SDG Lab at United Nations

My time with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Lab at the United Nations in Geneva was a pivotal chapter in my career, engaging in policy research and facilitating workshops, tackling real-world challenges linking economic systems and climate change.

The SDG Lab, now called The Beyond Lab, is part of the Office of the Director-General, is dedicated to global sustainability. During my tenure, the Lab was transitioning from exclusively accelerating SDG progress, through such tools as sustainable financing, to a more holistic approach towards long-term sustainability.

In a close-knit team, I contributed to policy research, strategic exploration and workshop facilitation, collaborating with Senior Advisor Edward Mishaud, Director Özge Aydogan, and the rest of the team on its guiding mission to foster a world where current and future generations thrive, with a focus on inspiring systems change through regenerative development, intergenerational impact, and the application of affective sciences.

Equity and representation were integral to the Lab’s efforts, influencing interactions with Member States and developing tools to quantify policy impacts on future generations. This experience reinforced my commitment to sustainability, deepening my understanding of stakeholder dynamics and my resolve to drive systemic change and champion regenerative development.

This experience allowed me to merge my entrepreneurial mindset with policy insights, honing my ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and advocate for impactful, scalable solutions. I developed a deeper appreciation for the intricate balance between local initiatives and global frameworks, recognizing the importance of inclusive, equitable approaches to sustainability. These insights have been instrumental in shaping my vision for future projects, ensuring that they not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term, regenerative outcomes.