On a global scale, the Covid-19 pandemic is currently in focus, but other ongoing problems such as climate change, biodiversity losses, groundwater depletion, pollution and antibiotic resistance, also require collaborative efforts across sectors, disciplines and borders to find and implement solutions. Further global issues reflect inequality in different parts of the world: while many children are still dying of hunger, others are dying of cancer or suffering from asthma. Lifestyle diseases are claiming more lives each year: obesity, for instance, is now a bigger threat to life than wars, terror attacks or car crashes combined. While overall global income inequality has been decreasing, the economic divide within some societies is widening. Issues of food security, widespread accessible energy, clean water, hygiene and health among large sections of the human population are urgent.
We need to act now toward fulfilling the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Young scientists and researchers from accross the globe are both equipped and committed to help tackle these challenges. The GYA’s first e-conference – from 29 June to 10 July 2020 – aims to bring together members and alumni of the Global Young Academy with regional, national and international professionals and stakeholders, to lead evidence-based, interdisciplinary and intergenerational dialogue on the topic “Heal the Earth: Sustainable Development Goals in a Changing World”.
The e-conference will also provide space to propose solutions, within the following thematic discussions:
Open Science and Global Open Access (pre-conference discussion: on 25 June 2020)
Diminishing Resources and Environmental Sustainability
Engagement at Large: Communicating Science to and with the Public
Global Health in times of a pandemic
Higher Education Institutions Teaching and Research: All in different boats but in the same storm