Now that COVID-19 hits the world, it is becoming more apparent than ever how vital it is to have access to technological solutions for fighting health emergencies. And while this brings a new sense of urgency to innovation efforts, the COVID-19 crisis also reveals the power of inspiring leadership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vision, decisiveness and empathy are the qualities that single out inspiring leaders. Such leaders are true champions of change that can move people into adapting their behaviour and save them from the worst of the COVID-19 storm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Champions of change make the difference in times of crisis. They will therefore be crucially important to fight the tsunami of climate change challenges ahead of us. During the 2019 edition of the G-STIC conference<\/a>, we had the privilege of welcoming several champions of change from all sectors of society. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Damilola Ogunbiyi and Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim are among the ones that will inspire our G-STIC community at the 2020 conference<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1974,\nthe then Norwegian Prime Minister asked Gro Harlem Brundtland (trained as a\ndoctor) to enter the government as environment minister. It only took her a day\n\u201cto realise environmental policies are public health policies for people at\nlarge. It’s the same thing. We don’t take care of nature only because we love\nbirds, but we do it because it’s best for humanity.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Already at the age of 35, Gro Harlem Brundtland proved to be a champion of change and an SDG visionary. It shouldn\u2019t therefore be a surprise that the UN Secretary-General invited her in 1983 to chair the World Commission on Environment and Development<\/a> (WCED). The WCED was given four years to come up with an integrated solution to address global environmental problems, poverty in developing countries as well as the ongoing economic crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Against\nthe expectations of many, the Brundtland Commission succeeded in its seemingly\nimpossible task. The \u201cOur Common Future<\/strong>\u201d report, published in 1987, stated\nthat poverty could be combated with economic growth that is not at the expense\nof the environment if the world transitions to sustainable development. This\nreport provided the momentum for the 1992 Earth Summit\/UNCED, for Agenda 21 and\nultimately for the Sustainable Development Goals. Gro Harlem Brundtland is\nunquestionably a sustainable development pioneer, and we\u2019re proud she is part\nof the G-STIC community.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGro Harlem Brundtland, a sustainable development pioneer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n