Using “The Climate Game” developed by the Financial Times, this session took participants through an exciting journey exploring low-carbon development pathways. In teams, participants took on the role of global ministers to decide on the best actions to achieve low-carbon development pathways. From stopping active coal plants to nudging diet changes, teams faced difficult choices to limit global warming to 1.5C while advancing climate-resilient development. At each round, teams were encouraged to work towards consensual decisions that lead us to net zero by 2050. This highly interactive session promoted thought-provoking discussions on synergies and tradeoffs involved in achieving the 2023 Agenda. This session was delivered in collaboration with the United Nations System Staff College.
Background
The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development equips the UN and its partners to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by providing comprehensive learning, training, and knowledge management. Developing a new generation of leaders who are able to steer the world in a more sustainable direction, in concert with all actors in society, will be an important tool to unlock the transformative potential of climate action and it is intertwined with Sustainable Development.
Objectives
Participants learned to
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Acknowledge that taking decisions towards achieving net zero by 2050 invariably leads to synergies and trade-offs with all five areas of sustainable development (people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnerships)
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Recognize that committing to low-carbon development pathways requires shifting production and consumption models.
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Communicate that climate-resilient development is achievable and within our reach but requires collective commitment and action.
Structure
In teams, participants played the Climate Game developed by the Financial Times and collectively decided on the actions to be taken towards net-zero. As they input their choices in the game platform, it gave them different outcomes. UNSSC facilitated progression between rounds. After finishing the game, Participants were invited to capture on a flipchart the synergies and trade-off that their actions would have with the 17 SDGs. UNSSC facilitated a reflection with the whole group on the interlinkages between climate action and sustainable development, and how policy making must take these connections into consideration, highlighting the power of youth as agents of change.
| 15:00 – 15:05 |
Introduction and Instructions |
| 15:05 – 16:05 |
The Climate Game |
| 16:05 – 16:25 |
n groups, participants discuss the synergies and trade-offs that their game policy choices might have across the 17 SDGs. |
| 16:25 – 16:50 |
Facilitated reflection on the interlinkages between climate action and sustainable development, and youth’s role in advocating for climate informed development policies. |
| 16:50 – 17:00 |
Closing remarks |
Speakers
Sandhya Balasubrahmanyam - Learning Portfolio Manager, UN System Staff College (Moderator)
Talita Pinotti - Associate Fellow, UN System Staff College (Moderator)
