Tackling Grand Challenges – what works, what’s missing, and what’s next?

The world today faces a convergence of complex and urgent challenges, often referred to as ‘grand challenges’, including the climate and nature crises, rising inequality, growing conflict, nationalism, and threats to truth, democracy, and the rule of law. These are “wicked problems”: systemic, interconnected, and resistant to simple solutions.

Increasingly, governments, institutions, and communities are turning these challenges into concrete missions that drive innovation across sectors. Multidisciplinary research, innovation and collaboration between academic and non-academic actors are central to this effort.

Despite widespread commitment, evidenced by 190 of 193 countries adopting national sustainable development plans, progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains significantly off-track, with only four years remaining until the 2030 SDG deadline.

This international conference invites participants from across sectors and regions to share insights, learn from diverse experiences, and build resilient, adaptive strategies for the future. We will explore what works in tackling grand challenges with a view to informing delivery on the SDGs and critically examine how these approaches must evolve in the face of geopolitical shifts, economic pressures, and environmental shocks.

Join us to connect with others committed to addressing major societal challenges through flexible, effective, and collaborative approaches.
Please note the location is still being finalised and is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated.

We will have a photographer at the event. Please make yourself known if you do not wish to be photographed.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher UCL Grand Challenges