Expert Brokers: SDGs and the Emergence of New Forms of Expertise

Abstract

This chapter explores the changing nature and scope of expertise of International Organisations (IOs) in the SDG agenda. The central role of the experts in IOs in the process of governance of the SDGs lies not solely in providing technical guidance but rather in mediation and brokerage between actors and fields. As such, the legitimacy and effectiveness of experts in IOs rely on their ability to mediate connections, create and communicate common meanings of problems and integrate multiple bodies of knowledge. This chapter offers a theorisation of these new forms of expertise and the rise of ‘expert brokers’ in this setting.