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.

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