Dan Banik is professor of political science, director of the Oslo SDG Initiative at the Centre for Development and the Environment, and affiliate professor at Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. He is also Academic Director of the Democracy Hub at Circle U. European University Alliance and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria. His books include Political Transition, Poverty, and Inclusive Development in Malawi: The Democratic Dividend; Poverty and Elusive Development; and Starvation and India’s Democracy. He is the host of the In Pursuit of Development podcast with listeners in 160 countries.

Lecture

Sustainable Development: From Global Goals to Local Action

04 Feb, 16:30-17:30, @Podere Scurtarola

This lecture bridges the theoretical and practical dimensions of sustainable development, exploring global challenges and local solutions. Starting with an overview of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it examines the intersections of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, addressing pressing issues such as climate disruption, extreme poverty, and geopolitical tensions. The session will then focus on practical applications, drawing insights from Tuscany’s wine districts. Through case studies and examples, students will analyze how sustainable development theories align with real-world practices, particularly in the wine industry, where climate resilience, resource management, and economic sustainability intersect.

The lecture highlights innovative strategies used by wine producers, such as agritourism, direct-to-consumer sales, and certifications (organic, biodynamic, carbon-neutral) to balance profitability with ecological responsibility. By integrating theoretical frameworks with observations from field visits, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how global sustainability goals translate into local action.

This interactive session encourages critical reflection, inviting students to evaluate the progress and challenges of achieving sustainability and to consider its practical, ethical, and political implications across industries and contexts.