Maximizing Synergies to Advance Progress for People and Planet

We must change course. Without synergies, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate objectives remain out of reach. The evidence is clear: addressing climate change and achieving the SDGs are inextricably intertwined. Co-benefits far outweigh trade-offs. By maximizing these synergies, we can also bridge investment gaps worth trillions of dollars. Synergistic action should be a required component of national commitments, reporting, and financing for climate and development goals. We must act on the climate emergency and sustainable development together now, or we risk not solving them at all.

In May 2023 UNDESA and UNFCCC Secretariat co-convened the Expert Group on Climate and SDG Synergy, on which I have had the great pleasure to collaborate as the Entrepreneur-in Residence for CARE USA. The Group consists of 14 renowned experts from diverse thematic and geographic backgrounds who were given the task of developing the First Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies.

This report demonstrates that aggressively acting on climate and development in an integrated and synergistic way is an important opportunity to achieve the course correction the UN Secretary-General has called for. It highlights some of the challenges but also the opportunities if the international community is seriously committed to enhancing these synergies and thereby addressing these challenges.

The report is designed to provide a broad overview of available data and evidence, providing? insights from experts on the frontlines and recommendations for enhancing synergistic action across the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. This first edition will form the basis for future iterations, which will entail a wider scope of sectors, and thematic areas and deep dives on specific issues pertaining to strengthening and operationalizing synergic climate and SDG actions at all levels

I invite you to take the time to read this report as I believe it holds both practical and actionable steps we can collectively take to ensure progress moves forward at the pace we now so urgently need. Report can be downloaded HERE