Societies need a global transformation and a clear commitment towards sustainable development, the reduction of social inequalities and the improvement of living conditions at local and global level. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a response to this need: a universal, ambitious, sustainable development agenda involving education, health, environment, industry, justice, governance, cities among others. Challenges such as health and demographic change, food security, quality education for all, secure and clean water, green and efficient energy sources, climate change, and inclusive and secure communities need the engagement of the universities responding at global and local levels. On one hand, contributing to the global challenges of the world (summarized by the SDGs) and on the other hand, helping the economic, social and cultural development of its nation, region or society.
Engaged universities with the development and competitiveness of their nations and, at the same time, with the global challenges, means to generate advanced knowledge, to create innovative products and processes, to train leaders and professionals and to provide services to enterprises, public administration and non-governmental organizations.
Balancing the global with the local, universities play a key role in the achievement of SDGs. A radical transformation is needed, and the role of universities in this process cannot be a passive one. Universities are called to become a trigger of change, standing at the center of the debate and moving actors towards action. Only through the effective collaboration between governments and public agencies, universities and research centers, enterprises and NGOs the implementation of the SDGs will be a reality.
The International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals: Actors and Implementation wants to be a leading international meeting for the analysis and debate between all national and International actors involved on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially universities, governments, cities and public agencies.
The International Conference offers a space to work as a permanent observatory, which will be held every 2 years for reflecting upon the implementation and achievement of the SDGs. With a pragmatic and multidisciplinary approach, the International Conference will gather experts and high level practitioners from around the world and representing different stakeholders.
During 2 days, participants will meet to discuss, debate, listen to experts from different fields and exchange ideas, experiences and expectations around the challenges involved in the implementation of the SDGs. During these debates special attention will be paid to the role of knowledge, science production and interaction between local and global arenas.
Barcelona is one of the most exciting cosmopolitan hubs in the world and it has a long history in hosting major international conferences. It is also home to several international organizations such as the Union for the Mediterranean. Barcelona is a prominent example of a city becoming more global, multicultural, sustainable and smart. A referent in the Mediterranean, it appears to be the perfect place to debate Sustainable Development Goals both at the local and the global levels.
