International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Today, no science-based pathways exist for successfully achieving all SDGs simultaneously. The global transformations necessary to achieve the SDGs urgently need a robust scientific foundation and fact-based way forward. The World in 2050 (TWI2050) is global multi-year, multi-stakeholder, interdisciplinary research initiative designed to provide a science-based, integrative approach to address all 17 SDGs building on the synergies and multiple benefits while alleviating trade-offs across competing SDGs. TWI2050 is a partnership between some 20 science and policy institutions (international, academic, and non-governmental) that aims not only to contribute to this understanding but also develop science-based transformational and equitable pathways to sustainable development that can provide much-needed information and guidance for policy makers responsible for the implementation of the SDGs, such as the HLPF. This first TWI2050 report will be launched at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF). It presents major challenges facing humanity to achieve the transformative changes toward sustainable futures. Rather than projecting into the future, it describes the compelling narrative from a ‘backcasting’ perspective, namely what needs to be done now and in the immediate future to steer the international community, in a cooperative way, toward achievement of 2030 Agenda and good life for all on the healthy planet beyond 2030. The transformative, model-based SDPs that are in the process of being developed by TWI2050 are the core of the report presenting an integrative approach that builds on the potential synergies across the 17 SDGs. Finally, the report provides perspective on profound dynamics of social changes needed to achieve the SDGs as well as policy options for those responsible for the implementation of the SDGs. In order to provide more actionable policy recommendations, six exemplary transformations are highlighted throughout the report: i) Human capacity and demography; ii) Consumption and production; iii) Decarbonization and energy; iv) Food, biosphere and water; v) Smart cities; and vi) Digital revolution. They provide a ‘silver tread’ throughout the report and translate the SDGs into actionable way forward for a plethora of stakeholders and major groups. The report calls for both transformative change and policy coherence. It demonstrates how systems analysis supports decisions makers toward holistic policymaking, considering all dimensions of sustainability – society, economy and the environment and how they are interrelated. The TWI2050 approach provides guidance to target audiences based on the six transformations, such as policymakers, mayors, businesses, investors, civil society, and the scientific community. TWI2050 initiative is the most-comprehensive scientific initiative to date presenting integrated and holistic policies for implementing the SDGs. It brings together more than 60 authors from around two dozen research institutions, think tanks and international organizations across the Global South and North. Government representatives will present their national experiences in SDG implementation, giving concrete policy examples.   Moderator: • Nebojsa Nakicenovic, Deputy Director General, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) (10 minutes) Speakers: • Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) (15 minutes) Discussants: (3 minutes each) • Caroline Zimm, International Institute for Applied Systems Anaysis (IIASA) • Shantanu Mukherjee, Policy and Analysis Branch (PAB), Division for Sustainable Development Goals, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) • Pedro Conceicao, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) • Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) • Paulo Gadelha Vieira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz • Donovan Guttieres, Children and Youth Major Group (to be confirmed) • Alessandra Casazza, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) • Government Representatives (pending confirmations) • E. William Colglazier, American Association for the Advancement of Science Discussion and Questions