Report on the Expert Workshop 'Revisiting Sustainability: Challenges for science and policy'

Abstract

Sustainability and sustainable development will accompany us in the years to come, challenging us intellectually in dealing with their scientific basis as well as related implementation. Particularly, this involves addressing the criticisms of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN Agenda 2030 adopted in 2015, ranging from its inspiration by “Western” paradigms, economic (GDP based) growth and its silence on the trade-offs between goals. Whereas science’s voice has often been claimed to be weak in the Agenda 2030 negotiation process, a clear scientific basis should have a major role in shaping the future, to ensure that it guides strategies and implementation measures in a complex and value-laden societal context. We reached out to key members of the Bonn-based community engaged in the field of sustainable development. In the semi-structured open space discussions, we revisited some of the theoretical and practical frameworks in sustainability science and policy, looking through the lenses of value & valuation, interculturality & world views, contexts & practicability, as well as involvement & influence. The goal was to define critical elements of these frameworks, their “futurability” and how our joint processes can shape a new vision.