Briefing Global Leaders

03/07/2026

Two Commissioners briefed the United Nations Secretary-General this month and its Senior Management Group, which brings together leaders of UN departments, offices, funds and programs.

Commissioners David Obura and Joyeeta Gupta were selected to provide the high-level coordinating body with scientific expertise and insights on the planet’s most pressing and interconnected challenges.

Obura, who also leads the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), presented findings from recent IPBES assessments, including its latest work on business and biodiversity.

Gupta, who also co-chairs the United Nations 10-Member Group on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs, spoke about Safe and Just Boundaries and the social and economic systems that can make change difficult.

Their invitation reflects growing interest within the UN system in the Earth Commission’s knowledge and the important role science plays in informing international decision-making.

Gupta also recently delivered the Dudley Seers Lecture at the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes conference in Antwerp, Belgium. In her lecture, “Sharing our Earth: Contributing to the Writing of a Global Constitution,” she explored how fairness and effective governance can help shape a more sustainable future.