Sustainably comes in many forms and exhibits many facets. Virtually all of them have been challenged in the last year. A global pandemic has massively disrupted the world at large, and with it organizations, economies, communities and nations. The vocal cry of populism—already visible before the pandemic—has not quietened. While there is a natural desire for life in a post-pandemic future to return to normal, that is an outcome that isn't possible.

We will find a new normal in time. What this normal looks like is an open question. The pandemic has highlighted the need for global solutions. At the same time, it has given rise to and reinforced insularity and national self-interest. Addressing issues of sustainability broadly requires being open to new perspectives, new strategies and new solutions.

This panel discussion explores what a new and different basis for collaboration might look like in addressing the challenges of the today and the future. It asks what will be required of institutions, organizations, researchers and each other as we contemplate forging the future that we want and we need if we are to truly attain sustainability.