Advancing Sustainable Development in a Multipolar World

The year 2025 is characterized by significant shifts in global power relations and heightened uncertainty. The rise of the Global South, coupled with intensifying geopolitical rivalries, an escalating climate crisis, and rapid technological transformations, has contributed to a highly fragmented international order. Emerging multipolarity is reshaping traditional alliances and institutions, while democratic governance, conflict dynamics, and global security remain under significant strain. However, alongside these challenges, important opportunities are emerging. Strengthened South¨CSouth Cooperation, digital innovation, green transitions, and evolving models of development finance provide new avenues for advancing sustainable and inclusive growth. A central question emerges for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners alike: How can we bridge existing divides and leverage these opportunities to achieve sustainable development in both the short and long term?

This half-day conference brings together policymakers, academics, practitioners, and business leaders to explore pressing global challenges and the prospects for collective action. The goal is to examine how the rise of the Global South, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and emerging forms of cooperation are reshaping the landscape for achieving sustainable development. It further aims to foster dialogue on critical issues such as balancing energy poverty with green transitions and rethinking aid and finance to promote inclusive development and poverty reduction in an era of fragmentation.

Program:
 

• 09.00: Opening Remarks
  Dan Banik (Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo)
• 09.15: Panel 1: The Rise of the Global South and its Implications for Sustainable Development
  Moderator: Dan Banik (Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo)??????
  Panellists:
  Ambassador Delores Kotze (South Africa)
  Ambassador Rodrigo de Azeredo Santos (Brazil)
  Ambassador Teuku Faizasyah (Indonesia)
  Ambassador Dr Gamal Metwally (Egypt)
  Benedicte Bull (Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo)
• 10.15: Break
• 10.20: Panel 2: Energy Poverty and Green Transitions  
  Moderator: Tyler Barrott (Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo)
  Panellists:
  Aklilu Amsalu (Centre for Sustainable Development, Addis Ababa University)
  Vebj?rn Bakken (UiO: Energy and Environment, University of Oslo)
  Ylva Lindberg (The Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries)
  Solveig Tangen (Norwegian-African Business Association) 
  Enja S?thren (Scatec)
• 11.20: Break
• 11.30: Panel 3: Aid and Finance for Sustainable Development    
  Moderator: Nikolai Henrik Hegertun (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation)
  Panellists:
  Happy Kayuni (Politics and Government Department, University of Malawi)
  Maria Bakken (Civita)
  Cindy Robles (Landsikt)  
  Anneli Alatalo Paulsen (Sintef)
• 12.30: Closing Remarks     
  Helge Jordheim (Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo)
• 12:40 Lunch

Participate

The event is free and open to all. Sign up via the link below.

Go to registration

Welcome!

This event is hosted by the Oslo SDG Initiative, Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Oslo, in partnership with the Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence on the Politics of Sustainable Development.

Accessibility during your visit

If you need an elevator or any other form of assistance when visiting us, please call this number upon arrival: + 47 90 13 17 55.