Governing sustainability of transnational networks and flows
The governance of sustainability is a ‘glocal’ challenge, characterized by the intersection of global and local networks. Actors in these transnational networks are connected through flows of information, commodities, services and people.
The current increase in intensity and scope of these flows presents new sustainability and governance challenges, such as greening of international trade in agricultural products, and of food consumption behaviour and practices; developing inclusive strategies for the production and use of information to inform sustainability governance at multiple levels and scales; stewardship of global commons such as biodiversity and natural resources; securing access to adequate and safe food while also promoting human rights-abiding business practices in food supply chains; and addressing environmentally-induced migration.
In these networks, new actors, such as businesses and communities, and new spaces, notably regions, cities, and communities, are increasingly recognized as crucial agents in determining sustainability outcomes. WCSG contributes to understanding and reflecting on how the different actors involved navigate these transnational networks and flows towards or away from sustainability.