Net Impact Boston SDG Summit

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (also known as the Global Goals, or simply, the SDGs) are 17 interconnected goals with 169 associated targets for social, environmental and economic development aimed at creating a more equitable, green, and just world. They have been designed to highlight and amplify impact around the intersections of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership and serve as a rallying cry for bringing governments, the private sector, and civil society together to achieve a common objective of improving the quality of life for global citizens, nature and Earth itself.

With just six more years to reach its 2030 deadline, however, progress on the SDGs has slowed. Only 15% of the SDG targets are on track to meet their targets by 2030 and progress on 37% of them have stalled or have gone into reverse. Furthermore, critiques of the SDGs, current geopolitical dynamics around conflict, climate action and human rights, and under-representation of key voices have revealed their shortcomings. Yet, the SDGs could open up to US $12 trillion of market opportunities and create 380 million new jobs by 2030, according to the UN Global Compact. To achieve the aims of the Global Goals, we need to act both globally and locally.

To that end, what is being done in Boston to achieve the intent behind the Global Goals locally? And what local perspectives and solutions can be used to help make a difference in moving the SDGs forward at the global level?

Join us for a half day session of panel discussions, networking and an exhibition of Boston-based organizations working to achieve the mission behind the Global Goals as we explore the actions and the institutions in the Greater Boston Area making an impact on the SDGs at Net Impact Boston’s SDG Summit.

Hear from professionals across government, not-for-profit, business and community organizations highlight the work being done locally in the Greater Boston Area to achieve environmental, social, economic and technological impact for good. Make connections and start to build your professional network in our local Boston social and environmental impact ecosystem.

Why Attend?

• Meet and network with local social and environmental impact professionals and leaders
• Access to impact-driven organizations in the Greater Boston Area and their networks
• Learn about upcoming career opportunities in the social and environmental impact space

Panels

Panel 1 - The SDGs and Enacting A Green New Deal for Boston

The City of Boston has laid out a to serve as a roadmap for tackling climate change at the local level through “policies that address economic, social and racial inequities, while advancing health, livability and justice” for all residents. It focuses on five areas: decarbonization, transportation, clean energy, resilience & nature, and the workforce. How is the city using this vision to make change and what are the opportunities and challenges in realizing this vision for the region? How are different stakeholders helping to shape the direction of a Green New Deal for Boston? And finally, how can the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals inform the intersectional policy changes needed to achieve the Green New Deal for Boston?

• Moderator: Caitlin Moore, Executive Director, United Nations Association of Greater Boston
• Steven Lee, Green New Deal Finance Advisor, City of Boston
• Hessann Farooqi, Executive Director, Boston Climate Action Network
• Mamadou Balde, Community Programs and Partnerships Manager, All in Energy

Panel 2 - The SDGs and Advancing Social Equity, Access and Justice in Boston

The Greater Boston Area is home to diverse communities across race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, and ability as well immigrants from around the world. Yet, institutional barriers remain as challenges to ensuring inclusion, equity, justice and accessibility for all residents. Making meaningful progress on areas of social equity such as affordable housing, quality education and healthcare access, public green space and economic mobility requires that the voices of these communities be included in current and future planning for the city. How can the city engage with diverse communities and incorporate their perspectives and needs into social policy initiatives? And what intersectional approaches from the Sustainable Development Goals can transform institutions in the Greater Boston Area to become more equitable, inclusive, just and accessible?

• Panelists TBA

Panel 3 - The SDGs and Driving Innovation for Good in Boston

The Greater Boston Area is a world-renowned hub for innovation across multiple sectors of the global economy, with the core resources of brain power, talent, capital, and technology in the region. What innovative business models, products, services and finance structures are making a difference for people and the planet locally? How can the drivers of innovation in the region use the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals to scale solutions that meet societal challenges at the global level?

• Gary Levante, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Berkshire Bank
• Emily Gutman, Director of Operations, Dimagi
• Rocio Cespedes, Director of Partnerships, Greentown Labs
• Kat Lazell, Social Impact Senior Program Manager, Cambridge Innovation Center (CiC)

Tickets

Pricing is by a suggested donation of $15 for students, $20 for professionals, or more if you would like to contribute. We would like to make this event inclusive for all who would like to attend. If you cannot afford the registration fee and would like to volunteer your time and attend for free, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Net Impact Boston Professional Chapter