SDSN Partners with the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability to Advance Next-Generation Leadership on the SDGs
February 2, 2026 (New York) — The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EIIS). The partnership will support the development of the European Innovation for Sustainability Summit 2026, a leading international forum hosted by EIIS in partnership with IFAD, the European Parliament, and the City of Rome, focused on how the next generation of leaders can drive sustainable innovation and scalable solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Today’s young people are going to lead the changes that the world needs to achieve sustainable development,” said SDSN President Professor Jeffrey Sachs. “That’s why the SDSN is thrilled to partner with EIIS, a profoundly innovative institute for training current and future leaders. Our upcoming events will help to empower these young leaders to create innovative pathways to the future we want and need."
Now in its fifth edition, the European Innovation for Sustainability Summit 2026 will take place on May 8-9, 2026, at the Acquario Romano in Rome, Italy. Under the theme, “Next Generation Leadership,” the Summit will convene eminent thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world to address some of today’s most acute sustainable development issues and co-create actionable solutions. As a main partner for the Summit, the SDSN will support joint program development, communications, and activation of its global network as speakers and participants. Ahead of the Summit, the SDSN will also host its annual Leadership Council and Network Chairs meetings at the EIIS’s facilities on May 6 - 7, 2026.
The Summit’s program will explore how youth leaders can drive solutions across key priority areas, including AI governance, climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, food security, innovative finance, and the twin transition. Discussions will focus on frontier technologies, regenerative innovation, new partnership models, and ideas shaping public debate and influencing policy worldwide. In addition to its core sessions, the event will feature an exhibition area and a networking garden to foster further collaboration and partnership building.
According to Andrea Geremicca, EIIS’ Director General, “We are living in a moment where sustainable development is no longer a matter of knowledge, but of responsibility. The real challenge today is not understanding what needs to be done, but empowering leaders who are willing to take ownership of complex decisions and long-term consequences. This partnership with SDSN reflects our shared commitment to turning the SDGs from global aspirations into leadership practice.”
For further information on the summit, visit www.eiis-summit.com. Attendance is by invitation only.
For sponsorship interest, please contact info@unsdsn.org. Additional information on sponsorship opportunities is available here.
About the SDSN:
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. The SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. For more information, visit www.unsdsn.org.
About the EIIS:
The European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability works with leading companies, governments, and UN agencies to design innovative learning programs that make organizations more competitive, sustainable, and trusted, connecting a global community from over 120 countries. For more information, visit https://www.eiis.eu/.
Contacts:
Alyson Marks, Head of Communications & External Relations, SDSN
Sveva Ciapparoni, Head of Food & Sustainability Department, EIIS