The European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) is a European-wide initiative to stimulate organisation of activities, projects and events that promote sustainable development and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted in 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identifies key issues that should be addressed at all levels and by all stakeholders. The ESDW serves as a platform for discussion of these issues and takes place every year from May 30 to June 5.

On June 3, the Czech Embassy in Berlin hosted an event “Sustainability without Peace, Peace without Democracy?” where the ambassador, ministers and professionals in the field, including innovators in social and political participation, discussed the effective means for achieving the SDGs. The prominent guests discussed the essential requirements for sustainable development such as peace, good governance, the rule of law and participatory decision-making. Simon Pánek – the CEO of the humanitarian organisation People in Need – talked about NGOs participatory practice in relief and development. Gottfried von Gemmingen-Guttenberg, director for the 2030 Agenda at the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, discussed the role of peacebuilding in sustainable development. Kateřina Fialková – director for Multilateral Economic Affairs at the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs – examined the role of democracy and participation in achieving inclusive and prosperous societies. The guest-speakers also discussed current challenges to implementing the SDGs and they ways to address them on governmental and societal levels.

The audience had a chance to discuss their questions and concerns with the panellists both during the official part of the event as well as during the informal gathering and a reception.

• - https://www.mzv.cz/berlin/de/pressemitteilungen_reden_texte/x2019_05_22_European_Sustainability_Week.html
• - https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/
• - https://www.mzv.cz/file/3512744/Invitation_ESDW_Czech_Republic.pdf
• - https://www.mzv.cz/file/3512746/Diplomacy_for_Sustainability___Flyer_Webversion.pdf