lWhat is Belgium’s SDG Forum?
The SDG Forum brings together various sectors: policymakers, businesses, NGOs, academics, students and many other stakeholders. The event, organized by the Federal Institute for Sustainable Development (FISD) and supported by around twenty partner organizations, emphasizes connecting "unusual suspects"—people and organizations that do not typically interact—to spark new ideas and innovative solutions.
On November 5 and 6, 2024, the SDG Forum, the largest multi-stakeholder event on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Benelux, took place in the iconic Flagey building. Almost 800 participants from all corners of society attended. For the first time, this event was spread over two days, creating a dynamic program filled with inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and engaging panel discussions.
What happened at the SDG Forum in November?
The first day began on a strong note with an opening speech by Zakia Khattabi, Minister of Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development, and the Green Deal, followed by a keynote address from Nathalie Guillaume, General Secretary and Sustainability Director at Danone Benelux. Her presentation (available here) highlighted ways to enhance the resilience of our food systems, a topic more relevant than ever.
Next, the results of the SDG Barometer 2024 were presented by Professor Lars Moratis from the Antwerp Management School (presentation available here). The SDG Barometer, a collaboration between the Federal Institute for Sustainable Development, Antwerp Management School, the University of Antwerp, and UCLouvain, provides insights into how organizations in Belgium embrace the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) every two years. This year, it once again became clear that the road to 2030 remains challenging, with a growing trend of "SDG fatigue" stemming from the complexity and uncertainties surrounding the feasibility of achieving the SDGs.
A panel discussion featuring speakers from the private and public sectors addressed topics such as the impact of the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the differences between the public and private sectors.
The day continued with no fewer than 30 workshops, organized by both partner organizations and other organizations who submitted proposals via an open call. This approach aimed to give everyone—civil society organizations, governments, education institutions, youth groups, and more—a platform to share their ideas. Topics such as sustainability and education, finance, food consumption, youth participation, (digital) sustainability tools, circular economy, the role of refugees, poverty and social inclusion were addressed in various workshop series. The focus was on interaction, collaboration, and the leave-no-one-behind principle, ensuring every participant had the opportunity to gain knowledge and actively contribute to the SDGs.
The second day also featured several engaging workshops. It began with ten simultaneous sessions, where participants focused on themes such as impact finance, biodiversity, citizen participation, and due diligence.
The concluding plenary session offered two powerful keynotes. Lieve Verboven, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the EU and Benelux countries, spoke about the role of social protection in addressing the climate crisis. Manuela Gervasi, Policy Officer at the European Environmental Bureau, wrapped up the event (presentation available here) with a call to action: What steps must the EU take to achieve the SDGs?
During both days, students Matteo Pisano and Lara Franken from Young Reporters for the Environment (GoodPlanet Belgium) provided a fresh perspective on the event. Their coverage, featuring both video (available here) and an article (available here), perfectly captured the unique atmosphere and key insights of the SDG Forum.
What was the main message from the Forum?
The SDG Forum 2024 was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration and exchange. Whether addressing complex societal challenges, enhancing resilience in food systems, or shaping policies that serve both people and the planet, the event inspired all participants to take an active role in achieving the SDGs.