The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainability convened a mini-webinar series on advancing awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on the youth, civil society, and the new administration. The mini-webinar series included two events focused on: (1) domestic and (2) global activities of the United States.

This topic was among the list of potential Roundtable focus areas identified at the July 2019 Roundtable strategic planning. The December 2020 Sustainability Roundtable meeting also discussed an opportunity to highlight science, technology, and innovations (STI) to making progress on the SDGs, and the challenge of building a sustainable future without leaving anyone behind in consideration of equity and sustainability. There is a need for systemic, integrative approaches to sustainability to understand multiple benefits.

A first event, titled The SDGs and International Collaboration was held on April 28, 2021 as part of Nobel Prize Summit: Our Planet, Our Future. A second event, titled Advancing Awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals in the United States took place on July 29, 2021 as part of the Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainaiblity. Each webinar took one hour, and Roundtable members and/or experts from government, academia, and nongovernmental organizations shared their rich experience and expertise, followed by a Q&A session.