A Successful Launch of the Network of Professionals

The GfGD Network for Professionals launched in March, which benefited from a diverse and inclusive virtual format. Participants agreed on the need to interact more with NGOs and governments.

On 31 March 2021, GfGD held its first online event for the Network of Professionals. Over thirty geoscientists from a diverse range of backgrounds came together virtually to meet, network and discuss their role in achieving the SDGs.

The hour-long Zoom event started with an overview of GfGD and our journey so far, and then explored the Network of Professionals and our vision for how this branch of GfGD will grow and evolve.

The second half of the event allowed small groups to gather and discuss how we can ensure that our work, not just as GfGD but as a community of earth science professionals, has a global reach and is effectively disseminated.

Everyone on the call agreed that the opportunity for more inclusive conversations with the increased use of online platforms since the Covid-19 pandemic is something positive. The interlink between environmental and economic issues was also discussed.

In addition, participants felt the need to have more people on the ground in places facing the biggest challenges in delivering the SDGs, and to interact and implement change in sectors outside of academic geoscience (such as NGOs and governments).