-term sustainability approach. Themes covered by the series will relate to regenerative development, future generations, and inter-generational impact, alongside examining the role of emotions and the broader field of affective sciences in systemically enhancing sustainability as a way of life. These topics are key accelerators of progress as outlined in the UN Secretary-General's Our Common Agenda, a framework for the future of global cooperation, aimed at boosting SDG implementation.

To register for the event CLICK HERE.

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