Highlights Cluster for Sustainability Transition - Phoebe ...
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Highlights
Cluster for Sustainability Transition
Resees@AUEB
SD.U@ATHENA RC and EIT Climate-KIC HUB Greece@ATHENA RC
SDSN EUROPE and SDSN Greece
Prof. Koundouri is nominated as best Cypriot Woman Scientist of the Year, by
Madame Figaro Awards
Vote for Prof. Phoebe Koundouri for 2021 best Cypriot woman Scientist/Academic at Madame Figaro
Awards, Women of the year!
Vote at: https://awards.madamefigaro.cy/
Voting will last until May 9, 2021.
Ιf you want to have a look at her work visit her website: http://phoebekoundouri.org/
UN SDSN Blue Growth Initiative | Kick-off meeting On the 26th of April, SDSN Greece, SDSN Black Sea and SDSN Mediterranean via SDSN Europe organized the first meeting of the co-design of the UN SDSN Blue Growth Initiative led by Prof. Phoebe Koundouri , Prof. Nicolaos Theodossiou and Prof. Yannis Ioannidis. As a response to the climate crisis and its effect on Marine Ecosystems and Coastal Populations, SDSN Greece, SDSN Black Sea and SDSN Mediterranean bring together the three Initiatives, the 4-Seas Initiative, the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Shipping and Ports , the Plastic Busters Initiative, the newly formed Global Maritime Accelerator, and several Blue Growth research projects, to accelerate science driven blue growth and the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) in the Euro-Asian Seas and beyond. The new initiative aims to bring together in an interdisciplinary framework the work of SDSN National and Regional Networks that is related to Blue Growth. It will introduce a regular annual report on Technological, Economic and Social Transition Pathways of accelerating the systemic transformation required for the implementation of Agenda 2030 in our Seas and Oceans, including Science-Technology and Innovation- Policy interface agenda setting, model design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. To find out more and if you are interested in joining efforts with us, please visit: http://www.unsdsn.gr/un-sdsn-blue-growth- initiative.
Interview to Prof. Koundouri in the International public press "AQUATECH" On the occasion of International Water Day, Prof. Koundouri shared an article of Prof. Dragan Savić, Prof. Barbara Hammer, Prof. Marios Polycarpou and hers in the International public press "AQUATECH" on their European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant on Water Futures. A new European collaboration, backed by an ERC €10 million grant, is on a mission to find out how we can design urban drinking water systems of the future. This project aims to develop a new theoretical framework for the allocation and development decisions on drinking water infrastructure systems. One of the target outcomes includes an integrated decision and control framework to be implemented as an open-source research toolbox. More information here Transformations for the Joint Implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the European Green Deal: A Green and Digital, Job-Based and Inclusive Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic In an attempt to connect the dots between four major policy initiatives – the SDGs, the European Green Deal, the European Semester, and the EU recovery plan – the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Europe (SDSN Europe) has produced a new report, Transformations for the Joint Implementation of Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal: A Green and Digital, Job- Based and Inclusive Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic, to support policymakers with actionable strategies that can guide EU-wide and national economic recovery in line with the continent’s overarching sustainability agenda. This webinar will present key recommendations and findings from the report as well as give an overview of the scope and mission of SDSN Europe. Read the press release: The Future Europe Wants: A Green and Digital, Job-Based and Inclusive Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic – SDSN Europe Access the report:
Sachs, J., Koundouri, P., et al., 2021. Transformations for the Joint Implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the European Green Deal – A Green and Digital, Job-Based and Inclusive Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Report of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network https://resources.unsdsn.org/transformations-for-the-joint-implementation-of-agenda-2030-the- sustainable-development-goals-and-the-european-green-deal-a-green-and-digital-job-based-and- inclusive-recovery-from-covid-19-pandemic Speakers: – Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, President of SDSN and EU Senior Working Group – Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, Co-Chair of SDSN Europe, EU Senior Working Group Chair – Martha McPherson, Head of Green Economy and Sustainable Growth at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) – Dr. Carlo Papa, Managing Director, Enel Foundation – Prof. Theodoros Zachariadis, SDSN Europe Manager and Associate Professor at the Energy, Environment and Water Research Centre of the Cyprus Institute – Filippo Tessari, Research Operative Coordination, Networking and Integration Manager, FEEM – Adolf Kloke-Lesch, Co-Chair of SDSN Europe, Executive Director of SDSN Germany – Prof. Angelo Riccaboni, Co-Chair of SDSN Europe, SDSN Mediterranean Chair You can view the full recording of the event online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUkOBMTY0p0&feature=youtu.be To learn more about SDSN Europe, please visit https://sdsn.eu/
STATEMENT OF THE LANCET COVID-19 COMMISSION TASK FORCE ON GREEN RECOVERY Prof. Koundouri as co – chair of The Lancet COVID-19 Commission Task Force on Green Recovery is pleased to announce that the first Statement of the Task Force “Transforming Recovery into a Green Future” has been posted on the Lancet COVID-19 Commission’s website. Available at: https://lnkd.in/gb-wfQp Enhancing Global Cooperation to End the COVID-19 Pandemic: Statement of the Lancet COVID-19 Commission Read the Lancet COVID-19 Commission Second Statement, “Enhancing Global Cooperation to End the COVID-19 Pandemic” by Jeffrey Sachs, the Lancet COVID-19 Commissioners, Task Force Chairs, and Commission Secretariat. Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, is one of the Commissioners and Green Recovery Task Force co-chair, together with Dr Ismail Serageldin, Founding Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Former World Bank Vice President and Min Zhu, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund lead the Green Recovery Task Force. This is the overview statement of the Commission, published in February 2021 alongside our Comment published in Lancet on February 12, 2021 detailing the three top priorities for multilateral cooperation to suppress the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, including 1) containment of transmission, 2) rapid vaccination, and 3) increased emergency finance. Read the Second Statement at: https://covid19commission.org/enhancing-global-cooperation Read the Comment at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00388- 3/fulltext
An exciting new book, edited by Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, “The Ocean of Tomorrow: The Transition to Sustainability -Volume II”. An exciting new book, edited by Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, “The Ocean of Tomorrow: The Transition to Sustainability -Volume II” has been published and it is now available at https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-56847-4 . Prof. Koundouri says about the book: “As a response to the climate crisis and extensive marine pollution, and their effect on marine ecosystems and coastal populations, our work aims at establishing transformation pathways towards Sustainable Blue Growth of European Seas, and beyond. These “Blue Growth” pathways are supported by technological, economic, financial, social and policy innovations, developed and analysed in a systems-based approach, while they engage all relevant stakeholders in their co-design. My gratitude goes to all the world-class scientists, from all across Europe and beyond, who contributed to the thirteen interdisciplinary research and demonstration projects, as well as the three global initiatives that form the basis of this book two FP7 European Commission DG Research and Innovation projects, MERMAID and TROPOS; two H2020 European Commission DG Research and Innovation projects, BLUEBRIDGE and COASTAL; three European Commission Interreg projects, AMARe, RECONNECT and Thal-Chor; six European Institute of Innovation and Technology Climate KIC projects, BL.EU. Climate, Deep Demonstration Project in European Ports, MEDFreeSup, Circular Learning Hub, Circular Economy (CE) in Smart Specialization Strategy (S3), and Western Balkan Circular and Climate Innovation-Beacons, as well as the three Global Initiatives: the 4-Seas UN SDSN Euro-Asian Initiative, the UN SDSN Global Roundtable for Sustainable Shipping and Ports and the United Nations Initiative for Climate Change Effects on Cultural and Natural Heritage. These 16 projects and initiatives, some completed but the vast majority ongoing, form the “Sustainable Blue Growth” research domain of the cluster of the institutions I direct, which includes the ReSEES Research Laboratory of the Athens University of Economics and Business, the Sustainable Development Unit and the EIT Climate KIC Hub Greece at the ATHENA Research and Innovation Center, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network Greek (SDSN Greece) and European (SDSN Europe) Chapters. The current book, is a continuation of our research published in my first book on Oceans of Tomorrow: Investment Assessment of Multi-Use Offshore Platforms: Methodology and Applications – Volume I : https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-55772-4 “.
2 newly H2020 Funded Projects & Maritime ClimAccelerator (EIT
Climate – KIC)
Good News from the European Commission, our #H2020 ARSINOE Project: CLIMATE RESILIENT-
REGIONS THROUGH SYSTEMIC SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIONS, has just got funded, watch the
proposal video: https://youtu.be/2-fb8f7lWQw
Also, our #H2020 IMPETUS Project: DYNAMIC INFORMATION MANAGEMENT APPROACH FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF CLIMATE RESILIENT ADAPTATION PACKAGES IN EUROPEAN REGIONS, has just
got funded.
The Maritime ClimAccelerator, supported by EIT Climate-KIC, through its vast network of
collaborations, will offer participating start-ups training, guidance and theme-specific mentoring (both
virtually and in-person) and funding ranging from €5,000 to €100,000 (depending on maturity level
and specific conditions). 30-40 start-ups will be accepted per year and will be asked to provide
innovative solutions for the transition to sustainability of the maritime industry, both locally and
globally, and will be given the opportunity to present their ideas in front of investors, port authorities
and shipping companies. The Maritime ClimAccelerator will thus provide start-ups with a unique
opportunity to ideate, pilot, test and demonstrate their solution. Learn more at: http://maritime-
accelerator.org/
ATHENA RC becomes the third host institution of SDSN Greece!
We at UN SDSN Greece are eager to announce the
occasion of ATHENA RC becoming our third host
institution. UN SDSN Greece has been working closely
with ATHENA Research and Innovation Centre team
via the Sustainable Development Unit, scientifically
directed by Professor Phoebe Koundouri and EIT
Climate-KIC Hub Greece, which is directed by
Professor Phoebe Koundouri. Furthermore, a significant part of SDSN Greece research and
administrative activity is carried out under ATHENA RC.
Prof. Koundouri encourages other researchers to publish in Open Research
Europe Platform
During a recent meeting with Open Research Europe (ORE), Phoebe Koundouri and Toma Susi
(members of ORE's Scientific Advisory Board) gave an insight into their motivations behind, and
experience of, publishing on this new platform. Read why Prof. Koundouri encourages other
researchers to publish in Open Research Europe Platform here.
What is Open Science? Did you know Open Science is a policy priority for the European Commission? Why? Because it improves the quality, efficiency and responsiveness of research. Learn more about the benefits of Open Science for you and your research at: https://think.f1000research.com/open-research-europe-submission/open-research- europe/?utm_source=third_party_list&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JQC19396 Prof. Koundouri supports this European Initiative, as member of the Open Research Europe Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The Open Research Europe Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprises a diverse set of researchers who are accomplished in their respective fields at all career stages from across Europe and the world. They act as ambassadors of Open Research Europe to the global academic community. The SAB also provides guidance on publishing policies, the strategic direction and sustainability of the platform, whilst also advising on challenging issues that may arise from the Horizon 2020 communities that Open Research Europe serves. Learn more about the Board at: https://open-research- europe.ec.europa.eu/advisors?utm_source=third_party_list&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=J QC19396
EIT Climate-KIC Hub Greece @ SDU, ATHENA RC
NEWS
Pioneers into Practice (EIT Climate-KIC)
Applications are now open! Pioneers into Practice, an EIT Climate-KIC programme, equips
participants with practical tools needed to become the next generation of climate innovators
and help to reach a net-zero society. Through a mix of E-learning, Workshops, Projects,
Coaching and Placements, Pioneers connects professionals across Europe and provides a one-
of-a-kind, transformative learning experience. We see innovation and learning as two sides
of the same coin. Pioneers is tailored to local climate mitigation and adaptation needs,
allowing participants to work on relevant challenges in their locations while connecting to a
broader, European community of changemakers.
Find out more at https://pioneers.climate-kic.org/
Maritime Accelerator (EIT Climate-KIC)
ClimAccelerator will work towards the adoption of an ambitious roadmap to reduce maritime
greenhouse gas emissions by 50% (2008 base year) as agreed by IMO. The accelerator co-
funded by EIT Climate-KIC, the EU's leading climate innovation initiative, through the Net-
Zero Emission Resilient Maritime Hubs project. The accelerator is also funded by VCs, Shipping
Companies and Associations. The ultimate goal is to create a world-class maritime
accelerator, which will support and develop 30-40 start-ups per year and provide solutions to
the challenges of carbon emission exemption, locally and globally. Through this accelerator,
participating teams will receive free training and guidance and funding from € 5,000 to €
500,000 (depending on team stage). Register your interest at this link: http://maritime-
accelerator.org
Circular Economy Beacons (EIT Climate-KIC)
Imagine there is no waste in materials, energy, water and working hours in your value chain.
Imagine waste free and pollution free profits. It is possible through implementation of circular
economy Circular Economy Beacons (CEB) provide novel circular economy services for small
and medium size enterprises. Our main goal is to create unique eco-system that would
support innovative thinking and circular economy implementation. In 2021, we will pilot our
business model, we will make stronger base of CE BEACONS, we will engage with at least 3
new companies and we will transfer the focus of implementation from Serbia and Romania
to Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will implement our innovative framework and
assess the market for potential innovation pull; monetize the economic, social and
environmental benefits for SMEs when switching to circular model of operation and teach
policymakers on how to support circular innovation.
Cross-KIC Water Scarcity project (EIT Climate-KIC)
EIT Food together with Climate KIC, Digital and Manufacturing KICs, Athena RC and Bioazul
S.L., are leading a multiannual and multidisciplinary programme designed to alleviate water
scarcity in Southern Europe. We work together considering water scarcity as a thematic field
from agrifood to manufacturing. The main objective of the programme is to ease the
transition to a water saving economy across Southern Europe and to contribute, in the long
run, to reduce Europe’s water consumption, wastage and pollution. This is achieved by
targeting different stakeholders, from policy makers to business, industry leaders and citizens
through different actions.
We are looking for private companies, associations of companies, cooperatives, or public
entities from the food & beverage industry, the agricultural sector and/or the water utilities
and large infrastructures willing to find solutions tailored to their specific needs through the
provision of a case study. Register on Water Scarcity and we’ll help your company become
more efficient. The deadline is on 9th May 2021. Find more at
https://www.eitfood.eu/procurement/call-for-problem-holders-and-solution-providers-to-
tackle-water-scarcity-in-southern-europe
ACHIEVEMENTS
Deep Demonstrations for Zero-Net Emissions in the port of Piraeus
(EIT Climate-KIC funded project under SDU, ATHENA RC)
The 2020 journey at the Deep Demonstration in the Maritime Hubs set the foundations for
all four aspects of change. Specifically, it established a network in the port of Piraeus, where
stakeholders with different backgrounds and expertise worked together towards the same
vision showing respect and compassion to each other (Inter-personal aspect). At the same
period, they actively participated in workshops organized by ATHENA and other organizations
(e.g. Climathon, Start-ups Pitch Day, Roundtable for Sustainable Shipping and Ports) sharing
their working vision with the community and stakeholders engaging themselves in discussions
about the desirable future and its connection with the everyday livelihood of locals (Social
and Cultural aspect). The Futures Literacy training series organized by PRAXI Network helped
the Greek consortium to unfold their assumptions on which are founded their beliefs and
values and thus, reconsider their efforts and work as part of a whole (Psychological aspect).
Finally, the Deep Demonstration methodology enabled the consortium to see the forest for
the trees. In other words, it allowed us to understand the relations between and within
institutions and to identify the underpinning flaws of the current systems and thus what is
needed to drive change (Structural and Systemic aspect).
Cross-KIC Water Scarcity project
(EIT Climate-KIC funded project under SDU, ATHENA RC)
EIT Climate-KIC has identified - with EIT Food, EIT Raw Materials and EIT Manufacturing -
water scarcity as a fundamental topic to work together for the whole southern region
development but still being weakly integrated in the current activities, establishing a clear
opportunity for collaboration. Through this project, the 4 KICs, ATHENA RC and Bioazul aim
to find innovative solutions to prevent and mitigate water scarcity and drought, as well as theover usage of water, as to move towards a water-efficient and water-saving economy,
focusing on raising awareness, learning to save water, and managing the available resources
more efficiently. In 2020 the cross KICs project gathered 16 experts, to form a Body of
Knowledge (BoK) to work on the next challenges to tackle water scarcity. The BoK worked
together with the four KICs to deliver challenge Labs (Innowise Challenge Labs) for start-ups
to facilitate in this way the transition from idea to business, organize the EIT Water Academy
for water scarcity challenge education, including EIT workshops with public bodies and other
stakeholders across different regions, and communication activities to reach out to citizens
and interested stakeholders, engaging in events and media to raise awareness about water
scarcity for citizens. In 2021, the Innowise Challenge Labs will focus on scale-ups which will
respond to specific needs as defined by challenge owners in Greece, Italy and Spain.
Find more at https://www.athenarc.gr/el/monada-aeiforoy-anaptyxis/projects/cross-kic-
water-scarcity-activities-eit-climate-kic
Previous Events
12/01/2021 Online event for the sustainable development of the maritime
economy in Greece organized by The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research.
Prof. Koundouri participated in a discussion on “National
consultation of funding bodies to support the implementation of the
Blue Growth and Innovation Plan of the Bluemed Program” at the
online event for the sustainable development of the maritime
economy in Greece organized by The Hellenic Centre for Marine
Research.
Watch live: https://youtu.be/4Op7KFtJSMo
13/01/2021 by ekyklos "How can 2021 be won?"
Prof. Koundouri participated in a discussion on
"Between rescuing and restructuring the Greek
economy" at the online event "How can 2021 be
won?" organized by Kyklos ideon.
Watch the event at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6yelbBXIcU
Learn more: https://ekyklos.gr/ev/794-13-1-
2021-pos-borei-na-kerdithei-to-2021.html18/01/2021 «EUandU, online edition. Prof. Phoebe Koundouri in conversation with the representative of Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth and Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Greek Minister of Digital Governance: "The new Horizon Europe will be the largest programme for research and innovation in the history of the EU, together with the European Green Deal and the EU Next Generation Fund, they give a "once in a generation" opportunity for Greece to achieve the beyond fiscal stimulus, transformative change, needed for accelerating a resilient, sustainable and fair socio- economic recovery. A crucial mobilizer will be the efficient and robust connection between research, innovation, markets and investments." Learn more: https://www.euandu.eu/%CF%80%CF%81%CF%8C%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%BC%CE%BC%CE% B1. Watch the event at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SSjWZdBx78 Prof. Phoebe Koundouri in conversation with award-winning / EU-funded research programs” with Prof. Panagiotis Dimopoulos, Vice-Chancellor, University of Patras, Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis, Vice President of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council (ERC), Ioannis Vassiliou, Emeritus Professor, Director and Chairman of the Board of the Research University Institute of Communication and Computer Systems of the National Technical University of Athens. Prof. Koundouri presented the first ERC Synergy Grant ever to be received by a Greek Scientist, which she won together with Prof. Hummer, Prof. Polycarbou and Prof. Savic, with the title "Water Futures". She also presented the 15 currently running Horizon 2020 and INTERREG projects, together with the 14 currently running EIT Climate KIC projects and programs, that run under her scientific supervision at the Re.SEES Research Laboratory of the Athens University of Economics and Business and the Sustainable Development Unit at the ATHENA Research Center, both of which she directs. Prof. Koundouri talked about her team of world class researchers that work in these projects and emphasized the richness of Greece in terms of excellent researchers: "Through my career I taught at many top ranked Universities ...University of Cambridge, UCL, University of Reading, LSE, never before did I have such a strong research team, as the one I have in Greece!" Watch the event at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SSjWZdBx78
19/01/2021 Webinar on Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Prof. Phoebe Koundouri discussing on Sustainable Finance with the companies in the portfolio of the Hellenic Republic Asset Development fund at the Webinar: “Environment, Society and Corporate Governance (ESG)”, organized by HRADF / ΤΑIΠΕΔ in collaboration with EIT Climate-KIC Hub Greece, UN SDSN Greece, ReSEES AUEB and HSBC Greece. “My work as co-chair on United Nations SDSN Europe and lead scientist of the Senior Working Group of UN SDSN on the Sustainability Transition, in collaboration with ENEL Foundation, indicates the following: Corporate leaders, investors, and analysts today must deal with two separate and disconnected reporting systems: one for financial results, the other for ESG performance the result of which is two separate narratives, one telling how profitable a company is, the other highlighting whether is good for people and the planet. This suggests the possibility of a single hybrid measurement system that combines social and environmental impact with standard measures of financial performance.” 23/01/2021 Innovation in Greece today and the bodies that support it 2.0 On 23/1 Prof. Koundouri gave a speech at the conference "Innovation in Greece and the bodies that support it" organized by the National Bank of Greece, Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation | AUEB, Archimedes - Center for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship of NKUA, Uni.Fund, Bayer Hellas AG and Endeavor Greece. Prof. Koundouri introduced the two EIT Climate KIC HUB Greece accelerator programs: (1) The National EIT Climate KIC accelerator focused on innovations that enable the transition to a climate neutral economy, and (2) The European Maritime Accelerator with the mission to establish a Global Maritime Accelerator to support and develop start- ups which will provide solutions to the challenges of decarbonisation of shipping and achieve maximum climate impact; whilst scaling up to become a global initiative with multiplying effects. In closing Prof. Koundouri referred to the National Cross-KIC initiative for a close network of collaboration between EIT Climate, EIT Digital, EIT Food, EIT Health, EIT InnoEnergy, EIT Manufacturing, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Urban Mobility, in order to achieve a faster and bigger enabling impact on the Green Innovation Ecosystem.
25/01/2021 Conference "Environmental Challenges and Actions in the Municipality of Fyli" Prof. Koundouri gave a speech at the conference "Environmental Challenges and Actions in the Municipality of Fyli" held by the Athens University of Economics and the lyceum of Zefyri. Prof. Koundouri introduced the UN SDSN and Green Cross International activities, hosted by the Re.SEES Research Laboratory at the Athens University of Economics and Business and the Sustainable Development Unit at ATHENA Research and Innovation Center, respectively, on transforming school/university curricula towards integrating sustainable development across all subjects, while empowering deeper understanding of the transition technologies via actual implementation of sustainable technological and management solutions in everyday running of the schools/universities. 12/02/2021 SMecoMP Final Conference Prof. Koundouri gave a speech on “The Economics Case for a Sustainable Recovery: The Role of Innovation and Research Commercialization” at the SMecoMP Final Conference held by the University of Macedonia Department of Economics, Economics and Management of Sustainable Development (EMSD) Research Unit. “‘Return-to-normal’ economic stimulus is environmentally unsustainable and economically inferior to a green stimulus! We should focus on Transformations based on SDGs and EGD for the transition to a Green and Digital, Job-Based and Inclusive Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic EGD and SDGs are two sides of the same coin and they are our blue prints!”. INFO: https://www.smecomp.eu/index.php/el/events Lydia Papadaki, Manager EIT Climate-KIC Hub Greece, Manager UN SDSN Greece also gave a speech on “Transforming innovation into climate action: The case of Greece”.
15-18 February 2021 WAAS@60 Conference on A PLANETARY MOMENT As an elected-fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS), Prof. Koundouri spoke at the WAAS@60 Conference - A Planetary Moment on 15/2 in a discussion on “Why WAAS? – Inventing the Future” and on 17/2 on “Leadership for Planetary Momentum”. In her speech she focused on the need to design a post-COVID era to align with the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. Public investments should be oriented toward sustainable industries and the digital economy and should spur complementary private investments. A major goal of the recovery should be an unprecedented commitment to reskilling and upskilling people, including the skills to prepare workers for the green (renewables, nature-based solutions and circular economy) digital economy. WAAS has a central leadership role to play in the relevant interdisciplinary capacity building for all stakeholders: researchers and scientists, politicians, policy-makers, businesses, financial institutions, civil society and most importantly the youth! Read more. Watch the video “Why WAAS? – Inventing the Future”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=10638&v=_tL7EZFyC0o&feature=youtu.be Watch the video “Leadership for Planetary Momentum”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1347&v=lE6smPX5inA&feature=youtu.be More speeches of Prof. Koundouri can be found at: http://phoebekoundouri.org/category/videos/ 24/02/2021 Upgraded Buildings Conference 2021 Yesterday Prof. Koundouri gave a keynote speech on “The European Green Deal driving Sustainable Recovery from COVID 19 pandemic” in the session “Building Renovation Wave Policy and Financing” at the Upgraded Buildings Conference 2021. Watch the event at: https://youtu.be/O0qlIRB13Wc Learn more at: http://phoebekoundouri.org/upgraded-buildings-conference-2021/ Read more at: https://www.upgradedbuildings.gr/agenda/ , https://www.upgradedbuildings.gr/
01/03/2021 WORLD FUTURE DAY: ROUND-THE-WORLD 24-HOUR CONVERSATION ON THE FUTURE On March 1st Prof. Koundouri moderated the 12:00 Athens time session at WORLD FUTURE DAY: ROUND- THE-WORLD 24-HOUR CONVERSATION ON THE FUTURE, hosted by the Millennium Project. "One important question for humanity's way forward into the future is "how to handle uncertainty". Most importantly "how to handle deep uncertainty", Deep uncertainty exists when parties to a decision do not know, or cannot agree on, the system model that relates action to consequences and the probability distributions to place over the inputs to these models. Deep uncertainty often involves decisions that are made over time in dynamic interaction with the system. Risk and Deep Uncertainty are also pervasive in the analysis of climate change, probably the biggest crisis ever faced by humanity". Find out more at: http://www.millennium-project.org/world-future-day-24-hour-round-the- world-conversion-on-the-future/ 10/03/2021 SDSN Northern Europe webinar On 10/3, Prof. Koundouri gave an invited speech to the SDSN Northern Europe webinar, focused on Global Platforms for Sustainability Monitoring, Reporting, and Ranking. Prof. Koundouri presented SDSN Europe that she co-chairs, and elaborated on SDSN Europe mission to serve as a science driven interface with European Commission policymaking. She also presented the SDSN Europe latest report on "Transformations for the Joint Implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the European Green Deal: A Green and Digital, Job-Based and Inclusive Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic". Learn more at: https://www.unsdsn-ne.org/news/2021/03/23/reflections-from-the-member- meeting-on-10-march/
11/03/2021 Online webinar on implementation of SDGs in Israeli Academia On 11/3, Prof. Koundouri, in her capacity as SDSN EUROPE co- chair, gave an opening speech to the webinar on "Sustainable Development Goals: A Catalyst for an Academic Impact". The webinar was organized by The Israeli National Erasmus+ Office and targeted Israeli Higher Education Institutions. Prof. Koundouri referred to the EU's vision and policies on SDGs and how they will be translated into action through the EU's flagship programmes and the European Green Deal. She also presented the results of the latest SDSN EUROPE report on "Transformations for the Joint Implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the European Green Deal: A Green and Digital, Job-Based and Inclusive Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic". More information on the webinar can be found here. 15/03/2021 Public Hearing of the European Economic and Social Committee on the opinion on "The New EC Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change" On 15/3 Prof. Koundouri participated at the Public Hearing of the European Economic and Social Committee on the opinion on "The New EC Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change", in her capacity as expert to the rapporteur (Dimitris Dimitriadis). The European Commission adopted its new EU strategy on adaptation to climate change on 24 February 2021. The new strategy sets out how the European Union can adapt to the impacts of climate change and become climate resilient by 2050. Prof. Koundouri highlighted the need for climate policies to combine mitigation and adaptation strategies, and that the economic benefits of adaptation programmes, such as early warning systems, making infrastructure resilient, improving dryland agriculture, managing water resources, exceed costs by five to ten times.
17/03/2021 SBCA’s 2021 Annual Meetings On 17/3 Prof. Koundouri gave the opening keynote speech at the annual conference of the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis (SBCA), a scientific society that works to improve the theory and practice of benefit-cost analysis and support evidence-based policy decisions. The Society has hundreds of members and is dedicated to the advancement, exchange of ideas, and research related to benefit- cost analysis (BCA), cost-effectiveness analysis, risk-benefit analysis, applied welfare economic analysis, and damage assessment. Prof. Koundouri plenary focus on "Sustainable Recovery from Covid-19" and was moderated by the president of the association, Prof. Dale Whittington, University of North Carolina, while Prof. Laura Taylor, Georgia Institute of Technology, acted as the discussant. Prof. Koundouri presented the "economic case" for "building forward better" based on economic analysis supporting that a green economic stimulus is more growth-enhancing than a ‘return-to-normal’ stimulus, which would merely boost current, unsustainable consumption and production patterns. In particular, her work connects four major policy initiatives – the SDGs, the European Green Deal, the European Semester Process, and the EU recovery plan, to support policymakers with actionable strategies that can guide EU-wide and national economic recovery in line with Europe’s overarching sustainability agenda. She also argued that "Beyond fiscal stimulus that is expected to boost aggregate demand, this crisis calls for transformative public investments that will shape a sustainable and fair, green and digital transition, and leverage private sector investment. The European long-term vision should be the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 2015 Paris Agreement. The European Green Deal provides the right level of ambition and direction." Prof. Koundouri closed her speech by introducing additional aspects of her research on how ambiguity (uncertainty with unknown probabilities) affects economic decision making and discussed how her theoretical results can inform policy making under major crises like the pandemic and climate change. Learn more about the Society for Benefit -Cost Analysis: https://benefitcostanalysis.org/ 18/03/2021 E-CONFERENCE on “Opportunities for International Research and Academic Partnerships” On 18/3, Prof. Koundouri and Prof. Theodossiou gave a Keynote speech in the session “Informative Sessions- Trans- National Partnerships in the BSEM” at the E-CONFERENCE on “Opportunities for International Research and Academic Partnerships” organized by the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Academic Network (BSEMAN) Learn more at: https://bseman.net/opportunities-for-international-research-and-academic- partnerships/
23/03/2021 "LIFE and Small and Medium Enterprises: Challenges for Sustainable
Business Solutions with an Emphasis on Environmental Protection"
Prof. Koundouri today gave a speech on
“Financing the transition to a green, digital and
fair future” in the session “Co-financing sources”
at the online event "LIFE and Small and Medium
Enterprises: Challenges for Sustainable Business
Solutions with an Emphasis on Environmental
Protection" organized by the National Green
Fund, the Ministry of Environment and Energy,
the Greek Task Force for the LIFE Program -
Greek LIFE Task Force, in collaboration with
Skywalker.gr, and is held under the auspices of
the The Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen & Merchants (GSEVEE).
Official website: https://bossible.gr/online-talk/online-hmerida-life-kai-mikromesaies-epixeiriseis
Speakers: https://bossible.gr/online-hmerida-life-kai-mikromesaies-epixeiriseis-omilhtes
25/03/2021 seminar on the economics of climate change
Prof. Koundouri participated in the discussion on “Macro-economics and climate action – what are
the missing links?” at the “Webinar on the economics of climate change: Towards a climate neutral
economy - what role for economic policies?” organized by The Directorate-General for Economic and
Financial Affairs, European Commission. The Commissioner, Paolo Gentilon opened the discussions.
More specifically, Prof. Koundouri focused her speech answering the question “What are we missing
in terms of addressing the challenges of transitioning to climate neutrality”.
Chair: Géraldine Mahieu, European Commission, DG ECFIN, Director for Investment, growth and
structural reforms
Panel Introduction: Jean Pisani-Ferry, Sciences Po, Paris / EUI, Florence / Bruegel, Brussels / PIIE,
Washington DC
Panel Contributors:
• Ian Parry, IMF
• Christoph Böhringer, University of Oldenburg
• Phoebe Koundouri, Athens University of Economics and Business, UN SDSN EUROPE.
• Tom van Ierland, European Commission, DG CLIMA
Agenda: https://ec.europa.eu/info/events/webinar-economics-climate-change30/03/2021 The Role of the Greek Higher Education Institutions in promoting the
SDGs
Exploring the role of Greek higher education institutions in promoting
the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the purpose of this
event is to raise awareness about the SDGs and sustainable best
practices in such institutions.
The event was organized in the context of UN SDSN Greece’s overall
initiative regarding sustainability in higher education in Greece, based
on UN’s 4.7 mission, which aims to contribute to raising awareness
and educating students, faculty and staff of academic institutions on
the SDGs and sustainable best practices on campus, the inclusion of
sustainability across the curriculum as well as establishing synergies of
academic institutions with organizations and other external partners
for the promotion of the SDGs.
Find more at https://www.acg.edu/events/the-role-of-the-greek-
higher-education-institutions-in-promoting-the-sdgs/
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director of the Center for
Sustainable Development at Columbia University; President of
the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
SPEAKERS (in alphabetical order):
• Angelos Syrigos, Deputy Minister of Education
(responsible for higher education)
• Prof. Stella Apostolaki, Environmental Studies Program
Coordinator; Chair of Academic Advisory Board of the
Center of Excellence for Sustainability, ACG
• Rania Assariotaki, Senior Manager for Sustainability, The
American College of Greece (ACG)
• Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, School of Economics and
Director of ReSEES Laboratory, Athens University of
Economics and Business; Fellow of World Academy of
Art and Science; Director of Sustainable Development
Unit, ATHENA RC; Co-chair SDSN Europe
• Prof. Andreas A. Papandreou, Professor of Environmental Economics, National and
Kapodistrian University of Athens; Co-chair of the Sustainable Development Solutions
Network Greece (SDSN Greece)Welcome remarks by Claudia Carydis-Benopoulou, Vice President, Public Affairs, The American College of Greece and Prof. Andreas A. Papandreou. In collaboration with Deree – The American College of Greece, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens University of Economics and Business and Supported by: UN SDSN Youth Greece. For the full program, bios of speakers, and to watch LIVE, please click here: https://www.acg.edu/events/the-role-of-the-greek-higher-education-institutions-in- promoting-the-sdgs/ Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abGBvqj_qBw 30/03/2021 the online event “Efficient Mobility: The future transport option” On Wednesday 30th of March Prof. Koundouri participated in a discussion at the online event “Efficient Mobility: The future transport option” organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Greece & Cyprus along with the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Yiannis Kefalogiannis and the President of Road Transport SA, Vassilis Xypolytas. The discussion was coordinated by Dr. Maria Kottari, Research Associate: School of Transnational Governance (Climate cluster)-European University Institute (EUI), Founder of "The Energy Matrix" Policy Consultancy. Prof. Koundouri said: "With transport contributing around 5% to EU GDP and employing more than 10 million people in Europe, the transport system is critical to European businesses and global supply chains. At the same time, transport is not without costs to our society: greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, noise, road crashes and congestion. Today, transport emissions represent around one quarter of the EU’s total GHG emissions. We need to transform European transport, with increased public and private investment in the modernisation and greening of our fleets and infrastructure, and by reinforcing the single market. European transport needs to become more sustainable, more competitive globally, more resistant to future shocks, while this evolution should leave nobody behind: sustainable and resilient mobility should be available and affordable for all and create attractive jobs. Learn more and watch the event at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd4JNZ3dldY Learn more and watch the event at: http://phoebekoundouri.org/online-event-efficient-mobility- the-future-transport-option/
08/04/2021 Green Business: Sustainable Business Summit On 8/4 Prof. Koundouri participated in a discussion on "Managing Risks and Expectations in Sustainability Transformation" together with Anette Galskjot, Danish Consul General, Istanbul. The session was chaired by Dr. Tamer Atabarut, Turkey Director, BUYEM & SDSN at the "Green Business: Sustainable Business Summit". 08/04/2021 The Economic Case for a Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic” Online seminar Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, gave an invited speech on “The Economic Case for a Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic” at the Online seminar organized by the Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei and University of Brescia, in collaboration with the Italian Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (IAERE), European University Institute, Department of Environmental Science and Policy of the University of Milan and University of Siena. The event took place online on 8 of April at 4:00 PM CET and was the closing event of the Winter Series “Economic Modelling Seminars”, before the IAERE Annual Conference. The series aimed at bringing together academics of excellence, discussing economics research around prominent themes. The seminars were moderated by Professor Sergio Vergalli (University of Brescia, IAERE President and Head of Economics – 2030 Agenda research area in FEEM). Further information about the series can be found at: https://www.feem.it/en/news/fondazione- eni-enrico-mattei-presents-the-winter-series-economic-modelling-seminars-/ Learn more & Watch the event: https://phoebekoundouri.org/lecture-of-prof-koundouri-on-the- economic-case-for-a-sustainable-recovery-from-covid-19-pandemic/
12/04/2021 RECOVERY AND THE 2030 AGENDA IN THE WESTERN BALKANS:
BUILDING FORWARD BETTER THROUGH THE SDGS”
On 12/4 Prof. Koundouri moderated the web-conference “Recovery and the 2030 Agenda in the
Western Balkans” organized by Nizami Ganjavi International Center
Moderator: Phoebe Koundouri, Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business; President,
European AERE; Co-chair, SDSN Greece; Director, EIT Climate KIC Greece
▪ Igor Luksic, Prime Minister of Montenegro 2010-2012; PwC Public Sector Director South East
Europe; Minister of Finance of Montenegro 2004-2010
▪ Mladen Ivanic, Member of the Presidency of
Bosnia and Herzegovina 2014-2018
▪ Zlatko Lagumdzija, Prime Minister of Bosnia
and Herzegovina 2001-2002; Deputy Prime
Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs 2012-
2015
▪ Bujar Nishani, President of Albania 2012-2017
▪ Petre Roman, Prime Minister of Romania
1989-1991
Watch live: https://youtu.be/rLrJaTzv0gg
14-15/04/2021 ONLINE TRAINING: Workshop on blue jobs and cross-cutting skills
for young professionals and graduates of the Med Countries
On 14/4 at 14:00 CEST Prof. Koundouri and Prof. Theodossiou participated in a discussion on
“Technological Innovation for Sustainable Blue Growth” at the “Workshop on blue jobs and cross-
cutting skills for young professionals and graduates of the Med Countries” co-organized by the UfM
Secretariat, OGS – BlueSkills and HOMERe.
Watch live: https://youtu.be/WQJa8osIJSM?t=1610319/04/2021 Blue Research and Innovation Days
On 19/4 at 9:00 CEST, Prof. Koundouri participated in the session “European existing and future
directives for Blue Economy” at the Blue Research and Innovation Days organized by ATHENA RC,
where she presented the SDSN Blue Growth Initiative and the Blue Growth Research Projects
(https://phoebekoundouri.org/category/projects/sustainable-blue-growth/ ) that she leads at the
Sustainable Development Unit at ATHENA RC and at the Research laboratory on Socio-Economic and
Environmental Sustainability – ReSEES at Athens University of Economics.
Moderator: Ioannis Emiris, General director and
president of the Board ATHENA RC
• Frangiscos Nikolian, Head of Unit, DG-
Mare, Markets and Impact assessment
• Eleni Hatziyanni, Policy Officer, DG
MARE-Unit A3
• Venetia Kostopoulou DG-Mare, DCF
• Phoebe Koundouri, Athens University of Economics and Business, Co-chair UN SDSN Europe
• Athena Trakadas, Antony Firth, Representatives of the Oceans Decade Heritage Network
• Richard Sempere, Director of the Institute of Mediterranean Oceanography
• Carlos Casorran, Policy Officer - European Open Science Cloud
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3wQ95jG
19/04/2021 3rd ADAPTtoCLIMATE international Conference, 19-20 April 2021
On 19/4 at 11:30 (EEST), Prof. Koundouri (
https://phoebekoundouri.org/ ) gave a speech on
“Sustainable recovery from COVID-19: Co-
Developing the Future Vision for a Sustainable
Europe Co-Designing the Pathways via Research-
Innovation-Policy Interface” in the second session
on “Climate research and Funding” at the
ADAPTtoCLIMATE Ιnternational Conference,
organised by the Department of Environment of the
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus, the National Technical
University of Athens and the National Observatory of Athens together with the LIFE UrbanProof
project team. Learn more: https://simfonodimarxon.eu/news-and-events/events/upcoming-
events/2543-adapttoclimate-%CE%B9nternational-conference.html.19/04/2021 "Designing National Budgets: Translating Global Commitments into Realities" On 19/4 at 8:40 am EDT, Prof. Koundouri led the Breakout session on “budgeting for a sustainable economic recovery” at the webinar of the Parliamentary Leadership for the 2030 Agenda Series on Designing National Budgets: Translating Global Commitments into Realities. organized by SDSN, Parliamentarians for the Global Goals, and UHC2030. Learn more and watch the main points of the webinar: https://www.unsdsn.org/designing- national-budgets-translating-global- commitments-into-realities. 20/04/2021 11th International Black Sea Symposium "A Collective recovery for the Black Sea Region in the post-covid era On 20/4, Prof Koundouri gave a speech on “Development and Innovation to build forward better” at the 11th International Black Sea Symposium. Speakers: Prof. Dr. Phoebe KOUNDOURI, Athens University of Economics and Business, Fellow World Academy of Art and Science, President Elect European AERE , Dr. Anton AFANASYEV, State expert on Science & Technology, Authorized representative for International Relations with the BSEC Member States, Senior Researcher at the Southern Federal University, Ms. Melike ERGÜN, Programme Coordinator, TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), International Cooperation Department , Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation Division 3, Assist. Prof. Dr. Renata PETREVSKA NECHKOSKA, “St. Kliment Ohridski” University of Bitola, Post Doc. at the University of Ghent, & Prof. Dr. Milen BALTOV, Burgas Free University Learn more: https://icbss.org/11th-international-black-sea-symposium-20-april- 2021/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=11th-international-black-sea- symposium-20-april-2021 Watch the event at: https://youtu.be/T9AIgVRqrKI?t=11491
21/04/2021 IAERE Conference On 21/4 Prof Koundouri presented the activities of SDSN EU and EAERE at the Ninth IAERE Annual Conference where she opened the lecture of Prof William Nordhaus, Nobel Prize in Economics 2018, on "Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Aspirations on Climate Policy", together with Prof. Sergio Vergalli. Learn more: https://www.iaere.org/conferences/2021/02prog.html Statement of Prof. Koudouri: "The COVID 19 pandemic-related recovery packages are financed by national debt, hence they are loans from future generations. This points to a moral responsibility to “Build forward Better”. The good news is that we also have a strong economic case for “Building forward Better”. Recent simulations of the effect of green recovery plans worldwide confirm that a green economic stimulus is more growth-enhancing than a ‘return-to- normal’ stimulus that would merely boost current, unsustainable consumption and production patterns. Beyond fiscal stimulus that is expected to boost aggregate demand, this crisis calls for transformative public investments that will shape a sustainable and fair, green and digital transition, and leverage private sector investment. Our long-term vision should be the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 2015 Paris Agreement, while the European Green Deal provides the right level of ambition and direction. I am honored to represent EAERE (put link) in my capacity as president-elect, and UN SDSN (put link), in my capacity as co-chair of UN SDSN Europe) two important and strong institutions, working for a science driven global sustainability transition. As I have promised when I run for EAERE president, during my presidency I will work for a closer collaboration between these institutions in order to increase their impact on accelerating the much needed transition to a climate neutral and resilient, economy and society.”
22/04/2021 " International Weibner “World Earth day celebration: Save earth by Reusing the Past, Recycling the Present & Saving the Future On 22/4 Prof. Koundouri gave a speech on " Sustainable recovery from COVID-19: Co- Developing the Future Vision for a Sustainable world via Research- Innovation-Policy Interface: Europe Case Study” at the International Webinar on "World Earth Day Celebration: Save Earth: Reuse- Past, Recycle-Present & Save for Future" organized by Ghazi University. Watch the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/d41d8cd9/world-earth-day- celebration-save-earth-reuse-past-recycle-present-save-for-futur/1173548693163196/ 22/04/2021 Webinar "How to save the Planet" On 22/4 and on the occasion of “Earth Day 2021”, Prof. Nicolaos Theodossiou, moderated the webinar “How to save the planet” in which Prof Phoebe Koundouri presented the closing remarks. The webinar was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Athens in the framework of the Visegrad Group Presidency in cooperation with the Embassy of the State of Israel. Prof Phoebe Koundouri presented the closing remarks. You may watch the webinar on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6tlf28oeno . 27/04/2021 The Bosnia and Herzegovina 2021 Economic Forum Prof. Koundouri gave a speech on the “European perspective on key challenges” in the first panel session "IN SEARCH FOR NEW NORMAL” of the Bosnia and Herzegovina 2021 Economic Forum. The event was organized by the School of Economics and Business University of Sarajevo (SEBS) and took place online. Moderator: Zlatko Lagumdžija, Professor, School of Economics and Business University of Sarajevo. Keynote speaker: Garry Jacobs, President, World Academy of Arts and Sciences Speakers: Phoebe Koundouri, President, European Association of Environmental and Resources Economists , Igor Lukšić, Prime Minister of Montenegro (2010 - 2012) ,Sabina Silajdžić, Professor, School of Economics and Business University of Sarajevo. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7fjppsPZ2E .
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