The overarching goal of the summit was to bridge the gap between science and policy, ensuring that cutting-edge scientific insights inform the development and implementation of sustainable, inclusive global policies. The Science Summit fostered collaboration across sectors through dynamic sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. It explored solutions that address global challenges, focusing on sustainability, climate action, and innovation.

A key highlight of the summit was the emphasis on the transformative role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants acknowledged that science-based solutions are not just crucial, but they are the beacon of hope in tackling complex global issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, energy access, and food security. Multiple sessions delved into the critical role that STI can play in creating resilient societies and economies to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. The summit also underscored the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-border partnerships to ensure that scientific advancements are effectively translated into actionable policies.

The Association of Sustainable Development Experts (ASDE) hosted a Panel Discussion “Green Recovery under Global Threats” at the 9th Science Summit at the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA79).

Speakers:

– Serhiy Porovskyy, Chief Expert on Energy Efficiency Financing and Policy, UNIDO. Special Advisor to the Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine. Chairperson of the ASDE Advisory Board

–  Anna Zamazeeva, Head of State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine (SAEE)

– Dr. Oleksandr Sushchenko, Professor and co-founder of NGO “Center for Blended Value Studies” (CBVS), member of ASDE

– Dr. Bohdan Vykhor, CEO of WWF-Ukraine, member of the ASDE Advisory Board

– Dr. Dariusz Prasek, member of the UN Advisory Board on Circular Economy, member of the ASDE Advisory Board

Moderators:

– Alina Sokolenko, Co-founder of ASDE, member of the Advisory Board

– Evgenia Afanasenko, Principal Environmental Adviser at European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, ESG professional, member of the ASDE Advisory Board

Association of Sustainable Development experts (ASDE) wrote on their page at social media: “ We believe that the answer lies in creating a robust regional sustainable business ecosystem that drives economic recovery and development in line with green principles. Our goal is to bring together key stakeholders from Ukraine and the EU to tackle these pressing issues head-on. Together, we will explore sustainable and creative solutions to the challenges posed by the ongoing war and the impacts in Ukraine. Our discussion will focus on how to support Ukraine’s green recovery in alignment with EU policies and principles.”

The summit also provided a platform for sharing best practices and strategies for building resilient, sustainable systems. Multiple sessions examined the importance of data-driven decision-making and technology integration in addressing public health, water security, and environmental protection. Artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing, and other emerging technologies were highlighted to improve resource management and foster more efficient, sustainable development practices.

The Science Summit successfully promoted dialogue and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and innovators. The event reinforced the importance of STI in addressing global challenges and shaping a sustainable future. Moving forward, the ideas and partnerships fostered at the summit will be critical in driving meaningful progress toward achieving the SDGs. The commitment of all participants to work together in pursuit of a more equitable, sustainable world serves as a strong foundation for implementing actionable strategies that will benefit both people and the planet.