The Smart Villages Initiative and the European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC) invite you to join us for a one-day event focusing on "Smart Rural Development: the SDGs and the New European Consensus on Development." The New European Consensus on Development was proposed in November 2016 and the European Parliament adopted its position in February 2017. This summer, it is likely that the new consensus will be adopted by the EU Institutions and Member States. This New Consensus will play a central role in how the Sustainable Development Goals are approached via EU and Member State policies.

To this end, we will gather policymakers, civil society, private sector representatives, researchers, scientists and others for a series of presentations and open discussion under Chatham House Rule regarding the direction of the new consensus and SDGs, particularly focusing on people living in rural areas of developing countries that are at the bottom of the pyramid and part of the "last mile".

From both top-down and bottom-up perspectives from policymakers and practitioners, we hope to move the conversation forward regarding the implementation of the New Consensus and SDGs, ensuring that an integrated and holistic approach to development - with a strong focus on the people most at risk of being "left behind" - is a central part of their implementation.

Please kindly note: we are unable to cover travel costs to attend this event.