Written by Antonio Diaz Aranda, Arvid Ehlert, and Salma Ranggita Cahyariyani

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On October 6th, SDSN Youth had the opportunity to participate in the 8th Annual SDG Summit, organized by the Sustainable Development Goals Alliance and the University of Calgary's Office of Sustainability, host of SDSN Canada. The event, themed Sustainability Beyond Borders: Our Global Action, focused on accelerating progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and extending efforts beyond the 2030 deadline. 

A highlight of the event was a keynote presentation by Antonio Diaz from SDSN Youth, who stressed the importance of sustaining efforts for global progress. The summit also featured a dynamic Youth panel, offering fresh perspectives from young leaders across the world.

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During the Sustainable Development Goals Summit 2024, Antonio Díaz, Global Events & Partnerships Lead at SDSN Youth, delivered an impactful intervention that posed several critical questions. He challenged the audience to consider: Will current climate commitments stabilize global temperatures? How will technological advancements transform industries? And how can we create inclusive economies amid shifting demographics? These inquiries set the stage for a broader exploration of the path forward in sustainability.

At the heart of this vision is the idea that development must respect planetary boundaries, advocating for a harmonious balance between environmental sustainability and economic growth. This balance is not merely aspirational; it is essential for our survival. Emphasizing a humanistic approach to technology, Díaz underscored the need for innovations that empower individuals rather than displace them. This perspective prompts vital reflections on whether technology truly serves its intended purpose or if it inadvertently exacerbates existing inequalities.

Central to this dialogue are the themes of social and intergenerational justice, which are paramount in ensuring equity and inclusion for future generations. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, stronger global governance mechanisms will be essential for tackling transboundary issues. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of collaborative solutions that transcend national borders.

Moreover, nature must be at the core of decision-making processes, as our survival is intricately linked to the health of the planet. As we navigate the path beyond 2030, key competencies will be crucial for success. These include systems thinking, sustainable innovation, adaptability, and digital literacy. By fostering these skills, we can build a resilient future that is prepared for the uncertainties ahead.

Ultimately, the presentation highlighted the necessity of embracing leadership rooted in purpose, encouraging individuals and organizations to view change not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth. 

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Salma emphasized the need for youth collaboration in decision-making to advocate for effective solutions and innovations. Localized solutions are crucial; they need to be feasible and measurable, not just efforts that don’t yield results. As we look toward the post-2040 world, key abilities will include systems thinking and dynamics to understand interconnected global issues. As we approach 2040, skills in systems thinking and sustainable innovation are critical. Collaboration across countries can foster best practices and enhance SDG implementation. With youth representing half the global population, their diverse perspectives are vital for driving behavioral change and addressing challenges like the climate crisis. By uniting, we can build stronger networks and advance beyond traditional SDGs.

Arvid added that the framing of the climate crisis needs to shift from being a “crisis for the climate” to being understood as a “crisis for humanity.” This reframing, he argued, could help engage those who are still hesitant to support climate action by making the issue more relatable and urgent from a human perspective. Arvid also emphasized that by accepting the reality of living with climate change, future iterations of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will likely need to evolve, incorporating more explicit focus on climate adaptation and resilience-building, alongside traditional development goals. 

The discussions at the Sustainable Development Goals Summit 2024 underscored the importance of equity in addressing global challenges, highlighting the need to ensure that diverse voices—especially those from marginalized groups, native communities, the Global South, and younger generations—are heard. This event provided a crucial platform for uss to share our perspectives and initiatives. It fostered an exchange of ideas across a wide range of contexts, from oil-rich nations like Canada to resource-scarce regions, bridging divides between the Global North and South. Through these exchanges, we advanced the cause of sustainability by building connections and broadening our understanding of the complexities we face. In doing so, we are not only contributing to SDSN Youth’s mission of creating a more just and sustainable future but also inspiring others to take bold actions for a better, lasting world.

Watch the recording now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBXWVaSoIAM