Goal-based development: Do they actually work? - Revisiting the UN goal-setting as a policy tool with Professor Jeffrey Sachs of SDSN

SDG Learncast

#Podcasting Education #UN SDG:Learn

16:32

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4 years ago 27:24

M4A•Episode home

Goals are an essential part of any action agenda. Together with setting targets, indicators, and timetables, goals can help measure progress, keep different actors and stakeholders on track, and allow for the assessment of achievement of any action agenda. However, conceptual questions need to be asked about whether they really work, what kind of incentives they create, when they are most effective in achieving their policy goals, and what unintended consequences they lead to, if any.

In this episode, we revisit the UN goal-setting as a policy tool for development, which guided the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our guest speaker is Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the President of Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and also the host of the Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs, a monthly interview with renowned authors about their groundbreaking work in history, social justice, sustainable development in more. Jeffrey Sachs is a world-renowned economist and Columbia University professor and author of books on economics.

Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit UN SDG:Learn website at www.unsdglearn.org to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.

The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.

25 episodes

Goal-based development: Do they actually work? - Revisiting the UN goal-setting as a policy tool with Professor Jeffrey Sachs of SDSN

SDG Learncast

published 4 years ago

M4A•Episode home

The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.

25 episodes

#Podcasting Education #UN SDG:Learn

All episodes

1
Europe at a Crossroads: Can the EU Lead the World to SDG Success? 33:08

13 days ago33:08

33:08

In this episode of SDG Learncast, we are speaking with Mr. Guillaume Lafortune , Vice-President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and lead author of the Europe Sustainable Development Report 2025 (ESDR) . We will unpack the key findings of the latest ESDR, examining the slowdown in SDG progress across Europe and the challenges that lie ahead. Set against a backdrop of rising populism, geopolitical tensions, and climate risks, this conversation dives into urgent priorities for the new EU leadership (2024–2029) . Topics include persistent inequalities, international spillovers from EU consumption, the transformation of food systems, and the role of European leadership in shaping global sustainability efforts. We also spotlight the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) , hosted in Spain, and discuss how Europe can lead reforms in global financial architecture to support SDG acceleration. This episode explores how innovative financing, policy coherence, and new forms of SDG diplomacy can help Europe not only get back on track but also catalyze sustainable development globally. Please subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/. ⁠ The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.…

1
Beyond Natural: The Hidden Costs of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Expansion 15:54

39 weeks ago15:54

15:54

In this episode of SDG Learncast, we will explore the often-overlooked environmental and social impacts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure expansion. Our guest from Earth Insight will unpack how the global push for LNG, often viewed as a cleaner fossil fuel, threatens coastal and marine ecosystems—from the Gulf of California to the Verde Island Passage and beyond. We will discuss the urgent need for a shift to renewable energy and strategies for safeguarding our planet’s most vulnerable regions from the devastating effects of LNG projects. Based on the insightful report "Anything But Natural: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Infrastructure Expansion Threats to Coastal and Marine Ecosystems," this episode will highlight significant threats LNG projects pose to coastal and marine environments and the communities that depend on them. Our speaker will also present the global investment surge in LNG infrastructure, which jeopardizes the transition to renewable energy and threatens biodiversity-rich regions. Finally, we will share some examples and case studies from the Gulf Coast of the United States, the Gulf of California in Mexico, the Verde Island Passage in the Philippines, and the Atlantic Coast of Brazil, highlighting the diverse and far-reaching impacts of LNG projects. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
Beyond Action: The Role of Inner Development Goals for a Sustainable Future 19:08

1 year ago19:08

19:08

In this podcast episode, we will look into the transformative power of the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) and how they support achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The IDGs offer a framework for cultivating the human capabilities, qualities, and skills essential for building a sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for all. In this episode, we will explore how the IDGs complement the SDGs by focusing on the inner dimensions of change, such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and resilience. These inner qualities are critical for addressing the complex challenges of our time and for driving meaningful, systemic change towards sustainability. Our discussion with Åsa Jarskog, the Director Global Collaboration of the Inner Development Goals will cover the origins, development, and applications of the IDG framework, showcasing how it equips individuals, communities, and organizations with the inner skills needed to effectively contribute to the global sustainable development agenda. Let us unlock the synergy between inner transformation and outer action, illuminating a holistic path to achieving a sustainable future for all. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
Banking on Biodiversity: The Seed Savers’ Crusade 23:32

1 year ago23:32

23:32

The world faces a significant challenge in ensuring food security for its growing population amidst the threats posed by climate change. The increasing reliance on a narrow selection of cultivated crops due to industrial agriculture is causing a concerning reduction in the genetic diversity of plants. This narrowing pool poses a risk to global food security, making our food supply more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and changing climate conditions. Seed banks play a crucial role in combating this trend by preserving the genetic diversity of thousands of plant species, including traditional and 'forgotten' crops that are resilient to changing climate conditions and offer nutritional benefits. These facilities, alongside innovative agricultural practices, are vital in reintroducing a diversity of crops into modern agriculture. This diversification can lead to more resilient food systems that are capable of withstanding environmental stresses, thereby securing the nutritional needs of future generations. In this SDG Learncast episode, we're honored to have Dr. Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director of the ⁠Crop Trust⁠ , as our distinguished guest. Dr. Schmitz brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of agricultural biodiversity and food security. He will discuss the growing importance of seed banks in the fight against the erosion of agricultural biodiversity and share insights into the Crop Trust's efforts to conserve crop diversity globally. This includes supporting key seed banks worldwide and coordinating projects like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation and availability of crop diversity for the benefit of everyone. Dr. Schmitz will delve into the challenges and opportunities in preserving agricultural biodiversity, the critical role of seed banks, and the transformative potential of reintroducing 'forgotten' crops into agriculture. He will also highlight the innovative strategies being employed to support the work of seed banks and the importance of global collaboration in safeguarding our agricultural heritage. Through this conversation, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how preserving seed diversity and embracing innovative agricultural practices are essential steps toward a sustainable and food-secure future. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
What can we learn from the future? - The role of futurists in achieving sustainable development with Sohail Inayatullah of UNESCO 16:00

1 year ago16:00

16:00

In the face of complex development challenges, particularly in the context of Covid-19, what can we learn from the future? In this episode, SDG Learncast asks Professor Sohail Inayatullah, UNESCO Inaugural Chair for Future Studies, what can we learn from futurists and how do future studies help governments formulate and implement policies on sustainable development. As we try to build a sustainable future, Professor Sohail talks about how double-loop learning can help decision-makers effectively learn and how we can use the future to transform today. Please subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit UN SDG:Learn website at www.unsdglearn.org to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/. The episode was published on April 12, 2021. The opinions expressed in the SDG Learncast podcasts are solely those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of UN SDG:Learn, its Joint Secretariat, and partners.…

1
Global finance in transition: Reforming the global financial system for the SDGs 16:06

1 year ago16:06

16:06

In this episode, Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), discusses the critical theme of long-term financing for sustainable development and the need for reform in the global financial architecture. He highlights the challenges hindering the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the estimated financing gap for the SDGs. Guillaume emphasizes the importance of investing in energy and water for high returns and the systemic financial difficulties impacting developing countries. He also discusses the role of multilateral development banks and the need for a long-term affordable financing system. Guillaume concludes by highlighting the opportunities for reforming the global financial architecture. Takeaways The progress of the SDGs has been lacking or slowing, and there is a significant financing gap for the SDGs. Investing in energy and water can provide high returns and contribute to sustainable development. Systemic financial difficulties impacting developing countries' efforts towards achieving the SDGs. Reforming the global financial architecture is crucial, and there are opportunities to make significant progress. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
“Great Buys” in Education: Maximizing learning in low and middle-income countries 28:28

2 years ago28:28

28:28

In this episode, we are featuring Benjamin Piper , the Director of Global Education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Ben sheds light on the groundbreaking work of the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP). With an exhaustive analysis of over 13,000 academic studies, GEEAP identifies the most effective and economical educational interventions. We delved into the intriguing concept of "Smart Buys" or "Great Buys" in education, dissecting approaches like structured pedagogy and teaching children according to their learning level rather than age or grade. We confront a stark reality: two-thirds of children in low and middle-income countries fail to acquire comprehensive reading skills by age 10. This crisis extends beyond literacy; it reflects the profound limitations of our current education systems. The question arises: How do we tackle this challenge? It's essential to look beyond simply increasing school enrolment. We must ensure that every child, once in school, has equal opportunities to maximize their learning potential. You can read more about the 2023 Cost-effective Approaches to Improve Global Learning Report and the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) . Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
Tomorrow's Classroom: Digital Transformation through Systems Thinking 16:10

2 years ago16:10

16:10

In this episode of the SDG Learncast, we feature Breanne Pitt , a researcher and educator, on the concept of systems thinking and its vital role in modern education. They explore the challenges and complexities of the digital age, discuss the impact of standardized testing, and delve into practical tools like the World Economic Forum's Transformation Maps. This enlightening conversation underscores the importance of a proactive approach to teaching, preparing students for a deeply interconnected world. You can read more about Breanne Pitt's White Paper on Innovative Learning Solutions to Navigate Complexity: Adapting Systems Thinking to Future Classrooms. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
The Fight for Our Forests and Future: The Rising Threat from Oil and Gas Exploration 18:38

2 years ago18:38

18:38

Tyson Miller, Director of Earth Insight unpacks the escalating threats of oil and gas expansion in the Amazon and Congo Basin regions. Drawing from the Earth Insight's reports " Congo in the Crosshairs: New Oil & Gas Expansion Threats to Forests and Communities " " Crisis Point: Oil and Gas Expansion Threats to Amazon and Congo Basin Tropical Forests and Communities " and an article from The Guardian, we discovered that Africa's oil and gas territories could quadruple, threatening to wipe out a third of the dense tropical forests and accelerating climate change. One thing is clear: polluting countries must step up to rapidly decarbonize their own economies. Tyson doesn’t just highlight problems but also offers solutions. From the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty's efforts to halt fuel expansion to the push for banks to champion against fossil fuel projects, Tyson shines a light on pathways to counter these looming threats. Listen to the podcast to learn more about protecting our world's critical ecosystems. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at www.unsdglearn.org to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
Can Education Wait? A Deep Dive into Learning in Crisis Zones 31:02

2 years ago31:02

31:02

In this podcast episode, we're joined by Yasmine Sherif, the Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW) , as she discussed the importance of quality education in crisis situations. As a human rights lawyer with extensive field experience, Yasmine highlights the challenges of delivering education to the 222 million children lacking access today. Yasmine highlighted ECW's holistic approach to addressing this crisis, their hands-on experiences in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cox's Bazar, and the triumphs seen from strategic partnerships and programme investment, like in Colombia and Uganda. She also talks about the role of technology in this field, painting a realistic picture of its limitations and possibilities. Join us to discover how ECW advocates for education as the foundation of all sustainable development goals. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast on podcast apps. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at www.unsdglearn.org to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
Achieving Sustainable Food Systems: How can we balance biodiversity conservation and food production? 25:53

2 years ago25:53

25:53

In this SDG Learncast episode, we delved into the challenges of achieving sustainable food systems and the balance needed between biodiversity conservation and nutrition. Our guests, Dr. Sarah Jones and Dr. Aline Mosnier, experts in food systems and biodiversity conservation, discussed the impact of agriculture on biodiversity and how we can meet global targets by 2030. They also explore the need to reduce the overconsumption of food and shift to healthier diets while meeting the nutritional needs of a projected population of 9 billion people by 2050. They also stressed the importance of avoiding conflicts and making ambitious policies and decisions to create a more sustainable future for everyone. Tune in for insightful conversations on sustainable development and learning to help us achieve a better tomorrow. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at ⁠www.unsdglearn.org⁠ to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at ⁠https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
Space Power: Utilizing satellites to bring electricity to the most vulnerable groups in Sub-Saharan Africa - Camila dos Santos Gonçalves and Grace Chenxin Liu of the New York Academy of Sciences 21:51

3 years ago21:51

21:51

According to the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2021 , although 46% of sub-Saharan Africa's population now has access to electricity--up from 33% in 2010--the region is far behind the global average of 90%. 97 million people in urban areas and 471 million in rural areas are still without access to electricity. The lack of access is caused by several factors. On the demand side, there are low uptake and expensive connection charges while on the supply side, the energy sources are unreliable since more of the existing options in the region are renewable decentralized grids. This unreliability drives blackouts and brownouts. In this episode, we feature Camila dos Santos Gonçalves and Grace Chenxin Liu, who are members of the New York Academy of Sciences , which selects 1,000 of the world's brightest high school students (ages 13-17) to become part of The Junior Academy . The members are then given a global challenge to work on, together with mentors and experts, to learn how to understand global problems and find approaches to address them. In this year's challenge, the group was tasked to work on the Flexible Use of Electricity. After two months, the team of young people from different parts of the world presented their approach of using space satellites to respond to the energy needs but also approaching the issue holistically, addressing systemic issues, gender equality, and climate change. Listen to this episode to learn more about how Camila, Grace and their team use space satellites to provide electricity to the most vulnerable groups in Sub-Saharan Africa. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at www.unsdglearn.org to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
Countering disinformation and promoting integrity in public information: Breaking away from echo chambers - Dr. Julian Jaursch of SNV Berlin 16:28

3 years ago16:28

16:28

Misinformation and disinformation are pressing public issues. There has been a rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation. Sometimes we call them fake news. This happens online and offline and it affects everyone, every day. Receiving truthful and quality information is critical as we all depend on information to make decisions. At the personal level, we need accurate information to make decisions about health and who we vote for. And at the global level, we need established facts to make collective decisions on pressing issues. Such as pandemics climate change and resolving conflicts. The UN Secretary-General and his report ' Our Common Agenda ' called the large-scale spread of disinformation and the undermining of scientifically established facts as an existential risk to humanity. In this episode, we will be speaking with Dr. Julian Jaursch , Project Director at the SNV in Berlin , working on Strengthening the Digital Public Space. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at www.unsdglearn.org to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
Can blockchain technology help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals? - Thy-Diep "Yip" Ta of UNIT Ventures and DLT Talents 21:48

3 years ago21:48

21:48

Blockchain technology has been leveraged in humanitarian settings by the World Food Programme to deliver cash directly to beneficiaries securely and quickly, without the need to go through a local bank. The potential of blockchain applications in protecting the environment has also been tested to eliminate illegal fishing in the tuna industry. Blockchain applications are also being considered to provide a transparent, trustworthy way to show how nations are taking action to reduce their impact on the climate. In this SDG Learncast episode, we spoke with Ms. Thy-Diep "Yip" Ta, co-founder of UNIT Ventures and DLT Talents , to unpack the blockchain technology for our podcast listeners and explain how the blockchain technology can also help vulnerable groups get access to financial resources, support people working in the care economy, and creating more incentives for collaboration, transparency, and good behavior through the blockchain technology. Want to learn more about sustainable development and learning? Subscribe to SDG Learncast. Visit the UN SDG:Learn website at www.unsdglearn.org to get the latest learning offers on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The transcript of the podcast is available at https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/.…

1
The data revolution and new technologies: how we can use them to reach the most vulnerable groups? - Emmanuel Letouzé of Data-Pop Alliance 20:37

3 years ago20:37