1. Introduction

Today’s world stands at the crossroads of major global challenges, ranging from poverty and inequality to climate change and environmental degradation. These pressing issues underscore the essential role of sustainable development in forging a prosperous, equitable, and peaceful future for all.

Building on the insights and findings of our previous reports, namely “Transformations for the Joint Implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the European Green Deal: A Green and Digital, Job-Based and Inclusive Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic” (2021), and “Financing the Joint Implementation of Agenda 2030 and the European Green Deal” (2022), this year’s report explores in detail the multifaceted nature of sustainable development and offers invaluable insights to guide the policy decisions required to address these challenges.

More specifically, in line with the work presented in 2021’s and 2022’s Reports, the current report also investigates the complicated web of factors affecting sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of region-specific approaches to sustainable development, repeating the focus on the European Union’s role presented in the previous reports. It explores the potential of the EU to redefine global sustainable development challenges and highlights the necessity of understanding interdependencies among different systems, a topic touched upon in our discussions about the close link between the European Green Deal and Agenda 2030, with the 17 SDGs.

Furthermore, this report expands on the concept of ‘natural capital’ introduced in 2022’s Report, exploring its interconnectedness with social capital, produced capital, and cultural heritage. More specifically, it recognizes the role of aesthetic, historical, social, and spiritual values in shaping sustainable development policies.

In consistence with the previous reports, this report also underscores the significance of green jobs and digital transition as drivers of sustainable development. It goes deeper into the employment trends and skill requirements in the net-zero economy and urges the importance of reskilling policies, reflecting on the job-based recovery discussed in 2021’s Report.

Building upon the financial discussion in 2022’s Report, this report touches on the private sector’s role in financing the SDGs, identifying SDG content in financial asset portfolios, and emphasizing the potential of carbon farming and voluntary carbon markets. These discussions further illuminate the financial strategies necessary for the successful implementation of sustainable development initiatives.

In conclusion, “Transforming Our World: Interdisciplinary Insights on the Sustainable Development Goals” serves as an extension of our previous discussions. By bringing together interdisciplinary insights and understanding the interconnections between different dimensions of sustainable development, this report can guide policymakers and stakeholders to take informed decisions and targeted actions to address the complex challenges of our time, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.