DATE / TIME:

2016•10•13    14:00 - 16:30

Location:

Tokyo

This SDG Dialogue event will consider the role of regional organizations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on building effective links between science and policy. Panelists and participants will exchange experiences and insights, addressing questions such as:

1. What is the role of regional bodies such as UNESCAP in reconciling the global vision of the SDGs with regional and national priorities?
2. How can such regional bodies coordinate the formulation of a science–policy interface to enhance the capacity of policymakers?
3. How can a regional science–policy interface contribute to policymaking at the global level?

This UNU-IAS event is co-organized by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Japan (SDSN Japan) and supported by the Global Environment Outreach Centre (GEOC).

The event will be held in English and Japanese, with simultaneous translation provided.

Background

Among the key challenges for achieving the SDGs is translating the global goals into regional and national priorities. Coherent approaches are needed for specific local, national and regional contexts, seeking integrated solutions to problems as diverse as poverty, climate change and education. Researchers and policymakers are struggling to identify synergies and trade-offs related to SDGs and their targets. An effective science–policy interface, as well as sufficient capacity, are both prerequisites for integrated implementation. A lack of capacity also undermines the collection and flow of information for monitoring and review of efforts to achieve the SDGs. Addressing these challenges requires regional institutions to play an integral role in formulating effective science–policy interfaces, as well as in developing capacity in their regions.

Registration

This event is open to the public, but advance registration is required (by 5 pm on 12 October). To register, please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page.

The SDG Dialogue Series

This event series brings experts together to share ideas and insights for achieving the SDGs. Each event promotes dialogue and networking between panellists and participants, through an interactive discussion session and an informal reception.

Programme

14:00–14:05 Opening Remarks

• Kazuhiko Takemoto (Director, UNU-IAS)

14:05–14:10 Introduction

• Farai Kapfudzaruwa (Postdoctoral Fellow, UNU-IAS)

14:10–14:45 Keynote Speech

• Katinka Weinberger (Chief, Environment and Development Policy Section, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific)

14:45–16:20 Panel Discussion

• Moderator: Norichika Kanie (Senior Research Fellow, UNU-IAS; Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University)

Panellists:

• Katinka Weinberger
• Atsushi Ishii (Associate Professor, Centre for Northeast Asian Studies, Tohoku University)
• Hein Mallee (Director, Regional Centre for Future Earth in Asia; Professor, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature
• Shunji Matsuoka (Professor, Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies, Waseda University)

Interactive Discussion

16:20–16:30 Concluding Remarks

• Norichika Kanie

* After the dialogue there will be an informal reception, providing opportunities for further discussion and networking (until 17:00).