Sharing insights on Sustainable Development Learning

SDG Learncast is a podcast series produced by UN SDG:Learn that features leaders and learners of the 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It provides insightful conversations around the subject of sustainable development and learning, helping us all to achieve a sustainable future. The podcast will share stories from individuals and organizations working on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs and how they use learning and knowledge-sharing as vehicles for accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. How can learning help in adapting skillsets and mindsets? Can learning help change behavior towards a more sustainable living? How do leaders incorporate learning and knowledge-building on sustainable development in their daily lives? These are some of the questions that the podcast series will try to answer.

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

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Offered by:Guillaume Lafortune (Vice President of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN))

22 February 2024

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.

Great Buys in Education: Maximizing learning in low and middle-income countries

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Offered by:⁠Benjamin Piper⁠, Director of Global Education (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

7 December 2023

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).

Tomorrow's Classroom: Digital Transformation through Systems Thinking

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Offered by:Breanne Pitt, Research Fellow (World Economic Forum)

26 October 2023

In this episode, 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.

The Fight for Our Forests and Future

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Offered by:Tyson Miller, Director (Earth Insight)

8 September 2023

Our guest for this episode is Mr. Tyson Miller, the Executive Director of Earth Insight. He will unpack the escalating threats of oil and gas expansion in the Amazon and Congo Basin regions.

Can Education Wait? A Deep Dive into Learning in Crisis Zones

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Offered by:Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director (Education Cannot Wait)

23 May 2023

In this podcast episode, we're joined by Yasmine Sherif, the Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), as she discusses the importance of quality education in crisis situations.

Achieving Sustainable Food Systems

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Offered by:Dr. Sarah Jones (Scientist, the Alliance of Biodiversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture), Dr. Aline Mosnier (The Scientific Director, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN))

29 March 2023

In this SDG Learncast episode, we delved into the challenges of achieving sustainable food systems and the balance needed between biodiversity conservation and nutrition.

Utilizing satellites to bring electricity to the most vulnerable groups

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Offered by:Camila dos Santos Gonçalves (Space Power, Founder), Grace Chenxin Liu (Space Power, Editor-in-Chief)

23 June 2022

Listen to Camila Gonçalves and Grace Chenxin Liu, who are both high school students who proposed to use space satellites to help provide electricity to the most vulnerable groups in Sub-Saharan Africa, where most of the people who do not have access to electricity live.

Countering disinformation and promoting integrity in public information

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Offered by:Dr. Julian Jaursch, Project Director (Stiftung Neue Verantwortung (SNV) Berlin)

22 June 2022

Misinformation and disinformation are pressing public issues. This happens online and offline and it affects everyone, every day. Disinformation also targets some of the sustainable development goals. But we can do something and act now. Listen to Dr. Julian Jaursch of SNV to learn more.

Can blockchain technology help achieve the SDGs?

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Offered by:Thy-Diep "Yip" Ta, Co-Founder (UNIT Ventures and DLT Talents)

19 May 2022

Blockchain technology has been leveraged in humanitarian settings to deliver cash to beneficiaries, eliminate illegal fishing, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But what makes this technology a viable option to achieve the SDGs? Listen to Thy-Diep "Yip" Ta of UNIT Ventures to learn more.

Data revolution and new technologies for the most vulnerable groups

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Offered by:Dr. Emmanuel Letouzé, Director (Data-Pop Alliance)

12 May 2022

Data revolution is the unprecedented increase in the volume and types of data—and the subsequent demand for them—thanks to the ongoing yet uneven proliferation of new technologies. But how can we ensure that we leave no one behind? Let's hear from Dr. Emmanuel Letouzé of the Data-Pop Alliance.

How can we a positive future with Artificial Intelligence?

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Offered by:Jeanne Lim, CEO (being AI)

6 May 2022

Artificial intelligence has been used in disaster responses and prevention. It also has the potential to achieve 134 targets of the SDGs. But there are also several issues around AI that humans fear of. In this episode, Jeanne Lim of beingAI talks about a compassionate AI for a sustainable future.

Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Forum of the United Nations

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Offered by:Mr. Sergiy Kyslytsya, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations (United Nations), Mr. Kennedy Godfrey Gastorn, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations (United Nations)

3 May 2022

Science and technology intricately mesh together with society. You cannot see one without the other. In this episode, we speak with the Science, Technology, and Innovation co-chairs of the STI Forum–Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya and Ambassador Kennedy Godfrey Gastorn to talk about STI for the future.

Is knowledge brokering the missing link between science and changing behaviours

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Offered by:Patrick van Weerelt (UNSSC Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development)

24 August 2021

A solution to bridge the gap between science, policies, programmes, and practice is to use knowledge brokers, who are neutral intermediaries that function as an interface between the creators and users of knowledge. But what is knowledge brokering? Let's listen to Patrick van Weerelt of the UNSSC.

Dealing with climate emergency and disaster risks: Making knowledge accessible

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Offered by:Loretta Hieber Girardet (United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction)

24 August 2021

There is a tangible gap between the current climate science on the one hand and policymaking and practice on the other hand. How can we make climate and risk knowledge accessible to those who need them the most? In this episode, we speak with Loretta Hieber Girardet of UNDRR to learn more.

Goal-based development: Do they actually work? - Revisiting the UN goal-setting

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Offered by:Jeffrey Sachs (Sustainable Development Solutions Network; SDG Academy)

24 August 2021

Goals are an essential part of any action agenda. But do goals work in the context of development? In this episode, we will revisit the UN goal-setting as a policy tool together with Prof. Jeffrey Sachs of SDSN.

Understanding the skills gap and the sustainability gap - what can employers do?

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Offered by:Robert Marinkovich (International Organisation of Employers), Akustina Morni (International Organisation of Employers)

21 July 2021

Hiring and retaining skilled workers is getting more difficult because new graduates are not prepared for current jobs. At the same time, achieving sustainable development among big and small businesses globally can sometimes be seen as slow. How can we address this gap? Listen to the #SDGLearncast

Is there a future for MSMEs in developing countries after Covid-19?

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Offered by:Raphaël Dard (International Trade Centre - SME Trade Academy)

21 July 2021

What lessons can we capture from the COVID-19 response to ensure that MSMEs are resilient to the looming climate crisis, and are drivers of an inclusive transition towards more sustainable economies? Listen to Raphaël Dard, Head of the SME Trade Academy of the International Trade Centre.

The 99% of Businesses: How can we make SMEs in rich countries more sustainable?

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Offered by:Willem Overbosch (Ubiquity University)

21 July 2021

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are key players and national economies around the world. They compose 99% of businesses in the OECD area. How can we make SMEs more sustainable and contribute to a better and sustainable future? Listen to Willem Overbosch at the SDG Learncast at #UNSDGLearn.

The Changing Role of Learning for the Future of Work – Closing the skills gap

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Offered by:Sheila Jagannathan (World Bank Open Learning Campus)

12 April 2021

How does the World Bank uses learning and knowledge exchange to address extreme poverty, lift the bottom 40% of the population, and address SDG gaps in countries? Let's hear from Sheila Jagannathan, the Head of the World Bank Open Learning Campus.

How to Hack Hackathons? - Using collective brainpower to solve food insecurity

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Offered by:Cristina Petracchi (Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) eLearning Academy)

12 April 2021

How can we use learning in addressing complex global challenges such as food insecurity? SDG Learncast asks Cristina Petracchi, Leader of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) eLearning Academy on how the FAO supports countries in addressing the issues of food insecurity.

The role of futurists in achieving sustainable development

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Offered by:Sohail Inayatullah (UNESCO Inaugural Chair for Future Studies)

12 April 2021

In the face of complex development challenges, particularly in the context of Covid-19, what can we learn from the future? SDG Learncast asks Professor Sohail Inayatullah, UNESCO Inaugural Chair for Future Studies.