On 15 November 2024, a ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ side event at the (UNFCCC COP29) in Baku explored approaches to move beyond fragmented policymaking on climate change and sustainable development. It highlighted opportunities to integrate the SDGs into the national climate plans (nationally determined contributions; NDCs) that are due in 2025 ahead of COP30.
The event was co-organized by ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), building on previous collaboration between ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-IAS and DESA ¡ª including the Third Global Conference on Climate¨CSDG Synergies and a series of expert group meetings in March 2024.
A panel discussion led by UN DESA shared findings from the , which identified policy fragmentation in governance, finance and knowledge as a critical challenge. Speakers underlined the need for integrated funding models and highlighted the potential of cities as centres of innovation. Policymakers were urged to take inspiration from the synergy agenda to create political space for greater ambition on climate and the SDGs.
²ÝÁñÊÓƵ led a panel discussion featuring insights from governments, UN agencies and civil society, moderated by Suneetha M Subramanian (Research Fellow, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-IAS). Related ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ research was presented by Sanae Okamoto (Researcher, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology; ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-MERIT). This included ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-IAS research on socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) through the (IPSI), and policy briefs published by the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-CRIS) on , and on .
Nidhi Nagabhatla (Senior Research Fellow, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-CRIS) underscored the need for scientific evidence at multiple levels, drawing attention to recent discourse on the water¨Cenergy¨Cfood nexus. The discussion identified key challenges to coherent and integrated policymaking such as short-termism and lack of local representation. It was noted that siloed policymaking precludes valuable co-benefits, such as the positive health impacts of nature-based solutions. Closing remarks by Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi (Director, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-IAS) emphasized the need for a socio-ecological systems approach to identify and leverage synergies. She drew attention to youth empowerment and engagement as a key priority, highlighting ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-IAS initiatives engaging students at the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia and at COP29.
