The Organization for Science, Education and Global Society (OSEGS) launches and leads projects that support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
About
OSEGS is a civil society, non-profit organization that aims to foster understanding, share knowledge and connect communities in the sciences, culture, economics and governance, to contribute to the positive development of global society. As an independent partner of the United Nations, OSEGS undertakes strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, with an emphasis on collaboration, education and innovation. OSEGS specializes in creating alliances for multidisciplinary projects, working closely with local and national organizations and as part of the United Nations Global Compact (https://www.unglobalcompact.org).
“On 1 January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also known as the Global Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Over the next fifteen years, with these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind”
(United Nations – Agenda for Sustainable Development).
SDG 1: No Poverty
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Reasoning
Civil society action not only requires progressive and ambitious thinking, but also interdisciplinary management skills. Combining sustainable projects and senior professionals gave rise to the foundation of OSEGS. Selected projects and initiatives are mentored by academics, private-sector managers and public-sector sponsors to maximize the chances of success. OSEGS brings together diverse people from academia, industry and government to create to an international, plural group with decades of experience in sustainable development, industrial production, digital technology, education, research and more.
OSEGS' Organisation
Directorate | This coordinates all activities on a day-to-day basis, including support for active projects, staffing of new projects, crisis management, legal activities and more. The Directorate also studies and recommends projects and initiatives to the Senior Executive Network, taking into account the capacities of its members as well as the impact and urgency of proposals. As one of the few not-for-profit partners in the United Nations Global Compact, the Directorate also works on developing and expanding international collaboration within this community.
Senior Executive Network | This is a strategic pool of academics, managers and officials who work together on OSEGS projects and initiatives. Its members come from a wide range of industries and institutions (see section Members). Some are available on a temporary basis for specific projects, others are permanent members.
Projects and Initiatives | All OSEGS projects and initiatives are custom designed for purpose, according to international project-management standards. Each project has one or two managers, in addition to its members and partners.
Councils | Consultative councils can be set up to include the full spectrum of stakeholders, particularly where numerous different parties are involved in a project or initiative, to ensure participation and plurality.
OSEGS members come from:
Academics: Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Ravensburg, Fraunhofer Society, Institut Pasteur Paris, Society for Management and Organisational Research, Steinbeis University Berlin, Universidad de Cádiz, Université de Genève, Universidad de Málaga, Universidad de Sevilla and others.
Managers: Advantics, Daimler Benz, Deutsche Telekom, KPMG, PMC Services, Price Waterhouse Coopers, ValueData and others.
Representatives: European Parliament, International Monetary Fund, Natural Park of the Strait of Gibraltar, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Global Compact and others.
Organization for Science, Education and Global Society
Wankelstraße 14 – 70563 Stuttgart – Germany
Contact: contact@osegs.org
Legal status
OSEGS is registered as a charitable, non-profit organization with limited liability in accordance with German General Fiscal Law (§§ 51, 59, 60 and 61 AO), approved by the German Ministry of Finance with file number 99143 and registered by the register court with registration number HRB 762862. This provides a special legal status in Germany and ensures full legal and financial accountability in the European Union.
Financing and Transparency
OSEGS is financed entirely by private donations. Projects can receive other types of funding (e.g. public programs, foundations, university programs, etc.). OSEGS has no employees, as all activities are undertaken by volunteers. Project staff can be compensated for their contributions at market rates. We publish an annual financial report, approved by the German Ministry of Finance Baden-Wurttemberg. The report can be consulted in the commercial register of the local court of Stuttgart—Baden-Wurttemberg Germany with the number HRB 762862 or online at https://www.handelsregister.de.
Projects
OSEGS works with domestic and international partners to focus efforts and resources on projects where our members‘ expertise can make all the difference. These are selected specifically to capitalize on our capabilities and where we believe our actions will have the greatest impact.
Science - Creating interdisciplinary knowledge
OSEGS supports scientific investigation into questions where the environment, society and technology merge. We provide interdisciplinary technical resources for innovative research projects, in partnership with a network of universities and research facilities.
1. Human motivation
OSEGS is conducting research into individual motivations of middle and senior management in businesses and other organisations, focusing on the scientific realm of psychology of the masses and personal growth. The goal is to develop methods that lead to greater acceptance of sustainable actions, based on rational understanding and emotional commitment of individuals and groups. Qualitative and quantitative methods are applied to answer questions like: What visions drive people? How are committed people able to develop their skills and personalities to create a bigger impact? Which desires move leaders to make a difference regarding progress in the sustainable development of society?
Together with several universities, OSEGS is involved in analysing the medicinal and therapeutic potential of different marine substances, particularly ancient recalcitrant dissolved organic matter (RDOM). These are molecules which have persisted for thousands of years in the deep ocean, resulting in one of the largest organic carbon pools on Earth. Aimed at advancing global health and enhancing individual quality of life, OSEGS is helping assess the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical potential of RDOM, as well as other marine life forms such as invasive seaweed. By extracting invasive species from our oceans to develop new sustainable products, the project seeks to mitigate the effects of climate change and environmental pollution.
3. Scientific alliances
OSEGS serves as a hub to forge alliances to tackle scientific challenges in complex institutional and political environments, where conflicting interests and unclear responsibilities can impede solutions being found. We set up crisis-management teams of experienced managers and academics to support stakeholders, or mediate as a neutral party, with the aim of bringing all sides together to focus on common goals.
Education
Sharing transformative knowledge OSEGS offers on-site and distance education for students of all ages, providing an accessible, holistic vision of environmental, social and technological issues. We encourage creativity, personal growth and the desire to actively engage in the development of human society.
- Interdisciplinary school
In collaboration with local authorities and regional organizations, OSEGS has brought together European universities and institutions to create an international academy of sciences in a unique nature reserve in southern Europe. The academy is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote scientific activities in the region at an international level and engage in educational programs for children and adults. It aims to teach new skills to scientists and students to leverage into the creation of individual initiatives (e.g. the ability to create their own successful organizations, etc.). - Sustainable academic careers
To further knowledge and understanding about work in the sciences, OSEGS collaborates with educational facilities. Successful scientists and researchers are invited to share insights with students about their professional careers and lives. Aimed at providing practical information, transferring valuable know-how and fostering intercultural exchange, our objective is to inspire students about the benefits of an academic career in the global scientific community.
3. Sustainable business transformation
An additional focus of OSEGS‘ work is consultancy and mentoring in relation to the UN‘s Sustainable Development Goals and Global Compact principles. One example of these activities is the transformation of a fashion brand. OSEGS has accompanied its transition from traditional manufacturing to a strong focus on sustainability, including providing financing, social media support, and production and supply chain advice. The brand has consolidated its strategy by choosing preferred partners that follow sustainable business practices, while its distribution model now focuses on digital marketing and fewer physical outlets.
Global Society
Consolidating participative communities OSEGS supports civil society groups that contribute to progress on a global level. We seek to foster a worldwide network of civil, corporate and academic leaders and actors who are committed to creating a more connected and empowered global society.
- Digital transformation
OSEGS is working on several projects involving the digital transformation of economy, society and governance. Policy guidelines are currently under development for relevant institutions, including legal frameworks and economic incentives. We believe there is a need to protect universal freedoms and defend individual rights from social-engineering and data-based influences on political processes, enabling both politicians and voters to better understand digital developments and their potential effects.
- Global Society Center
Everybody is connected. We all share the same resources, the same climate, the same planet. But those of us who are connected to the Internet can also search for and find information, buy and sell goods and services and, above all, share our hopes, desires and ideas with one another, without borders, in real time. The Global Society Center reflects the unlimited potential the digital age has to unite people around the globe, rather than divide us on partisan or national lines. We seek to identify individuals who want to contribute to sustainable progress and offer access to like-minded people to share knowledge and promote collaboration.