The Boston University professor, who is also President of WWF International, pointed out that a remaining challenge lies in the long-term, interlinked integration of the SDGs across all sectors at international, national and local levels. Caroline Krecké, Project Coordinator of SDG Watch Austria and Sustainability and Communications Officer at Ökobüro, then presented an overview of SDG Watch Austria’s report, which contains findings and recommendations on how the Austrian government and administration can promote the integration of the SDGs in and through Austria.

Experts Martina Neuwirth (VIDC), Karla Röckener (CliMates Austria), and Nadja Grossenbacher (Light for the World) concluded the event with a fishbowl discussion, highlighting the need for just, sustainable and coherent development financing, youth participation, and improved inclusion of people with disabilities, in order to achieve sustainable development — especially during times of crisis and polarization.

Group picture, f.l.t.r. back: Nadja Grossenbacher (Light for the World), Adil Najam (Boston University and WWF International), Karin Kuranda and Lukas Wank (Global Responsibility and SDG Watch Austria), Martina Neuwirth (VIDC), Anja Appel (KOO and SDG Watch Austria); f.l.t.r. front: Judith Zimmermann-Lackner (KOO and SDG Watch Austria), Caroline Krecké (Ökobüro and SDG Watch Austria), Karla Röckener (CliMates Austria), and Bernhard Zlanabitnig (EU-Umweltbüro and SDG Watch Austria)