Purdue joins U.N. network to tackle global challenges

Purdue University has become part of a United Nations initiative designed to bring together international scientific and technological expertise to address global challenges.

Founded in 2012, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) operates under the auspices of the U.N. secretary-general to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. As defined by the U.N., those goals are "a holistic framework, applicable to all countries, aiming to eradicate poverty and deprivation" while also growing the economy, protecting the environment and promoting peace and good governance. The SDSN seeks to achieve these goals locally, nationally and globally by mobilizing the academic community to translate the latest expertise in sustainable development into action.

Gerald Shively, associate dean of Purdue’s College of Agriculture, director of International Programs in Agriculture and faculty fellow for global affairs in the Office of Research and Partnerships, will serve as the university's SDSN liaison.

“Purdue has a strong demonstrated track record of success working on issues relating to sustainable development,” Shively said. “Joining the SDSN will raise our profile and help us to engage with development leaders from all regions and sectors, including civil society, the U.N. system, and the public and private sectors.”

The SDSN promotes and supports regional centers of excellence, housed at partner institutions, to strengthen research, training and policy advice its development goals in specific global regions. Those centers operate in five areas: Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab Region and China. 

Featured Stories

Dr. Michael O. Hunt with Dr. Carl Eckelman in 1967; Dr. Hunt (r) pictured with Dr. Carl Eckelman and Dr. Eva Haviarova at the FNR Professor Emeritus luncheon in 2024.
Tales From FNR with Professor Emeritus Michael O. Hunt

Dr. Michael O. Hunt came to West Lafayette in February 1960 as an assistant professor and...

Read More
Torbert Rocheford and Abebe Menkir hold some provitamin A corn at Purdue's Agronomy Center for Research and Education.
Global collaboration on provitamin A reaps reward

A 22-year collaboration between Purdue scientists and international colleagues has produced major...

Read More
Andrew DeWoody stands in front of test equipment in his lab in West Lafayette, Ind.
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources appoints its first Conservation Scholar

Andrew DeWoody, professor in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR), has been...

Read More
A close-up of a four-leaf clover in a lawn.
The luck of the Irish in your lawn

St. Patrick’s Day gets us thinking about all things green — from shamrock decorations...

Read More
Two grain towers
Grain dust explosion incidents decrease, fatalities increase

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Seven U.S. grain dust explosions in 2025 caused 10 injuries and four...

Read More
Emma Johnson receives her Fenske Award at the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference; Johnson stands next to the Sky Arrow plane her team uses for research.
Emma Johnson Named Fenske Award for Wildlife Recipient

Master’s student Emma Johnson (BS 2025) received the Janice Lee Fenske Memorial Award for...

Read More