What are the Un sustainable development goals doing today and what different people think of them. Different opinions about whether or not they succeed in making a difference. Matthias Klettermayer is Public Information Officer and focal point for communication and outreach in the Division for Sustainable Development, which is part of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. He regularly gives briefings on sustainable development issues, in particular on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Klettermayer is also involved in social media campaigns, press events and the production of promotional videos and news pieces that seek to increase understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and their implementation. He studied Communications Science and International Policy Analysis..

A million refugees arrived in Europe this year, says Alexander Betts, and "our response, frankly, has been pathetic." Betts studies forced migration, the impossible choice for families between the camps, urban poverty and dangerous illegal journeys to safety. In this insightful talk, he offers four ways to change the way we treat refugees, so they can make an immediate contribution to their new homes. "There's nothing inevitable about refugees being a cost," Betts says. "They're human beings with skills, talents, aspirations, with the ability to make contributions — if we let them."