[SDG Forum Series] Grand Challenges to Sustainability: Dialogues in a Time of Pandemic

SDG Forum Series
Grand Challenges to Sustainability: Dialogues in a Time of Pandemic

In 2015, the world came together around an ambitious vision for a safer, healthier, and more prosperous world. Supported by all 193 member states, the 2030 Agenda of the General Assembly of United Nations (UN) was adopted to articulate 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a commitment to eradicate poverty, achieve economic prosperity, and bring about environmental sustainability. Under the 17 goals, 169 clear targets are set, and member states are invited to report annually their progress in meeting these targets.

Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Loss of lives and economic standstill have shaken the world. For some, meeting the SDGs by 2030 becomes irrelevant, as the most urgent task is to help the economy return to 'normal'. Others find that the pandemic has created a positive though short-term impact on sustainability with reduced travelling, consumption and manufacturing. The unfolding of the crises is inviting us to reflect deeply on our way forward.

The talk series ‘Grand Challenges to Sustainability: Dialogues in a Time of Pandemic’, as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Forum Series, is jointly organized by the Hong Kong chapter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Hong Kong) and Office of University General Education, CUHK. Through a series of five webinars in June, scholars of CUHK and experts from different sectors will share their views on global challenges related to the SDGs and the ways of building a sustainable future.