New Virtual Reality dome demonstrates urgency for action on Sustainable Development Goals

15 July, 2019 - A new immersive virtual reality (VR) experience is helping to bring to life the urgency for action, and practical implications of decisions the public and policy makers can take to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDG Experience Dome developed by PwC Netherlands, combines virtual reality with seamless 360-degree interactive projection of the world’s biggest challenges captured in the Sustainable Development Goals.

The VR experience, which is part of the Dome, was demonstrated at the United Nations High-level Political Forum 2019 in New York who will discuss progressing the Goals adopted in 2015 by 193 states.

Using VR, visitors are taken on a 360 degree journey to see the consequences of current actions on the planet, ranging from the destruction of the rainforest, pollution of drinking water to production of cheap goods in sweatshops.

Following the  virtual journey, visitors are invited to work together to figure out ways of achieving the UN’s world goals, applying technology and policy scenarios to see the results.

“The Sustainable Development Goals are one of the most important ingredients in a sustainable future for all,” comments Wineke Haagsma, Director of Sustainability at PwC Netherlands.

“Using VR helps people grasp both the urgency for action, and what practical action can be taken to achieve them. Not only is technology enabling us to see scenarios for action, it can also offer solutions to major global issues, and help everyone take action themselves.”

PwC Netherlands developed the experience in conjunction with Rooftop, an immersive content creator. Since its launch in February 2019, employees, local schools, business leaders, politicians and policy makers, have all taken part to find out on a practical level what the international goals mean for individuals.

Wineke Haagsma continues:

“We want to reach out to as many people as possible to raise awareness and help them identify what action they could take. Seeing the impact of decisions and understanding the potential positive effect of taking action through virtual reality is very powerful in making the issues and opportunities real for everyone."

A study by PwC on business engagement with the SDGs released in late 2018, showed that nearly three quarters of organisations (72%) mention the global Sustainable Development Goals in their annual corporate or sustainability reports. However concrete measures and integration remained elusive for many as organisations struggle to identify actions beyond business as usual targets.

^{Notes to editors}

1. _{PwC Netherlands developed the SDG Experience with Rooftop Immersive Studio. Rooftop Immersive Studio is a creator, producer and distributor of immersive content like AR, XR, VR 360 and room-scale experiences, as well as interactive formats. Find out more at https://www.rooftopimmersivestudio.com/}
2. _{The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is the United Nations central platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. It takes place at the UN headquarters in New York, USA between 9 - 18 July 2019.}
3. _{PwC has produced a range of practical guides and assessments for organisations to understand the implications of the SDGs. Find out more}
4.  _{PwC’s global corporate responsibility commitments are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, sharing skills and knowledge with communities internationally, while reducing the impact our work has on people and the planet through carbon emissions. Find out more.}

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