Why we need an Independent Commission on Sustainable Development Progress
The United Nations was already on the back foot before world leaders learned that they would need to prepare for another four years of Donald J. Trump. Perceptions that a ‘perfect storm’ of cascading crises had outstripped the UN system’s response capacity were widespread prior to the recent escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. Coupled with the UN…
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Backgrounder
Members of the United Nations voted unanimously to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015. Its supporters billed the 2030 Agenda as a blueprint for peace and prosperity that aimed to unite the UN’s disparate environment and development activities under seventeen aspirations known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations portrayed…
AKILI
AKILI, meaning "Intelligence" in Swahili, represents a core pillar of ICSDP’s commitment to driving sustainable development with clarity, accountability, and measurable impact. Through AKILI, we focus on delivering evidence-based insights and strategic recommendations that inform policy decisions across governments, industries, and not-for-profit sectors.
Our approach fosters national, regional, and global accountability by setting clear, scientifically backed targets for progress. AKILI is dedicated to creating a path for long-term sustainability, driving systemic transformation across all nations, and sharing essential knowledge through platforms such as the AKILI Lecture Series, publications, think tanks, and global summits. Additionally, we provide executive and leadership development programs to cultivate the next generation of government, industry, and not-for-profit leaders on sustainable development.
Through AKILI, ICSDP sets clear, science-based targets for sustainability that are both actionable and measurable. These targets are rooted in robust research and data analytics, ensuring that progress can be tracked and evaluated on both a local and global scale. By providing evidence-based benchmarks, we hold governments, industries, and institutions accountable for achieving sustainable development outcomes. This approach fosters transparency and responsibility, ensuring that every stakeholder is equipped with the knowledge to measure progress and identify areas that require further intervention.
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Through AKILI we are set to:
Produce Critical Intelligence for Informed Policy Decisions
AKILI is dedicated to generating the critical intelligence needed for informed policy decisions. Through comprehensive data analytics, field assessments, and expert consultations, we provide political and industry leaders, governments, and institutions with evidence-based recommendations that support effective decision-making. By analyzing the impact of current policies and practices on sustainable development, we empower leaders to prioritize the most impactful interventions that will accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This intelligence is tailored to inform policy frameworks, regulations, and global strategies that drive meaningful change.
Create a Path for Long-Term Sustainability
At AKILI, we believe that true sustainability requires systemic, transformative change that goes beyond short-term fixes. We work to create a clear path forward that outlines the steps required to build sustainable systems across all sectors, from energy and agriculture to education and governance. This path ensures that future generations inherit a planet with robust, resilient systems capable of addressing evolving challenges. By creating actionable roadmaps for long-term success, we help nations and industries design sustainable frameworks that deliver lasting, measurable results.
Create and Disseminate Critical Knowledge
One of the key objectives of AKILI is the creation and dissemination of critical knowledge to stakeholders worldwide. We facilitate global dialogue and knowledge exchange through platforms such as the AKILI Lecture Series, where thought leaders, researchers, and policy makers discuss emerging issues in sustainable development. Our publications provide indepth insights and evidence-based analyses of global sustainability challenges. Furthermore, we host Think Tanks and Summits & Conferences that bring together key actors from government, civil society, industry, and academia to collaboratively explore solutions to pressing global issues. These platforms encourage the sharing of innovative ideas and the development of policy solutions that can be scaled globally.
Provide Executive and Leadership Development Programs
To ensure the successful implementation of sustainable development strategies, AKILI offers Executive and Leadership Development Programs that focus on equipping decision-makers with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive change. These programs are designed for high-level leaders in both the public and private sectors, offering them the tools to understand complex sustainability challenges and lead transformative initiatives. Through workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs, we aim to cultivate a new generation of leaders who can advocate for sustainability and lead their organizations in ethical, responsible, and impactful ways. By fostering leadership at all levels, we ensure that sustainability becomes ingrained in decision-making processes worldwide.