Talking transdisciplinarity for SDGs
Prof Coleen Vogel recently attended the 7th International Conference on Sustainability Science in Stockholm.
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The 7th International Conference on Sustainability Science in Stockholm brought together scientists from all over the world to discuss Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The premise for this event was for the Future Earth group to get inputs from experts from all across the globe for the formulation of a document, which will be forwarded to the United Nations to help inform processes and discourse on the SDGs.
Prof Vogel was a commentator on two panels at the event. One of the key takeaways according to Prof Vogel is the emergence of scientists’ awareness of transdisciplinarity. “It was a successful meeting in the sense that more and more scientists are acknowledging the need to look at other forms of knowledge. This is a huge breakthrough – the fact that scientists realise that in order to practically formulate solutions to meet SDGs there is a need to look at different modes of knowledge, including active engagement between the social and natural scientists,” comments Vogel.
She adds, “Science is valid, but on its own it is not sufficient to tackle SDG challenges. To tackle complex problems, a more integrated approach is needed. As scientists we need to be more inclusive, and engage with a variety of stakeholders, which essentially translates to taking a transdisciplinary research approach where we look at co-creating knowledge with a variety of actors.”
One key outcome from the meeting is that South Africa has been asked to host a conference on SDGs, which Prof Vogel will assist the NRF and DST in facilitating. “For a large part we as scientists continue to examine SDGs from a global perspective, however Africa has very complex challenges. By South Africa hosting the next event, it will give us an opportunity to focus on the African views of SDGs,” says Vogel.
To view the conference proceedings click here (Prof Vogel comes on at approximately 3:40:50).