In an increasingly interconnected world, where the pursuit of sustainability transcends boundaries, are we doing enough to apply our scientific knowledge to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a sustainable society? Do we already have all the knowledge and ideas to manage the climate crisis, requiring only sufficient funding and political will? What are the differences in goals and measures between the United States and Europe?

From the remote expanses of the Arctic to the bustling cities of the global south, the imperative to safeguard our environment and foster sustainable development resonates deeply. Scientific innovations in sustainability offer transformative solutions to pressing challenges. Across diverse fields—from renewable energy to climate resilience, from biodiversity conservation to equitable access to resources—innovators and thought leaders are pioneering responses that align with the SDGs.

From educating the next generation to producing relevant research, and sharing their knowledge with society, higher education institutions on both sides of the Atlantic—alongside communities and businesses—have a global responsibility and an enormous impact on the actions of their citizens.

Join us on May 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at 1014 - space for ideas for a panel discussion with the new Rector of the University of Cologne and DAAD President Professor Joybrato Mukherjee, Prof. Michael Gerrard from Columbia University, and other guest speakers to:

• learn about the local, national, and global opportunities and challenges stakeholders face when working toward affordable and clean energy as well as broader climate action goals
• focus on German and US approaches to close the gap between knowledge and action
• discuss how we can overcome societal impatience for climate progress with the help of transformative innovation
• exchange new ideas for pathways to a sustainable future
• network with stakeholders from universities, businesses, and communities from Germany and the United States

Welcoming remarks by:

· Dr. Eva Bosbach, Executive Director, University of Cologne New York Office

· Prof. Dr.-Ing. René Haak, Minister-Counselor, Head of Section Science and Technology, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Washington, D.C.

· Benedikt Brisch, Director, German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) New York

Moderated by:

· Yaena Kwon, Freelance Journalist, Harvard University

The event is hosted by the University of Cologne New York Office, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) New York, the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New York, the German Research Foundation (DFG) North America, American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Embassy, Washington DC, and 1014. It is part of the NRW-USA Year 2023-2024.

Date and Time: Thursday, May 23^rd, 2024, Doors open at 6:00 PM, Event begins at 6:30 PM and ends at 8:30 PM

Location: 1014 – space for ideas, 1014 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10028

More Information: https://www.1014.nyc/events/science-society-and-sustainability