“Yet achieving these goals in a polarised world requires more than policy frameworks,” she stated.

Prof Mrs Attom said it demanded dialogue over discord, collaboration over confrontation and shared responsibility over individual interests at achieving sustainable development.

She made the call in an address she delivered at the Eighth Biennial social Science Conference hosted by UEW, at Winneba.

It was under the theme: “Bringing the gown to town, seeking sustainable development in a polarised world,” brought together, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, esteemed scholars, staff, students as well as special invited guests across the country and globally.

It provided them with a valuable platform to examine the intersections between polarisation and sustainability at exploring practical, inclusive and innovative pathways to address the complex challenges confronting the society.

According to Prof Mrs Attom, the world was increasingly becoming fragmented by political divisions, economic disparities, ideological tensions and environmental crisis.

“The conference is timely and significantly, I believe its offers an opportunity to rethink our strategies and renew our commitment to these ideals and as academics, practitioners and leaders drawn from diverse disciplines and backgrounds you will bring on board unique perspectives and expertise that will enrich our discussions.”

She said the quest for achieving sustainable development had become not only a global aspiration, but an urgent necessity.

“The reality before us is clear, because where division persists, trust erodes, cooperation is weakened, and sustainable development cannot thrive,” she stated.

As part of the conference, participants engaged in meaningful, challenging, constructive deliberations, and embraced the diversity of thoughts that was essential at shaping policies, influencing practices and inspiring collective action towards building a more just, resilient, and sustainable world.