Bristol and the SDGs: Bridging the local and the global

Location Enderby Room, the School of Physics, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, BS8 1TL

Format Panel discussion

About

In 2015, the UN member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a blueprint for peace and prosperity for all people and the planet. At the core of Agenda 2030 are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which bring together all countries, both developed and developing, in a global partnership to urgently take action on some of the world’s most persistent obstacles to development. The SDGs, whilst ambitious, recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations requires a holistic approach which also seeks to: improve education and health; reduce inequalities; strengthen economic growth; and tackle climate change.

Whilst emphasis on the SDGs and efforts to achieving them remains consistently focused on action at the global level, the universality of the SDGs offers a chance for local actors and governments to bridge local development priorities with a global framework.

Leading the way at a local level when it comes to the adoption and practical use of the SDGs is Bristol. From the appointment of an SDG Ambassador, to formation of the Bristol SDG Alliance and the implementation of a Voluntary Local Review, Bristol is proactively striving to use the SDGs to guide a sustainable and prosperous future.

Development Initiatives (DI) and the South West International Development Network invite you to attend and participate in ‘Bristol and the SDGs: Bridging the local and the global’, an event at the University of Bristol exploring the relevance of the Global Goals at a local level, whether this universal approach really signals a shift in development thinking, and what this means for the UK and Bristol.

This event will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the progress and challenges of implementing the SDGs so far, and their potential for helping us tackle key global issues such as climate change and poverty.

Joining us for this exciting event is Distinguished Fellow at ODI, David Donoghue. David was Ireland’s Ambassador to the UN until 2017 and during this time played a lead role as co-facilitator of the SDGs. He will give a short address touching on his experiences and thoughts on delivering these goals. Following this opening address, there will be a moderated panel discussion, which brings together NGOs, business and local governments, and a Q&A. We also invite all attendees to stay for a networking reception.

Facilitator: Harpinder Collacott (Executive Director, DI)

Panellists

• David Donoghue, Distinguished Fellow at ODI
• Allan Macleod, Bristol SDG Research and Engagement Associate
• James Treasure-Evans, Director of Funding and Partnerships, African Initiatives
• Simon Power, Director, Mott MacDonald
• Elinor Kershaw, Sustainability Coordinator and Project Administrator, Bristol Zoo

The event is open to all participants with free registration in advance. Register here.