This event will be led by the UN SDG System Wide Evaluation Office (SWEO), recently established by the United Nations Secretary-General to incentivize collective learning across the UN development system. It will be co-sponsored by two UN Member States (Malawi and the United Kingdom) with support from the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the Global SDG Synthesis Coalition (UNDP and UNICEF).
The event looks at the role of role of science, digital technologies, AI, and international collaboration in helping decision-makers accelerate progress towards the SDGs. It aligns strongly with the Pact for the Future — being signed by world leaders at the Summit of the Future — in emphasizing the importance of the science-policy interface and use of science in solving complex global challenges. The event will include the announcement of a major new initiative in AI-driven evidence synthesis, which aims to deliver a step change in how evidence is produced and used in tackling economic and societal challenges. It will also highlight the collaborative efforts of the Global SDG Synthesis Coalition, a pivotal initiative bringing together 45 UN entities, over 60 UN Member States, and a growing number of Multilateral Development Banks and other partners, including civil society organizations and the private sector. See agenda attached.
The event is intended to achieve the following outcomes:
The event will involve a panel-led discussion, with Ministerial-level involvement from Malawi and the United Kingdom, as well as representation from the High-Level Steering Committee of the Coalition, which includes Spain, Lithuania, the Philippines, Denmark, Panama, Norway and the two co-sponsoring countries. International and stakeholder perspectives on bridging the science-policy interface will be represented by the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) and other Coalition partners, such as the Wellcome Trust, a key scientific funding and advocacy foundation. An inter-generational approach will be incorporated with young science and evidence advocates.
We are honored to have the following distinguished participants (see biographies attached in alphabetical order by last name):
Opening remarks
Keynote speakers
Presenters
Panelists
Co-hosts
Youth rapporteurs