How to tackle creeping crises and build resilience | SDSN Northern Europe
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How to tackle creeping crises and build resilience

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SDSN Northern Europe brought together members from across the region on 17 June for an online meeting focused on resilience, foresight, and strategic responses to slow-burning sustainability challenges.

What do creeping crises look like, and how can we act before they escalate? These were among the central questions discussed at SDSN Northern Europe’s latest member meeting. The event featured expert insights from leading researchers in crisis studies, futures thinking, and resilience science.

Key insights from the meeting

  • Understanding Creeping Crises
    Magnus Ekengren (Swedish Defence University) introduced the concept of creeping crises, gradual, under-recognized threats such as climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and cyber risks. Drawing from research on high-reliability organizations, he emphasized the need for emotional engagement, early signal detection, and adaptive institutions.
  • Strategic Foresight for Sustainability
    Amos Taylor (Finland Futures Research Centre) shared learnings from the EU-funded SF4S project, which addresses the lack of green and digital skills in key sectors. The project connects universities, training providers, and industry to co-create future-ready strategies.
  • Resilience Science Must-Knows
    Amanda Jiménez Aceituno (Stockholm Resilience Centre) presented the upcoming “Nine Must-Knows” on resilience, evidence-based principles aimed at helping decision-makers and practitioners act in the face of complex risks.

Updates from the Secretariat

Network Manager Martin Eriksson provided updates on current initiatives, including:

  • The launch of the Sustainable Development Report 2025 on June 24, highlighting global SDG performance and financial system reforms.
  • Two new members of the Leadership Council: Prof. Markku Kulmala (University of Helsinki) and Dr. Nora Sánchez Gassen (Nordregio).
  • Progress on the upcoming Nordic Sustainable Development Report, which will assess SDG trends and spillover effects in the region.

The next SDSN Northern Europe member meeting will take place on October 8, 2025. Members are most welcome to suggest timely topics to be discussed.

SDSN Northern Europe member meetings

The secretariat of SDSN Northern Europe arranges exclusive member meetings four times a year. The invitations go to employees of the member organisations that have asked to be put on our contact list. If you are an employee of one of our member organisations, please contact Nina Silow to be put on the invitations list.

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