SDSN Philippines Welcomes Prof. Jeffrey Sachs for Dialogue on Sustainable Development
On January 21, 2026, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Philippine Network (SDSN Philippines) and its member Institutions welcomed Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the SDSN, to De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines, for a special discussion on sustainable development and potential areas for collaboration.
“The best security isn’t depending on a superpower, but making sure our neighbors are taken care of and at peace,” says Prof. Jeffrey Sachs during the meeting. He was formally welcomed by De La Salle University President, Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, after which he engaged in a meaningful discussion with representatives from SDSN Philippines member institutions. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Francisco Magno, Leadership Council Chair of SDSN Philippines. Conducted through both onsite and online modalities, the session allowed member institutions to listen, participate, and share initiatives related to the topics discussed. Participating institutions included Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, and Planning and Development Research Foundation, Inc, among others.
A key focus of the discussion was the Philippines’ lack of a national net-zero pledge, making it one of the few countries yet to commit to one. In response, member institutions shared their respective efforts towards decarbonization. They offered recommendations and expertise on eliminating carbon emissions across policy, academic, and local community levels. Decarbonization pathways varied widely across the ASEAN region, requiring both creativity and a strong commitment to identify effective solutions.
Another major topic was the current global and national climate for sustainable development and how broader geopolitical and economic conditions affect localized action. With the Philippines set to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, these discussions take on added significance, particularly in shaping actionable plans and advancing long-term goals.
Prof. Sachs emphasized that meaningful progress cannot be achieved in a world marked by division and conflict. He explained that when institutions focus solely on individual survival, collaboration becomes increasingly difficult. International cooperation is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and SDSN Philippines highlighted the importance of fostering national solidarity to advance sustainable development. In line with this vision, the network aims to expand partnerships with key stakeholders across sectors, including local government, academe, youth, and civil society.
Prof. Sachs also shared his belief that “all scholars are colleagues,” encouraging a move away from political divisions toward a universal community of scholars — an ethos embodied by the SDSN. Reflecting on this principle, members of SDSN Philippines continued discussions after the meeting, brainstorming ways to think globally while acting locally. One suggestion included organizing conferences focused on SDG policy discussion and leveraging academia’s influence in advancing sustainable development.
SDSN Philippines welcomed Prof. Sachs’ return to Manila, following his first visit in 2015 for the network’s launch. The network is energized to pursue concrete progress and strengthen sustainable development efforts across the country.