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

PhD student Nowrin Shaika and professor Halis Simsek, both in agricultural and biological engineering, demonstrate using electrocoagulation to harvest microalgae Chlorella vulgaris from wastewater cleaned with algae.

Studies assess feasibility of aquaculture wastewater treatment methods

Aquaculture production operations that help feed the world’s growing population also...

The Wildlife Society students hold a plaque for overall conclave winner; a student holds radio telemetry equipment; students hold binoculars while birding

Purdue TWS Hosts North Central Section Conclave

The Purdue Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society welcomed fellow students from across the...

Austin Berenda - Graduate Ag Research Spotlight

When Second Lieutenant Austin Berenda was in Ranger School, he led his platoon through tactical...

U.S. Department of Energy taps Purdue Extension to lead new Indiana collaborative for renewable energy

A developer approaches a local plan commission, seeking approval to locate a wind or solar farm...

Eastern hellbender salamanders eat bloodworms and swim in an indoor raceway

Farmers Helping Hellbenders RCPP Program Accepting Applications

The Farmers Helping Hellbenders program is accepting applications for the second round of its...

Purdue University PhD student Chance Clark (left), agronomy professor Jianxin Ma and their associates have discovered two long, noncoding RNA genes in soybeans that control multiple desirable traits for crops.

Gene seekers discover atypical genes that control multiple valuable soybean traits

A team led by Purdue University soybean geneticist Jianxin Ma has developed a new...