1. A nexus approach to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda Benefits and challenges

2. What is a nexus? nexus* /ˈnɛksəs/
A connection or series of connections linking two or more things.
A central or focal point.
In policy circles, a new name for an evergreen idea: approaching challenges in a holistic, integrative, or trans-disciplinary way. *

3. A flexible concept that cuts across scales
International body,
Agency,
Country
Strategy
Department,
Ministry,
Province
Plan
It gets real once you get to country level
Project,
District,
City
Implementation

4. The Water-Energy-Food Nexus
Recently, the “water-energy-food (security)” nexus has been a hot topic, but it is just one example, and its boundaries aren’t fixed
Peter Jackson, chair of the 2016 Royal Geographical Society Annual International Conference

5. For the EMG Nexus Dialogue Series
A nexus approach
focuses on overlaps between sectors
while respecting sectoral expertise
in order to make better plans
by understanding interactions

6. Why take a nexus approach?
A general rule: Break complex issues down and address the components one by one
Sector experts know their business, and trans-disciplinary expertise is rare, so breaking down along sectors is often a good strategy
But if crucial decisions must be made at the nexus across sectors, a breakdown by sector creates risks
A nexus approach focuses sector experts’ attention to overlaps
The goal: Make better plans through an understanding of interactions

7. UN Language
UN agencies have been applying “nexus” thinking, often without using the word, to problems that overlap domains.
Terms you may have seen, heard or used:
Interlinkages
cross-sectoral partnerships
integrated management
synergies

8. There is a lot of potential…

9. …with many nexuses to explore

10. Challenges to a nexus approach
There is no magic in nexus thinking. Challenges include:
Overcoming unequal motivation for different sectors
Negotiating diverse institutional cultures
Resolving conflicts with agency or ministry mandates
Persisting in the face of competing priorities
Closing the gap between planning and implementation
Engaging stakeholders in a meaningful way
Regardless, nexus dialogues can provide a shared view of the landscape

11. Next: Case studies
SDG Nexuses in UN Agency Work and within the Country Context
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (Mr. Asad Naqvi, PAGE)
PAGE in Peru (Ms. Dorit Kemter, ILO)
Break
Governing the Swedish Environmental Objectives: Collaboration among local authorities (Mr. Jonas Rodhe, Swedish EPA)
The IDA3 model applied to Brazil to deal with water-energy-land nexuses (Dr. Catalina Spataru, University College London)
Tools to influence policy, with an example for Alaska (Dr. Kaveh Madani, Imperial College, London)