The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) proudly announces its 27th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) to be held from 4 – 7 November 2024 in Islamabad, Pakistan. This year’s theme, “From Fragility to Resilience: Enhancing Sustainable Development”, reflects our commitment to addressing contemporary global challenges through resilience and sustainable development.
The SDC is a flagship event that not only showcases SDPI’s research but also invites researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and academics worldwide to share their work and engage in a meaningful dialogue. This annual event is a cornerstone of SDPI’s outreach and advocacy efforts, promoting awareness and action towards sustainability goals, slow but steady adaption of economic and governance reforms.
SIE 2024: SDPI is also pleased to announce that alongside the SDC will be held the second edition of the Sustainability Investment Expo (SIE) 2024. The overarching theme of this year’s SIE is “Pioneering Solutions for Climate Resilience”.
Despite facing numerous challenges in recent years, the world has demonstrated remarkable resilience. It has weathered a deadly Pandemic, with the global economy contracting by 3.5% in 2020 but rebounding with a growth of 6% in 2021, 4.9% in 2022, and 2.9% in 2023. Trade wars among major economic powers have not collapsed global trade, which is projected to grow by 2.6% this year, according to the World Trade Organization. Even with the loss of crucial energy supplies, particularly from Russia, the global economy has avoided disaster by diversifying energy sources. The conflict in Gaza has not triggered major oil shocks, and despite slow progress on the climate agenda, there have been advancements, such as the increase in renewable energy capacity. This resilience can be attributed to several factors, including advancements in technology, responsible citizenry and collective actions, and gradual economic and governance reforms. Fostering this resilience further depends on enhancing adaptive capacities and sustainable pathways. This includes, among others, shifting focus from mere food security to comprehensive food systems, strengthening social protection, empowering women, and exploring the potential of artificial intelligence. The 27th Sustainable Development Conference will explore these key themes, providing a platform to discuss how we can continue to build and enhance resilience in a rapidly changing world. By focusing on these areas, we aim to chart a path towards a sustainable and resilient future for all.
Building on its legacy, the annual Conference serves as a beacon, illuminating the path from fragility to resilience. It will analyse how vulnerabilities can be transformed into strengths and how innovations can drive adaptability, growth, and development. By converging diverse minds in the shared pursuit of resilience and innovation, the Conference seeks to turn challenges into opportunities in our ever-changing world. Like all of the previous editions of SDC, our forthcoming gathering also promises hope and inspiration, shaping a sustainable future across conventional boundaries. Scholars, researchers, practitioners, legislators, and experts are not just invited but are crucial in presenting their solutions and sharing messages of optimism within the following streams, which are selected as pillars of resilience. Plenary and concurrent sessions will be organized around these focal areas.