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Knowledge Repository

GEC and UNRISD

Research to Action—Global Policy Seminar for a New Eco-Social Contract

29 - 30 Aug 2023


Background to the Seminar

The current state of multiple and overlapping global crises presents an urgent need for a new eco-social contract that considers the interdependence between humans and the environment, addresses skyrocketing inequalities and remedies entrenched injustices. The Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions have further exposed the fragility of our socioeconomic and political systems, and highlights the need for a new approach that prioritizes sustainability, equality, justice, peace and resilience. The United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), recognizing this urgency, will convene a global policy seminar in Bonn that brings together experts, policy makers, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to deliberate on the prospect and promise of new eco-social contracts for sustainable futures. The seminar is part of the activities jointly convened by UNRISD and the Green Economy Coalition (GEC) in the Global Research and Action Network on a New Eco-Social Contract. It also builds upon the recent UNRISD flagship report: Crises of Inequality: Shifting Power for a New Eco-Social Contract.



Structure of the Seminar

The seminar will be held on 29–30 August in Bonn, Germany, as a two-day hybrid event that will feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions, expert panels and presentations.


Day 1

A series of plenary sessions and expert panels will showcase findings from a new Global Research Study on the interactive digital documentation of research and how it can help create a new eco-social contract linking social and green agendas for a better tomorrow.


Day 2

Authors present papers selected from an UNRISD Call for Papers that feature innovative case studies and lessons learned, while emphasizing the importance of lived experiences from the global South, to contribute to research and policy by sharing innovative ways to reform social contracts and make them more sustainable and inclusive.


Expected Outcomes from the Seminar

The global policy seminar is expected to produce the following outcomes:


  • Identification of key challenges and opportunities for designing and implementing a new eco-social contract in different contexts.

  • Development of recommendations for policy makers, civil society actors, international organizations and other stakeholders.

  • Increased awareness and knowledge among participants on best practices, enabling factors and effective political and advocacy strategies promoting sustainable development and new eco-social contracts.


Target Audience of the Seminar

The target audience of the global policy seminar is the members of the Global Researchers and Action Network for a New Eco-Social Contract. It is also meant for the UN and sustainability eco-system in Bonn, including change makers such as policy makers, activists and social movements, civil society organizations, academia, researchers, and other stakeholders interested in sustainable development and eco-social contracts.

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