29.09.2023 - Empowering Sustainable Development: SDGnexus Network's Engagements in September
Giessen, 29 September - The SDGnexus Network witnessed a series of dynamic engagements in September 2023, marking significant strides towards sustainable development in various fields. From addressing water scarcity to advocating for equitable food systems, our network members contributed to global conversations shaping sustainability's future.
CAWAMNET workshop revealed research gaps in climate-water-migration nexus in Central Asia
On 14-15 September, the Central Asian Water Conflict and Migration Network (CAWAMNET) workshop, hosted by the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) in Halle, gathered 23 participants from Central Asia Germany, and Europe. They delved into the intricate relationship between climate change, water scarcity, and migration in Central Asia.
The session on Farmers' Adaptation Strategies to Water Scarcity and Land Degradation, jointly chaired by Dr. Aliya Assubayeva (Research Associate, ZEU) and Dr. Nodir Djanibekov (Research Associate, IAMO), provided exchanges into addressing critical challenges. Dr. Iskandar Abdullaev, Visiting Professor, SDGnexus Network, gave an overview talk on escalating water scarcity and its potential impact on migration processes, poverty, and the sustainable development of Central Asia.
Read more about the workshop here.
Inauguration of the international phase of "Women in Science Mentoring Program" (PROMEMCI 2023)
On 15 September, the "Women in Science Mentoring Program" was inaugurated to inspire young female scientists to thrive in the academic environment. This program fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among network partners, transcending borders with 16 mentees from Ecuador and dedicated mentors from the SDGnexus Network and Justus Liebig University Giessen, representing 11 nationalities. Supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), ten mentees will embark on a transformative technical visit to meet their mentors in Germany and Colombia.
Learn more about PROMEMCI by exploring further here.
Sustainable water use was discussed at the International Forum on Sustainable Development of Ecology and Environment in the Silk Road Economic Belt
On 18-19 September, Dr. Iskandar Abdullayev contributed to the International Forum on Sustainable Development of Ecology and Environment in the Silk Road Economic Belt in Urumqi, China. The International Forum aims to create a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and exchange among the national research institutions and universities along Silk Road countries. Dr. Abdullayev has chaired and contributed to the “Water resource status and sustainable use” session.
Read more about the forum here.
SDGnexus Network actively participated at ZEU Future Workshop
On 19 September, the SDGnexus Network project members at Justus Liebig University Giessen, including Principal Investigators, Research Associates, and Ph.D. Student participated in the engaging ZEU Future Workshop. The one-day workshop is dedicated to brainstorming and reflecting on the current and future paths of the ZEU.
Since 1998, the Centre for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU) has dedicated itself to transdisciplinary research on climate change, resource management, nutrition security, water scarcity, and energy transition through international cooperation, including transition and developing countries. In this capacity, ZEU is an ideal platform for joint international projects. Since its foundation, ZEU has successfully implemented more than 80 interdisciplinary projects, including capacity-building projects within DAAD. Learn more about ZEU here.
11th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development addressed crucial aspects of food systems
On 19 September, Dr. Jorge Gomez-Paredes (Visiting Professor, SDGnexus Network) and Dr. Alicia Correa (Research Associate, ZEU) remotely chaired the session “Transformation of food systems considering the SDGs nexus and spillover effects” at the 11th International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) 2023 with focus on “The Midpoint of the SDGs: Global and Local Progress & Challenges.” ICSD 2023 held a hybrid format, online, and Columbia University Campus in New York City.
The conference provides a forum for academia, government, civil society, UN agencies, and the private sector to share practical solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The session mentioned above addressed essential dimensions for a sustainable and inclusive future of food systems. Explore more about ICSD and its sessions here.
Equitable food systems transformation was presented at Tropentag 2023
On 21-22 September, Dr. Christoph Funk (Research Associate, ZEU) participated at Tropentag 2023 in Berlin. His contributions, including a poster and an oral presentation, emphasized the need for inclusive strategies in vulnerable regions because of climate change.
Tropentag is the annual interdisciplinary conference on research in tropical and subtropical agriculture, natural resource management, and rural development. This year, the conference was organized as a hybrid conference by the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Germany, in cooperation with the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany. Learn more about Tropentag by exploring further here.
The vital role of insects in food security and sustainable development was presented at ZEU
On 21 September, Dr. Xavier Chiriboga Morales (Visiting scientist in the SDGnexus Network) presented the vital role of insects in sustainable development at ZEU. His presentation titled “Insects and maize in Kenya: the science behind and opportunities for global partnerships towards sustainable development,” based on entomology research in Kenya exemplifies the potential for global partnerships in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Xavier Chiriboga Morales is a temporary professor in entomology at Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE (Quito, Ecuador).
The SDGnexus Network remains committed to driving positive change through research, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. The collective efforts showcased in these engagements reinforce our dedication to advancing sustainable development goals worldwide.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Aliya.Assubayeva@zeu.uni-giessen.de