A student-led symposium convened international scholars and journal editors to explore sustainable development. Read a guest article edited by doctoral candidate Chenyu Ni.
This September, the University of Auckland hosted an Interdisciplinary Symposium on the Sustainable Development Goals. It marked the tenth anniversary of the United Nations’ formal adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
The symposium brought together over 40 presenters from different disciplines and nationalities, including distinguished scholars and journal editors. The event was initiated and organised by doctoral candidates and included support from the School of Graduate Studies and Juncture: Dialogues on Inclusive Capitalism. The event not only celebrated a global milestone but also underscores the University’s role as the UN Academic Impact hub chair for SDG 8. See the symposium programme.
Co-Chair Abigail McClutchie opened the symposium with a karakia. Keynote speeches were given by Professor Liu Wei, recognised among the world’s top two percent of Stanford scientists and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Organizational and End User Computing, and by Professor Youqing Fan, Associate Editor for the Journal of Business Research and the Australian Journal of Management, and other experts. They explored opportunities and pathways for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals within their respective research domains.
The Māori knowledge SDGs panel shared research with Indigenous perspectives on sustainable development. The panel included doctoral candidates Claire Hewitt (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Tionga) on rāhui and Xiaoling Niu (Han Chinese) on Māori and Chinese cross-cultural values. Dr Geogia McLellan (Whakatōhea & Ngāi Te Rangi) spoke on green-lipped mussel economies and Abigail McClutchie (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou) facilitated the panel. To thank the panel in a culturally significant way, the symposium participants sang the waiata Te Aroha.
Juncture and the University of Auckland Business School hosted a roundtable session to examine how universities can act as catalysts for sustainable futures. The session featured four experts whose work exemplify transdisciplinary approaches to sustainability. Dr. Billie Lythberg, Senior Lecturer in Management and Associate Director of Research at Juncture, opened the discussion by framing SDGs as sites of both possibility and tension, drawing on her research into nature-positive economics and Indigenous governance.
Dr. Sasha Maher, Lecturer in Sustainability and an expert in global carbon markets and agribusiness, emphasised the contradictions between SDGs, noting that solutions such as pine monocultures may boost growth but also undermine biodiversity.
Dr. Drew Franklin, Senior Lecturer and Associate Dean of External Engagement, reflected on his experience as UNAI Hub Chair for SDG 8, highlighting the importance of values-led metrics and the need for universities to translate research into policy impact, particularly around issues like modern slavery.
Finally, Daniel Robles Munoz, Sustainability Analyst at the University’s Planning and Information Office, described the challenges of mapping impact with artificial intelligence and data tools. Munoz stressed:
“Impact is multi-dimensional – not just publications, but also community relevance, accessibility, and policy influence.”
Together, their contributions emphasised the complexity of defining impact and the role of universities bridging theory and practice through inclusive, values-driven dialogue.
Throughout the day, researchers engaged in conversations that went beyond disciplinary boundaries. Themes included:
- the interconnectedness of SDGs and the need for holistic solutions
- indigenous knowledge and ecological restoration as foundations for sustainability
- innovations of data, including the use of AI and language models to track SDG contributions
- the role of universities in shaping policy, equity, and community engagement.
The symposium highlighted the importance of inclusive, transdisciplinary, and values-led research.
By creating a platform for dialogue across cultures and disciplines, it reinforces Juncture’s mission to foster collaboration that translates global challenges into meaningful outcomes.
As Dr. Drew Franklin reflected:
“Impact depends on perspective – but ultimately, it means shaping futures where both people and planet can thrive.”
Through initiatives like this, Juncture champions innovation, dialogue, and impact, ensuring the SDGs remain a living framework for collective action. The symposium also embodied the creativity, agency, and environmental commitment of doctoral researchers, a generation leading by example to build more inclusive and sustainable futures.
Reported by: Feona Therese Espinosa, Kristianne De Guzman, Maizurah Mohamad Maidin
Edited by: Chenyu Ni
Photographs by: Asma Ouerghi, Seoyeon Baik
