HLPF 2021 Recap: Working Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Recovery

Is it possible to achieve a sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development? And can we build an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development? 

The 2021 High Level Political Forum from July 6th-July 15th sought to answer those exact questions and bring together academics, professionals, ministers, and other participants to work together towards a more sustainable future.

On July 7, the SDG Academy participated in the HESI HLPF Special Event, The Role of Further Education to Drive Collective Action for the SDGs: Building a Sustainable a Resilient Recovery, which was moderated by Head of Programs and Partnerships, Florencia Librizzi and included presentations from SDG Academy Director, Chandrika Bahadur, HESI partners, and many other wonderful speakers!

The event focused on the opportunities and challenges facing higher education as the world continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic. By highlighting the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in supporting systemic change, participants convened for an evolving and action-oriented conversation on how to bring about the changes needed to realize the Decade of Action and achieve the 2030 Agenda.

Following the event, the International Green Gown Awards, administered by the EAUC, recognized exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the world’s universities and colleges. 

Watch the recording in the SDG Academy Library! 

On July 12, the SDG Academy and International Association of Universities (IAU) held a joint session titled “Filling the gaps in further education for the 2030 Agenda and inspiring action towards the SDGs” as a part of the HLPF UN DESA/UNITAR SDGs Learning, Training and Practice Workshop.

The session included panelists such as SDSN VP of Networks Maria Cortez-Puch; Dr. Joanna Newman, Secretary General of the ACU; Jacob Blasius, Chairperson of Students Organizing for Sustainability International; Prof. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, President of Siam University; and our director, Chandrika Bahadur.

The presentations highlighted examples of ESD across postsecondary education, examined how the SDGs provide a perfect framework for examining subjects from both a local and global lens, and discussed the importance and the benefits that a whole-of-institution approach to ESD can bring to a university

Watch the recording on Youtube!

On July 14, Florencia Librizzi, SDG Academy alumni Rosanele Romero and Noa Urbach, and other distinguished speakers presented on behalf of the SDG Academy at the HLPF side event, “Education for Sustainable Development: The Role of Higher Education in Mission 4.7.”

During the session, panelists touched on the role of Higher Education to create education pathways that create the knowledge and the virtues to achieve Target 4.7 by 2030. It was inspiring to see academics and learners from around the world come together to showcase the wonderful work being accomplished! with organizations such as University College Dublin, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences/Social Sciences, and more.

Watch the recording in the SDG Academy Library!