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

Keeping your pets safe during the dog days of summer

As temperatures and humidity rise across the U.S., Candace Croney, director of the Center for...

Eastern hellbender salamanders feeding on bloodworms in their raceway at the Purdue Hellbender the Hellbender lab.

Metazoa Beer to Benefit Help the Hellbender Lab

Metazoa Brewing Company and the Indiana Lakes Management Society have teamed up to collaborate on...

Digital forestry can help mitigate and prevent wildfires

The National Interagency Fire Center reports that, as of this writing, 19,444 fires have burned...

What you can do this summer to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species

In 2020, an alligator was captured in a lagoon of Chicago’s Humbolt Park. The reptile out...

Researcher uses pipette on parsley plant

Researchers examine nanotechnological methods for improving agriculture

Nanoscale particles could potentially help address agricultural and environmental sustainability...

Fairgoers ride a tractor, sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance, and browse food tents during the 2023 Indiana State Fair. (Purdue Agricultural Communications photo)

Purdue Extension to present engaging art and nature demonstrations at Indiana State Fair

The Indiana State Fair kicks off Aug. 2 and highlights the theme “The Art & Nature of...