A Better World VOLUME 10 Special Edition for the Summit of the Future 2024
A Better World VOLUME 10 Actions and Commitments in support of the SDG Summit 2024 Special Edition
[ ] iv
DISCLAIMER The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of Human Development Forum concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by Human Development Forum in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. The views expressed in this information product are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the publisher. ISBN 978-1-9160325-8-3 Original title: A Better World Volume 10 Text © Human Development Forum. All rights reserved. Photographs © as per credits Published in 2024 by Human Development Forum www.humandevelopmentforum.org Human Development Forum
Acknowledgements....................................................................1 The SDGs...................................................................................2 Summit of the Future. ...............................................................5 General António Guterres, UN Secretary-General Foreword....................................................................................7 Sean Nicklin, Human Development Forum The Arab-Africa Prosperity Partnership: a future of cooperation and development ................................9 Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) A slow-onset mega disaster: combating climate doom through actionable insights..............................13 Dr. Erin Hughey, Dr. Joseph Green, Chani Goering, Pacific Disaster Center Activating the full potential of forest stewardship together..19 Rose Thuo, Forest Stewardship Council International A pioneering story of innovation and impact.........................25 Vaishali Nigam Sinha, ReNew Safeguarding our future through sustainable tropical forests....31 Sheam Satkuru and Ramon Carrillo, International Tropical Timber Organization Sustainable development: necessary foundations for a world in transition...........................................................37 Daniel Perell, Bahá’í International Community An inclusive coalition for the implementation of the SDGs in Kenya ..............................................................43 Florence Syevuo, SDGs Kenya Forum South Asia must walk the talk for strong water action..........49 Nitin Bassi, Council on Energy, Environment and Water From UN75 to the Summit of the Future: the evolution of multilateralism in a contested landscape.....53 Nudhara Yusuf, Muznah Siddiqui and Henrietta Skareng, Global Governance Innovation Network and United Nations University Contents
[ ] 1 Acknowledgements Compiled by Sean Nicklin and Ben Cornwell Edited by Toby Ingleton and Sean Nicklin Designed by Bruce Graham Printed in the UK by Gomer Press Ltd. With thanks to all the stakeholder authors for their support in compiling A Better World Volume 10 and for their continued efforts in working towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) Bahá’í International Community Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) Forest Stewardship Council International (FSC) International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) ReNew SDGs Kenya Forum
[ ] 2 A Better World Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages End poverty in all its forms everywhere Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls The SDGs The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of seventeen interlinked objectives designed to serve as a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future”
[ ] 3 Summit of the Future Reduce income inequality within and among countries Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
Summit of the Future [ ] 5 The world is not on track to meet the goals we have already set for ourselves. Nor are we effectively rising to new challenges or opportunities. The speed and complexity of developments have outpaced our systems for cooperating and coping. The benefits and opportunities of progress are spread unevenly, with the majority of people left behind. The risks and threats are also unevenly felt, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable. Extreme poverty and hunger are on the march. Global emissions are at their highest levels in human history, as are levels of human displacement. Threats such as climate, conflict, food security, weapons of mass destruction, pandemics and health crises, and the risks associated with new technologies, are growing. Multilateral governance, designed in simpler, slower times, is not adequate to today’s complex, interconnected, rapidly changing world. The Summit is an opportunity to put ourselves on a better path. The Summit is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future. Effective global cooperation is increasingly critical to our survival but difficult to achieve in an atmosphere of mistrust, using outdated structures that no longer reflect today’s political and economic realities. This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively achieve agreed goals and tackle emerging threats and opportunities. The aim of the Summit of the Future is to accelerate efforts to meet our existing international commitments, and take concrete steps to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. This will be achieved through an action-oriented outcome document called the Pact for the Future. The Pact will be negotiated, and endorsed by countries in the lead-up to and during the Summit in September 2024. The result will be a world – and an international system – that is better prepared to manage the challenges we face now and in the future, for the sake of all humanity and for future generations. The Summit of the Future will create the conditions in which implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can more readily be achieved. It will do so by building on the outcome of the 2023 SDG Summit. In addition, it will result in improvements to international cooperation that enable us to solve problems together. We will be able to harness new opportunities for the benefit of all, not just the few, and manage the risks more effectively. Every proposal offered by the Secretary-General for consideration at the Summit of the Future will have demonstrable impacts on achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Summit of the Future General António Guterres UN Secretary-General “We can’t build a future for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents” UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Summit of the Future [ ] 7 The reports chosen for this special edition have all demonstrated their understanding, commitment and practical actions in support of the Summit of the Future and Sustainable Development Goals. All author institutions have clearly shown not only their adherence to the SDGs but also how those goals give communities around the world the framework to make the lives of real people in real communities better in a real and sustainable way. Learn about the development Banks and financial institutions that spearhead investment in all of the sectors covered by the Goals, whose funding drives the wheels of progress in making peoples’ lives better; Science, technology and innovation institutions whose global warnings systems mitigate the effects of natural disasters, and develop partnerships for planetary health; energy companies who are succeeding in innovation and impact to enable energy provision in the Global South to be both efficient and sustainable; leaders in the reforestation and stewardship of the world’s forests; scientific institutions that drive research into all aspects of sustainable living; faith based organisations who feed communities both literally and spiritually and who espouse the ethics of sustainable living Any institutions looking to the Summit of the Future 2024 for inspiration should look no further than those that have created these reports, who from the widest set of disciplines and geographies all have one goal, which is to build A Better World! Foreword Sean Nicklin Human Development Forum
[ ] 9 Summit of the Future The Arab-Africa Prosperity Partnership: a future of cooperation and development Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) As the world faces growing challenges, the role of multilateral partnerships in fostering sustainable development and economic resilience has never been more crucial. The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), celebrating its 50th anniversary, stands as a beacon of enduring cooperation between Arab and African nations, exemplifying the power of partnership in shaping a better future. The ‘Prosperity Partnership’ between Africa and the Arab world has evolved into a vital platform for driving inclusive growth, and the Summit of the Future is poised to build upon this legacy, forging new pathways for development. BADEA’s journey began in 1974 with a modest capital of US$231 million, aimed at strengthening economic, financial and technical cooperation between Arab and African countries. Five decades later, BADEA’s capital has expanded to US$20 billion, with the institution playing a pivotal role in transforming lives and communities across 44 African nations through over 2,000 projects. This evolution is a testament to the resilience and ambition of Arab-African collaboration, a cornerstone for achieving Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Celebrating five decades of Arab-Africa cooperation The 50-year journey of BADEA has been marked by a series of transformative investments across critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy, health and education. BADEA’s commitment to supporting humancentred infrastructure has led to significant advancements in roads, airports, railways and social housing all aimed at improving the quality of life for millions of Africans. Notably, BADEA’s agricultural and rural development Investment in infrastructure is one of BADEA’s 2030 Strategy pillars, especially opening up productive areas and linking them to markets Photo: BADEA
[ ] 10 projects have alleviated poverty and bolstered food security by enhancing productivity, product quality and farmers’ access to markets. In recent years, the institution has evolved to address the continent’s most pressing challenges. BADEA’s capital growth today, reflects not only its financial strength but also its strategic focus on supporting sustainable development. BADEA’s high credit ratings, including AAA from the Japan Rating Agency, Aa1 from Moody’s, and AA from Standard & Poor’s, underscore its reliability as one of Africa’s leading development financial institutions. This financial credibility was instrumental in BADEA’s first bond issuance, enabling euro financing for national development priorities in Africa. The Summit of the Future: a vision for continued cooperation The Summit of the Future marks a new chapter in the Arab-Africa cooperation narrative, focusing on leveraging shared resources, expertise and vision to address global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality and health crises. This bold initiative calls for increased collaboration among governments, financial institutions and the private sector, recognizing that no single entity can tackle these challenges alone. A critical element of this partnership is the Arab-Africa Financial Consortium (AAFC), launched with the aim of mobilizing significant investments into Africa’s private sector, infrastructure and industrialization efforts. The consortium addresses key obstacles, such as inadequate financing and high-risk perceptions, by pooling resources from Arab and African financial institutions. This collective strength promises to unlock new economic opportunities, support local businesses and propel Africa’s development agenda forward. The new AAFC will significantly enhance economic development and cooperation in both regions. The Consortium can leverage on its collective financial strength, promote sustainable development, and address common challenges, focusing on key areas such as institutional frameworks, funding mechanisms, investment priorities, capacity building, and regional integration. A call to action for a better world The Prosperity Partnership between Arab and African nations represents a unique model of cooperation that transcends borders, cultures and economies. The Summit of the Future offers a platform to celebrate this partnership while recognizing the urgent need for continued action. As Africa continues to face challenges like climate change, economic inequality and health crises, the collaboration between Arab and African nations will be essential to achieving lasting solutions. BADEA’s 2030 strategy envisions BADEA as a platform to amplify access to development finance, ensuring that the continent can unlock its full potential. Reports indicate that for every dollar BADEA mobilized, an additional four dollars were provided through co-financing from sister institutions, marking a significant achievement in leveraging resources for development. This strategy, combined with the leadership of figures such as His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, offers hope for a future where Arab-Africa cooperation reaches new heights in development financing and regional integration. Towards a more prosperous future The celebration of BADEA’s 50 years of Arab-Africa cooperation is not only a reflection on past achievements but a powerful call to action for the future. The Summit of the Future presents an opportunity to strengthen this endurSummit of the Future Declaration of the Arab-Africa Financial Consortium (AAFC) in conjunction with BADEA’s 50th Anniversary - Accra - Ghana - 22 July 2024 Photo: BADEA
[ ] 11 A Better World ing partnership, ensuring that both regions continue to grow together in prosperity. Through innovative solutions, inclusive growth strategies and a commitment to sustainable development, BADEA and its partners are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all Africans. As we look towards the next 50 years, the collaboration between BADEA, Arab countries and African nations will remain a cornerstone of global efforts to build a better world. By continuing to invest in infrastructure, human capital and sustainable projects, the Arab-Africa Prosperity Partnership will serve as a model for other regions to follow in their pursuit of a more just and prosperous future. Financing sustainable development for the future BADEA’s strategic vision aligns closely with the SDGs and Agenda 2063 of the African Union, focusing on driving sustainable development across the continent. In recent years, BADEA’s commitment to private sector development and trade has amounted to US$5 billion, highlighting the importance of inclusive growth. From BADEA’s involvement in the Arab Coordination Group’s climate finance pledge at COP28, which committed US$24 billion to climate initiatives, to its innovative BADEA Plus blended finance strategy, the institution is at the forefront of addressing the continent’s complex challenges. Renewable energy projects, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture are at the heart of BADEA’s current and future investments. BADEA’s climate financing strategy aims to ensure that Africa remains at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change, building a green and resilient future for its people. Energy access and transition: Access to modern and sustainable energy sources remains a challenge for many people in Sub-Saharan Africa, with reliance on traditional biomass fuels contributing to deforestation and indoor air pollution. There’s a growing need for investment in renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind power, to expand access to clean and reliable energy while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable agriculture: BADEA will help unlock the potential of low-income countries using an approach whereby those countries treat the sector as a business and a starting point for industrialization. Unlocking agricultural potential and tackling food insecurity will require sustained multisectoral interventions (such as infrastructure development, intensive use of agro inputs and mechanization, enhanced access to credit and improved land tenure systems, appropriate policy reforms, promoting employment of the youth and women, and adopting an integrated value-chain approach that emphasizes access to markets and climate-smart agriculture. Where appropriate, BADEA will work with others to promote the development of agro-allied industrial zones that can produce value added products. BADEA will also invest in regional infrastructure and enhanced policy dialogue to remove trade barriers, thereby assisting in reducing food price volatility and food insecurity. Through its agricultural projects in Africa, BADEA seeks to provide food security, reduce poverty and improve the quality of life Photo: BADEA
Summit of the Future [ ] 13 The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, based in Hawaii, USA, briefs PDC’s Climate Change Impact Report for the Asia Pacific Region, which was designed to help identify early interventions Climate science has warned of impending doom for the planet for decades. These warnings and predictions are becoming a reality far worse than expected. Record-breaking tropical cyclones, uncontrollable wildfires, cruel and relentless drought, and extreme heat and precipitation events are becoming the new normal rather than the exception. The impacts of these events have begun a chain reaction of increasing global poverty and suffering, mass migration and growing instability. What humanity is experiencing now is only a small glimpse of what lies ahead during this slow-onset mega disaster we call climate change. As harmful human activities go largely unabated and climate change advances toward the point of no return, solutions remain elusive and difficult to achieve. The chronic underfunding and under-prioritization of disaster mitigation and prevention will result in increased impacts. The complexity of the issue and the inability to arrive at quick solutions evades the short attention span of today’s population and news cycles. Together, these result in populations being more unprepared and unequipped for the new normal and delay critical decisions that could save lives and reduce impacts. Climate disasters like we’ve seen in recent years are unsustainable and they pose an existential threat to economies, ecosystems, and social systems worldwide. Economies are only able to prosper if the urgency of environmental degradation and climate change are simultaneously addressed. A slow-onset mega disaster: combating climate doom through actionable insights Dr. Erin Hughey, Dr. Joseph Green, Chani Goering Pacific Disaster Center
A Better World [ ] 14 Changing the trajectory of the climate crisis So why have governments done so little to change the trajectory of the climate crisis and ensure a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for all? The complexity and magnitude of the climate crisis can be paralyzing and hard to untangle. But it’s a mistake to conclude that all policymakers are shortsighted or lack the necessary will to change. Climate change is the most complex issue of our time and as scientists and academics, we must do a better job of helping decision-makers and the public make sense of what matters most. Without the ability to quickly target the right actions, in the right timeframe, and in practical terms, we lose the attention of those in a position to make a difference. Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) is helping to reduce the scientific information overload about climate change by providing an easy-to-comprehend synthesis of the problem at different scales. This helps highlight key pressure points decision-makers can act upon to produce lasting and impactful improvements now. Global 2050 Climate Change Impact Analysis How many decision-makers can easily visualize what sealevel rise really looks like at a local scale by 2050? How about the ways in which climate change will disrupt critical infrastructure and the delivery of government services upon which populations depend? How many governments are able to quantify the impacts to agriculture, food supply, and fresh water in their communities? What about the impacts that lie outside national borders in neighbouring countries that may result in displacement, migration, or transmission of diseases? These are the types of questions PDC is helping decisionmakers answer through our Global 2050 Climate Change Impact Analysis. By scaling down global climate change data to a national and local level and running our analysis using multiple scenarios, we hope to offer new insights and enable more urgent and targeted action that strikes a balance between the demand for continuous economic growth and the need for a healthy planet and population. The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which forecasts a temperature rise of 2.5C by 2050 based on the current trajectory, foretells of mega disasters of global proportions. PDC’s advance analytical work has a demonstrated ability to provide comprehensive insights into the potential impacts of natural disasters. This positions PDC exceptionally well to assess and examine the risks climate change poses to the population and planet. Vulnerability to climate change has significant overlap with vulnerability to natural disasters. Having a temporal understanding the drivers of disaster risk helps better contextualize the risk to populations from slow-onset mega disasters. PDC combines advanced analytical capabilities and its modern computing, processing, and visualization tools Machine Learning AI-Powered Predictive Analytics/Trend Analysis Statistical Methodologies Assessment Methodology Advancements Processing & Analysis New Analytics System Pipeline Enhanced Visualization & Communication
[ ] 15 Summit of the Future To quantify the magnitude of impacts from climate change, PDC has completed a global climate exposure assessment and is leveraging its composite index methodology and advanced data science developed under the Center’s National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment programme. This work is designed to support the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement. PDC recently received first place by the United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2022 for helping disaster management decision-makers operationalize disaster risk information in daily decision-making. PDC’s National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment is a data-driven tool that is designed to help nations more quickly and effectively attain their commitments to the SDGs. It has provided more than 35 governments in high-risk, disaster-prone geographies around the world with detailed insights about risks and vulnerabilities. The national baseline assessment is a collaboration that involves multiple agencies and sectors within a country and includes analysis of multi-hazard exposure, socioeconomic vulnerability, coping capacity, and disaster management capabilities. The information is scaled down to a subnational level and offers a five-year, prioritized roadmap of actions to be taken by government. With advanced data processing and analytical frameworks fully established, the foundation for PDC’s 2050 Global Climate Change Impact Assessment was already in place. PDC focused on measuring and communicating the impacts of climate change in a relatable and actionable way, consistent with how disaster impacts are communicated globally. PDC’s approach to understanding climate change is focused on a more short-term timeframe to support actions which can be undertaken through established organizational missions and funding. With that in mind, PDCs assessment considers the impacts of climate change on the current built environment and population. This allows for a more straightforward communication of results (e.g. ‘If we make no changes, these are the consequences that will need to be addressed’). This helps provide a greater sense of urgency through an improved understanding of the potential impacts. PDC has focused its analysis on the populations potentially affected by five different types of climate hazards. This includes the number of people and households potentially exposed to sea-level rise, tropical cyclones, extreme precipitation, and consecutive dry days, each under the RCP 4.5/SSP2 and RCP 8.5/SSP5 climate change scenarios, at both global and national levels. After evaluating the impacts on the current population, PDC also assessed how many people exist in a state of social and economic vulnerability. We also estimated the impact on critical infrastructure, in many cases taking a hyper-local look at infrastructure that serves as drivers to the local and national economies. PDC Executive Director Ray Shirkhodai and former AHA Centre Director Said Faisal engage in an exercise-turned-real-world response to an earthquake and tsunami using one of the first custom versions of DisasterAWARE, known as the Disaster Monitoring and Response System and launched for Indonesia in 2012
A Better World [ ] 16 Advanced analytics provided through PDC’s DisasterAWARE platform helped decision-makers quickly understand potential impacts of Hurricane Beryl prior to landfall PDC helped assess climate hazard impacts for six countries in the Eastern Caribbean. Analyses such as this Caribbean Extreme Heat Exposure map detail the impacts to critical infrastructure and population
[ ] 17 Summit of the Future Including critical infrastructure and economic drivers as part of the potential impacts allows decision-makers to look more broadly at the issue of climate change. It provides the necessary information and analytics to discuss sustainable economic growth. For example, the normal lifespan of any new construction would extend into 2050. Communities considering retrofitting and/or expanding construction should be aware of how the exposure to hazards will change in that area over time. Technology for global early warning Our composite index analysis can help governments around the world pivot more quickly to make intentional and immediate change and to prioritize investments in a sustainable future. This is not only a static report, but a tool for decision-makers to interact with through our DisasterAWARE platform. DisasterAWARE includes all relevant data sets from the analysis and is designed to enable annual updates to data as new information becomes available. PDC’s practice of helping decision-makers quickly identify risks and prioritize actions to save lives and reduce disaster losses has a long history dating back to its early formation. In 2003, PDC launched the free, innovative DisasterAWARE platform – the world’s first technology providing global, multi-hazard early warning and impact analysis. Today, DisasterAWARE remains the only technology offering global early warning for all, including advanced risk analytics and pre- and post-impact analysis for 28 different hazard types within minutes. All assessments conducted by PDC are made available in DisasterAWARE. This allows for the real-time visualization of data and hazards, the identification of trends, and supports timely, evidence-based decisions. DisasterAWARE adds an additional level of transparency and accountability – all users have access to all data used in an assessment as well as visibility into its provenance and age. A partnership for planetary health The flexibility of PDC’s advanced assessment tools and frameworks has sparked a new undertaking in partnership with the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health to help nations connect the health of the planet to the health of human populations. The assessment will provide a national comparison of key drivers of planetary health. In order to effectively communicate, educate, and govern towards a balanced planet we must first measure. PDC’s new global metric for measuring planetary health will help focus actions and identify areas of investment that bring greater balance to human and natural systems and support equity. The Planetary Health 2024 Assessment will provide a new baseline understanding of the current landscape of planetary health at a national level and support evidencebased interventions that prioritize action at the national level. It will serve as the foundation for monitoring progress over time and support the communication, education and governance of planetary health. The results of the Planetary Health Assessment and PDC’s 2050 Climate Change Impact Analysis will be published in 2024 and made available through a digital data dashboard on PDC’s website at www.pdc.org. PDC has partnered with the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health to help nations connect the health of the planet to the health of human populations
Summit of the Future [ ] 19 Activating the full potential of forest stewardship together Rose Thuo Forest Stewardship Council International In an era of intertwined crises, it’s high time to recognize the value of forests as vital ecosystems that sustain ecological balance and socio-economic well-being. The positive impact of forests is not a given – it is dependent on responsible management, which is still not widely embraced. If forests are not properly managed, we face risks like increased global warming, species extinction, and loss of livelihoods. At the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), we believe forest stewardship offers the best path forward to addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change (SDG 13), biodiversity loss (SDG 15), and increasing social inequality (SDG 8). It promotes a balance between environmental, social and economic interests and includes sustainable management, conservation and restoration of degraded land. However, many decision-makers have undervalued this. To fully realize the potential of forest stewardship, stakeholders must accelerate collaborative learning, monitoring, innovation and action across sectors, interests and cultures. This means increasing efforts in forest certification, adopting advanced technologies for better forest management, creating market demand for sustainable forest products, and forming robust partnerships among governments, businesses, local communities and NGOs. Sustainable forest management is at the heart of our mission. FSC’s solutions include a certification system that verifies that FSC-certified products come from sustainably managed forests, recycled or reclaimed materials, and other controlled sources. Beyond forest supply chains, our Verified Impact solution connects businesses with forest managers through a successful sponsorship model that delivers mutual benefits, making climate finance work for forests and their stewards, by building a scalable, long-term solution to the climate and biodiversity crises. Another part of forest stewardship’s power lies in the co-creation of solutions, which is pivotal for developing and enforcing global sustainability regulations. Forests are a foundation of our planet’s health, playing a critical role in ecological, economic, and social systems that shape the global environment and society. As the planet’s lungs, forests act as vital carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stabilizing our climate – an indispensable function in combating global warming. They also harbour an astonishing 80 per cent of terrestrial biodiversity, including animals, plants and insects. Socially, forests support over a third of the world’s population by providing livelihoods, food, water, fuel and medicine. For Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLC) worldwide, forests additionally hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. FSC’s key tenets of forest stewardship 1. Prioritizing balance We promote environmental, social, and economic interests in a harmonious balance, encouraging the co-creation of solutions to shape healthy forests that are better placed to drive sustainable economic activity for the benefit of all. 2. Protecting the natural world We call for responsible restoration of degraded land, protection of natural landscapes from future unsustainable practices, conservation of resilient environments, and the ongoing active management of forests. This helps restore lost biodiversity and shape thriving ecosystems capable of mitigating the climate crisis. 3. Connecting for inclusion We connect stewards to initiatives that stimulate investments in their outputs and improve their market access. These connections not only serve as economic incentives for stewardship over degradation, but also drive inclusion and diversity, as many stewards who rely on forests for their livelihoods are often-marginalized indigenous peoples, local communities, and smallholders. Photo: ©FSC Canada Forests are a foundation of our planet’s health, playing a critical role in ecological, economic and social systems
A Better World [ ] 20 Nearly half of the world’s forests and farms are owned or run by smallholders and IPLC. For these forest managers and workers, economic survival hinges on harvesting and selling tangible products like timber or rubber, which incentivizes the expansion of activity (often linked to forest degradation). On the other hand, where forest managers conserve and protect the forests they oversee, these efforts too often go financially unrewarded. In our current economic system, a forest’s worth is largely tied to the commercial products it can supply over the intangible benefits it can provide. These benefits include life-supporting ecosystem services that forests provide, such as soil erosion control, carbon storage, watershed services, and biodiversity conservation. For those of us who enjoy hiking, we deeply appreciate the psychological and physiological benefits that spending time in forests can offer. From an economic perspective, forests underpin diverse sectors such as construction, textile, packaging, food, and beverages. From timber and paper to rubber and viscose, forest products are integral to our daily lives. Yet the true environmental and social costs of forest-based products are rarely factored into the price of these materials, driving demand to unsustainable levels. Understanding these various contributions, it becomes clear how the state of global forests, directly and indirectly, affects people and the planet and why forest stewardship must therefore become the global standard. When looking at ways to scale action to address the climate crisis, many decision-makers have largely undervalued forest stewardship as a plausible solution. In FSC we believe that if more forests were managed holistically, their contribution to emissions reductions would be significantly higher than reported. Forest stewardship is likely to yield the best outcomes for our future. However, for this to happen, increasing efforts towards it are critical. Envisioning the forests of the future The release of FSC’s publication ‘Forest Futures: Letting Hope Take Root’ in June 2024 marks a milestone in our Abia Atukwatse, a professional bird watcher, and Annah Agasha, FSC Eastern Africa Coordinator, at the Kikonda Central Forest Reserve in Uganda In the Bukta forest in Lithuania, the local community helps FSC to preserve cultural high conservation values Photo: ©FSC/Jonathan Perugia Photo: ©FSC/Jjumba Martin
[ ] 21 Summit of the Future efforts to conserve and sustainably manage the world’s forests. It examines the transformative potential of forests to meet some of the most pressing challenges facing our world and outlines three plausible trajectories for the future – each path looking at what might happen if forest stewardship is embraced or neglected to varying degrees. The trajectories analyze four key groups of drivers: forests and planet; people; economy and markets; and governance. To explore potential trajectories for the world’s forests by 2050, FSC collaborated with Reos Partners, renowned for their expertise in systems-change studies and transformative scenarios mapping. By exploring the forest timeline through the lenses of the past, present, and futures, ‘Forest Futures’ provides valuable insights and understanding of how different approaches to forest management could shape the future of global forests and the people who depend on them. Trajectory 1: Shrinking Canopy The ‘Shrinking Canopy’ trajectory paints a troubling picture of the future if unsustainable practices and trends continue to be incentivized. In this trajectory, deforestation and forest degradation persist, driven by agricultural expansion, urbanization, fossil fuel exploration and illegal logging. Reduced forest cover will lead to severe biodiversity loss and a diminished capacity of forests to provide critical ecosystem services. The impacts of climate change exacerbate the situation, with increased heatwaves, wildfires, droughts and floods further weakening forest ecosystems. Biodiversity loss – along with the decline of valuable nontimber products like medicinal plants, fruits, spices, nuts and seeds – severely impacts the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The forest products they rely on have dwindled, making it difficult to cook traditional dishes, create crafts and earn an income. Forest workers face increased accidents due to unsafe working environments. Women and minorities must contend with discriminatory practices and low pay as regulations are insufficient or unenforced in the forestry industry. Market incentives prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability, leading to the overexploitation of forest resources without proper conservation or restoration. Forests are threatened by the public and private sectors seeking more than can be sustainably produced at the lowest possible cost. Governance structures remain weak, policies inadequate, and enforcement mechanisms insufficient to curb illegal activities and unsustainable practices. A ‘me-centred’ worldview, assertive governance dynamics, and fragile global collaboration between stakeholders make it challenging to harness innovative technological advancements for the greater good. This contributes to a poor understanding of the value of forests and inaction around climate change. Trajectory 2: Fragmented Roots The ‘Fragmented Roots’ trajectory represents a mixed scenario where progress towards sustainable forest management is uneven. In this future, some regions make strides in conservation and sustainable practices, while others lag, resulting in a patchwork of successes and failures. Varying levels of resilience in forests and continued stress on forests are particularly felt in tropical forest regions in Africa, South and Central America and Southern Asia. Forest management responsibilities are gradually being transferred to local communities and families, but tensions persist between these communities and external actors seeking to exploit resources. Community forest enterprises contribute to local economies by providing In Brazil, Indigenous Peoples are contributing to forest conservation Photo: ©FSC/Célio Cavalcante
A Better World [ ] 22 jobs and generating income for people living near forests. This supports economic stability in these regions, mainly for marginalized groups. Market demand has created different values for forests: some are valued for storing carbon, some for their biodiversity, and others for timber and various forest products. Sustainable industries are slowly growing, but many forests are still not managed according to high forest stewardship standards, creating a fragmented patchwork of forests for different purposes. Responsible investments in forests are increasing, but this growth is uneven. Governance structures improve at local and national levels, but international strategies remain fragmented, limiting the overall impact. Competing political ideologies and vested interests have led to deadlock and gridlock in decision-making processes. Although forests in this future remain relatively stable in size, biodiversity continues to be under threat, and the fate of vital ecosystems hangs in the balance. Trajectory 3: Forest Harmony The ‘Forest Harmony’ trajectory envisions an optimistic future where holistic and collaborative efforts lead to resilient forests that are protected and sustainably managed. Diverse and healthy forests better withstand climate impacts, continuing to provide crucial ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and water regulation. Restoration goes beyond planting trees to offset carbon emissions. Instead, it encompasses a holistic approach to bringing back biodiverse forests. Extensive restoration efforts have revitalized degraded forests, using innovative methods to rehabilitate soils and replant native species. In this scenario, sustainable forest management is the norm, robust forest certification has gained widespread acceptance, and consumers demand products from responsibly managed forests. A thriving circular green economy is now prevalent, With the private sector supporting and prioritizing sustainably sourced materials. Forest materials are traceable back to the source, ensuring credibility in the supply chain. Indigenous Peoples and local communities are empowered, and their rights are protected. An understanding of the symbiotic relationship between people and nature is engrained in societies. Enhanced mechanisms of multilateral collaboration support most countries’ governments in their commitment to reaching international climate and forest targets. Advanced technologies such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence and blockchain are widely adopted to enhance forest monitoring, management, and transparency. These tools provide accurate and real-time data, supporting informed decision-making. Moving forward as forest advocates The trajectories described above are conversation starters that invite different actors to join us in creating a future where forests flourish, communities thrive, and investments flow into sustainable industries. We want to extend an invitation to all the stakeholders to engage further with us in mapping the path ahead, illuminating both potential risks and new avenues of opportunity. The challenges we face are formidable and multi-faceted, and solutions will only be found when we leverage the perspectives and contributions of the full spectrum of stakeholders. Together, we can develop strategic and balanced plans to safeguard the world’s forests. It is not just about preserving trees; it is about ensuring that forests remain a source of life and prosperity for generations to come – truly achieving forests for all, forever. Forest stewardship must become the global standard as the state of global forests, directly and indirectly, affects people and the planet Photo: ©FSC/Milan Reška
Summit of the Future [ ] 25 A pioneering story of innovation and impact Vaishali Nigam Sinha ReNew In the early 2000s, India was at a critical juncture in its development trajectory as a nation. The country’s rapidly growing economy and population led to an increase in its energy demand and placed immense pressure on its energy infrastructure. At the turn of the decade, in 2010-11, the country produced around 811 billion units of electricity, with around 300 million people without access to electricity. These numbers underscored not only the harsh reality faced by millions of Indians who stayed in the dark and experienced notional connectivity, with frequent blackouts and unreliable electricity supply, but portrayed the deep-seated disparities in the energy distribution system in the country. At the same time, the per capita energy consumption in the country revolved around 500 kilograms of oil equivalent, which was way lower than the global average of 1,800, highlighting the country’s struggle towards energy poverty, energy security and energy access. Recognizing how the lack of reliable electricity profoundly impacts the daily lives of people, ReNew was founded in 2011 by Sumant Sinha, with a singular vision of solving the energy ReNew is one of a select few energy companies from the Global South to be listed on Nasdaq
A Better World [ ] 26 access problem within the country through sustainable solutions, thus accelerating the net zero transition. Today, ReNew is one of the top 15 clean energy companies globally (excluding China). The company delivers solutions across wind and solar power, energy storage, carbon offsets and sustainable fuels like green hydrogen. It is among the select few energy companies from the Global South to be listed on Nasdaq. ReNew is not only at the forefront of the dynamic and evolving energy landscape of the country but is leading India’s energy transition. The company was the first one to reach milestones of 1 gigawatt (GW), 2 GW, 5 GW and 7 GW installed capacities in India. Further, it crossed 10 GW of gross renewable energy assets in 2024 and is set to double this capacity in the next five years. Overall, ReNew is generating nearly 2 percent of India’s entire electricity and is helping mitigate almost half a percent of the country’s carbon emissions. In just over a decade, ReNew has transitioned from an Independent Power Producer (IPP) focused on generating renewable energy through solar and wind, to a comprehensive decarbonization partner helping global leaders like Amazon and Microsoft decarbonize and achieve their net zero goals. ReNew’s agreement with Amazon for a 210 MW solar farm project in Rajasthan is one of the biggest solar corporate power purchase agreements by a technology firm in India. ReNew’s growth trajectory parallels India’s extraordinary economic and infrastructure expansion journey. In the last 10 years, India has witnessed a growth of 500 percent in its renewable capacity, with ReNew experiencing 1,000 percent growth in the same period. The Government of India’s leadership and policy and regulatory landscape in the country have played an important role in fostering this growth. Various government initiatives such as payment guarantee mechanisms, the establishment of dedicated institutions like the Solar Energy Corporation of India that aggregate demand, the building of transmission infrastructure by the Central Transmission Utility, and the National Solar Mission have provided favourable tariffs for renewable projects and a robust framework for expansion. Additionally, recent initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are playing an important role in the net zero transition, creating an enabling environment for investments by world-class private sector leaders. In line with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), ReNew is supporting full-scale production of 4 GW modules and 2.4 GW cells this year from its ReNew is generating nearly 2 percent of India’s entire electricity and is helping mitigate almost half a percent of the country’s carbon emissions
[ ] 27 Summit of the Future manufacturing facilities in western parts of India. Moreover, ReNew has also formed a joint venture with India’s leading companies – Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Larsen & Toubro – to develop the nascent but critical green hydrogen sector in India. Innovative financing mechanisms and increased investment flows are other factors that have contributed significantly to the country’s energy security and accelerated ReNew’s ability to scale operations. In the very beginning, when there was no playbook for the Indian sub-continent and there were hardly any green investments, ReNew was backed by Goldman Sachs. Over the years various other large and credible investors like Mitsui, JERA, CPPIB, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Norfund have partnered with ReNew and undertaken ambitious projects, contributing to the overall renewable energy targets of the country. From its early days, the company focused on a holistic approach to fighting climate change – an approach that was a combination of advanced technologies, innovative financing mechanisms, and on-ground impact, setting it apart from other players in the sector. Pioneering innovation At the heart of ReNew’s progress lies its constant focus on technology and innovation. From the first utilityscale wind project of 25.2 MW in Jasdan, Gujarat, to commissioning India’s tallest wind tower in 2015, to the collaboration with the Egyptian Government for establishing a Green Hydrogen Plant in the Suez Canal Economic Zone in 2022, ReNew has come a long way. The overall development in the sector (in terms of policies, regulations and financing) has helped ReNew shift away from small-scale projects (25-50 MW) to innovative, large-scale, round-the-clock peak power projects. ReNew’s Round-the-Clock (RTC) project is a landmark initiative in India’s renewables journey as well as its own journey. Through the project, ReNew aims to combine renewables with affordable energy storage to create a hybrid system, providing a consistent 24/7 power supply. This hybrid system aims to solve the problem of intermittency, enhancing the overall grid reliability and reducing the dependency on fossil fuel-based power plants. Leading the innovation and being the first to implement it in the country, ReNew’s RTC project requires 900 MW of The ReNew plant in Jaipur will be among India’s few LEED Gold-certified solar module manufacturing facilities
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=