SDG Learncast

UN SDG:Learn
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  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Insightful conversations around the subject of sustainable development and learning, helping us all to achieve a sustainable future.

  1. SEP 5

    SDGs and Beyond: Rethinking Multilateralism for the Post-2030 Era

    As 2030 approaches, the Sustainable Development Goals stand at a crossroads. While some targets are within reach, others lag dangerously behind.   At the same time, the global order is shifting. What happens to sustainable development in a world where trust in multilateralism is fraying, yet the need for collective action has never been greater?  In this episode, we are so happy to welcome and speak with Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and also University Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.   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.

    24 min

  2. AUG 27

    How to heal a river: What the Emscher teaches us about cities and nature

    In this episode, we dive into one of Europe’s most inspiring urban renewal stories: the transformation of Germany’s Emscher River. Once an open sewer running through the industrial heartland of the Ruhr, it’s now a thriving, green artery for wildlife and communities.   Over 30 years and €5.5 billion, the Emschergenossenschaft and Lippeverband replaced 430 km of open wastewater channels with modern underground systems, restored 170 km of river, and created public spaces like the stunning Phoenix Lake.  We’ll talk with Prof. Dr. Uli Paetzel, CEO of Emschergenossenschaft, about how a river went from symbol of industrial pollution to a model of ecological restoration and community pride. This is a story of engineering brilliance, political will, and deep community engagement, a blueprint for how cities can heal their waterways and themselves.  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.

    14 min

  3. AUG 1

    What happens when AI becomes your startup mentor? Transforming online courses for entrepreneurs in the Global South

    In this episode, we dive into how artificial intelligence or AI is transforming entrepreneurship education. Our guests for this SDG Learncast are Dorina Dobra-Basca and Guillaume Lamothe from the International Trade Centre’s SME Trade Academy. They will take us inside their AI-powered pilot course which is on “Raising Funds for Your Business,” which engaged over 400 learners across 100 countries.  They were inspired by Benjamin Bloom’s “2-Sigma Problem,” which underscores the effectiveness of one-on-one tutoring to increase learners’ performance. With this in mind, they pilot-tested three AI personas— AI Tutor, AI Moderator, and AI Grader—to provide personalized support, boost motivation, and deepen learning.   We would like to hear their experience but also learn from them what it takes to make AI feel like a mentor, not a machine? How do we balance rigor with inclusivity, especially for learners in the Global South? And what’s next for AI in education beyond the buzz?  If you're an educator, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of learning, stay with us for a timely look at how AI can drive inclusive and impactful education.   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.

    35 min

  4. JUL 11

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

    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.

    33 min

  5. 10/25/2024

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

    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/.

    16 min

  6. 06/14/2024

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

    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/.

    19 min

  7. 04/29/2024

    Banking on Biodiversity: The Seed Savers’ Crusade

    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/.

    24 min
  8. What can we learn from the future? - The role of futurists in achieving sustainable development with Sohail Inayatullah of UNESCO

    02/29/2024

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

    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.

    16 min
See All (28)

About

Insightful conversations around the subject of sustainable development and learning, helping us all to achieve a sustainable future.

Information

  • Creator
    UN SDG:Learn
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UN SDG:Learn
  • Show Website
    SDG Learncast

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