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Shaping Resilient Societies: Can One Succeed?
Friday, 9 July 2021
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Virtual (NY Time)

Side Event

Government of the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Federal Statistical Office of Switzerland, Government of South Africa, University of Zurich and University of Geneva

The COVID-19-led crisis has accelerated existing trends; it has deepened inequalities and highlighted vulnerabilities. As such, it represents a setback towards the achievement of the SDGs which, now more than ever, provide a framework for fairer, more resilient and more sustainable societies. (Source: Sustainable Development Report 2020) Taking this situation into account, the Swiss Government and the universities of Zurich and Geneva jointly gathered a community of international experts from across sectors with the aim of building societies resilient and sustainable to future shocks.

The moderated panel discussion will address the current crisis and how to brace for future shocks through transversal, cross-sectoral and cross-societal responses. Leading experts will highlight the rationale toward developing sustainable and resilient societies, arguing that this transformation can only take place if pending challenges are co-defined, response mechanisms co-designed, recovery policies co-implemented and co-monitored by all stakeholders involved. They will reflect on data ecosystems, as a tool for evidence-based decision making, as well as compounding effects of global dynamics of change, demographic shifts, urbanization and growing inequalities. They will show that, in addition to measuring progress, data fosters accountability and that data and monitoring are necessary to ensure no one is left behind. This event will allow a dive in the topic before being discussed at the 3rd UN World Data Forum, from 3-6 October 2021 in Bern, Switzerland.

United Nations