SDSN Northern Europe and SDSN Ireland explore collaborative opportunities
In a wish to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange, Martin Eriksson and the team at SDSN Northern Europe welcomed John Barimo, the Network Manager of SDSN Ireland, for a four-day visit in late November. The visit aimed to create a deeper understanding of best practices in developing SDSN networks and explore potential bilateral collaborations.
Launched in February 2023, SDSN Ireland has quickly become a key player in sustainable development initiatives. During his visit, the Network Manager John Barimo engaged in discussions on various topics, including formulating strategic aims, member engagement strategies, and the utilisation of, for example, the SDG Impact Assessment Tool and the SDG Mapping Tools.
A significant aspect of the visit was the exploration of the relationship between activism, academic research, and their collective role in propelling sustainable development. Barimo, who hails from the University College Cork, delivered a seminar titled "Catalysing Change: Balancing Activism and Academic Research in Sustainability" at Chalmers University of Technology's division of Environmental Systems Analysis. The seminar attracted academic researchers and doctoral students from both Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg, providing a platform for insightful discussions.
As network managers for SDSNs in Northern Europe and Ireland, Martin Eriksson and John Barimo discussed how to expand collaboration across different SDSN networks. This visit exemplifies the potential for networks to learn from each other and work collectively towards advancing sustainable development goals.