WAAS Talks on Science for Human Security : Measuring Sustainability

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Online on December 4, 2024 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm CET

Introduction

(5 minutes)

Nebojša Nešković

Vice President, World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS); Full Member, The Club of Rome; President, Serbian Chapter of The Club Of Rome; Member, Steering Committee, The Earth-Humanity Coalition.

In August 2023, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, from 2024 to 2031. The task to lead the preparation and implementation of the activities within the Decade was given to UNESCO. On April 16, 2024, The Earth-Humanity Coalition was founded – as an association of global, regional, and national scientific organizations with the task to prepare and implement, in close cooperation with UNESCO, various initiatives within the overall program of the Decade. WAAS was among the founding Members of the Coalition. It had initiated the Program of Sciences for Sustainable Development, which became a specific initiative of the Coalition. The WAAS Talks on Science for Humans Security: Measuring Sustainability is the fifth webinar within the Program. The reports on the previous webinars can be found on the WAAS website, page Events.

Moderator

Overview

(15 minutes)

Phoebe Koundouri

Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece & Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby; Chair, World Council of Environmental and Natural Resource Economists Associations; Chair, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Global Climate Hub; Chair, Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aephoria (AE4RIA), Athens, Greece; Trustee, World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS).

As global interest in sustainability continues to grow, there is an increasing need to accurately measure and assess sustainability across different scales, from individual projects, companies, and institutions to cities, regions, and countries. Effective measurement is critical for tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring accountability. However, the complexity and diversity of sustainability metrics pose significant challenges. This webinar aims to explore various approaches and tools used to measure sustainability at different scales.

Novel models holistically measure and monitor all aspects of Human Security at various levels. Machine learning techniques offer powerful tools for measuring controversies relative to the data disclosed by authorities. By leveraging advanced algorithms and vast datasets, machine learning can analyze patterns, trends, and anomalies in disclosed information, providing deeper insights into contentious issues. These techniques can efficiently process and interpret complex data from various sources, such as social media, news articles, and public records, identifying underlying sentiments and potential biases.

Talks

(4×15 minutes)

Integrating Regional Sea Innovations for Human Security: One Health, Digital Twin Oceans, and Multipurpose Platforms

Baris Salihoglu

Director, Institute of Marine Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Erdemli, Mersin, Turkey

Abstract

The Black Sea region presents unique opportunities to address human security through innovative projects and integrated approaches. This talk will explore the Connect Black Sea Project, emphasizing its alignment with the One Health framework, which connects human, environmental, and animal health for holistic resilience. The discussion will then transition to the Bridge Black Sea Project, showcasing its role in advancing the Digital Twin Ocean concept – leveraging digital models to monitor, predict, and protect the marine ecosystems and services they provide for humans. Finally, the talk will highlight multipurpose offshore platforms, illustrating their potential to simultaneously enhance food security, energy security, and human health. Together, these initiatives offer a blueprint for comprehensive solutions that strengthen resilience and sustainability for the Black Sea and beyond.

Cross-Country Metrics for Comprehensive HumanSecurity Assessment

Kostas Dellis

Senior Researcher, Research Laboratory on Socio-Economic and Environmental Sustainability (ReSEES), Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece; Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aephoria (AE4RIA) Network

Abstract

The Cross-Country Metrics for Comprehensive Human Security Assessment project aims to establish a standardized framework for evaluating human security across nations. Human security, a multifaceted concept encompassing economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, political, and technological dimensions, remains critical to global well-being. This initiative seeks to develop a comprehensive, harmonized set of indicators to assess these dimensions, building upon key performance indicators (KPIs) for the 169 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets and 247 associated indicators, while expanding to address the broader scope of human security. A holistic framework will guide the project, integrating diverse data sources and leveraging machine learning (ML) techniques to enhance data analysis and indicator development. ML methods will be applied to identify patterns in existing data, support the refinement of targeted indicators, and link policy documents, reports, and scientific literature to specific dimensions of human security.

Ali Mashayek

Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, UK

Abstract

To be included soon.

Alice Guittard

Researcher, Sustainable Development Unit, Athena Research and Innovation Center, Greece; Alliance of Excellence For Research and Innovation on Aephoria (AE4RIA) Network

Abstract

To be included soon.

Discussion

(40 minutes)