Highlights and images for 24 October 2017

Belgium

Summary

On Tuesday morning, a CEO panel took place focusing on oceans. The panel brought together a range of ocean industries to consider the ocean aspects of Agenda 2030. The issues discussed included the development, dissemination and deployment of technology and collaboration among science, technology and innovation communities.

Throughout the day, participants at G-STIC 2017 convened in breakout sessions to consider thematic clusters on: agroecology for sustainable food systems; circular economy and the role of industry; urban electric mobility; urban design and sustainable building; smart water solutions; waste water as a resource; energy positive communities; and sustainable technology and development. Topical sessions were also held on bamboo and innovative building materials.

In the afternoon, the Clean Ganga event took place. All thematic clusters and topical sessions concluded presentations and wrapped up. Participants worked in the evening on the chairpersons’ summaries and key findings, to be considered on Wednesday morning.

In the evening, G-STIC 2017 was suspended to celebrate the UN day. A high-level colloquium took place with presentations.

Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, discussed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their role in technology.

The keynote presentation was given by Alexander De Croo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development Cooperation, Digital Agenda, Telecommunication and Postal Services, Belgium.

Yannick Gelmarec, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programme for UN Women, highlighted the importance of technology to achieve the SDGs.

Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat, discussed the SDGs and the urban agenda.

Li Yong, Director General, UNIDO, highlighted, inter alia, multistakeholder partnerships and enabling environments.

Christine Vermylen, CIFAL Flanders, delivered closing words.

The high-level colloquium was followed by a reception.

IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage and a summary report from G-STIC 2017, which is now available in HTML and PDF.

Photos by IISD/ENB+ | Herman Njoroge Chege
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