The COST Connect event took place in Brussels on the 9th of October, bringing together experts from a wide range of fields to examine the role of scientific research in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organized by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), the event aimed to underscore the potential of collaborative research to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Gábor Balás, Managing Director of the HÉTFA Research Institute and Centre for Analysis, actively participated in the Connect event, contributing to the dialogue on sustainable development. The event also brought together a diverse array of participants, including leading scientists, policymakers, and representatives from international organizations such as the UN Regional Information Centre (UNRIC). Through engaging keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and insightful panel discussions, the event emphasized the critical role of research in tackling global challenges like climate change, public health, and economic inequality.
The SDGs provide a strategic framework for the EU, aligning with its goals of sustainability, social equity, and inclusive growth, and are key to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. COST supports collaboration among researchers from 40+ countries on SDG-aligned projects, fostering cross-border networks to inform evidence-based policies. A key takeaway from the event was the need to integrate scientific research into policy-making, particularly in areas like renewable energy, digital health, and sustainable agriculture.