SDSN Portugal Strengthens Local and Global Partnerships for the SDGs
UNIMUNICIPIOS: Connecting Academia and Municipalities
On September 1, 2025, at CEiiA | Engineering and Product Development Centre, the host institution of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Portugal network (SDSN Portugal), the network signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three Portuguese municipalities — Matosinhos, Braga, and Guimarães — as well as two higher education institutions, the University of Minho and the Superior Institute of Engineering of Porto, to develop the UNIMUNICIPIOS Project.
UNIMUNICIPIOS seeks to foster closer ties between academia and municipalities. The initiative engages Master’s students who are interested in developing their theses on innovative solutions to help municipalities address their challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Each student is jointly supervised by a university professor and a municipal official, ensuring a dynamic exchange of knowledge and practical experience. This approach not only enhances the students’ academic and professional development but also improves their future employability. Ultimately, the project aims to deepen the connection between research, sustainable development, and local communities.
SDSN Portugal at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
In addition to the work with local governments, SDSN Portugal has contributed to global conversations on sustainable development.
In June 2025, Maria Rauch, Manager of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Portugal network (SDSN Portugal), attended the International Conference on Financing Development in Seville, Spain (FfD4). At the invitation of SDSN Spain (REDS), Rauch participated in the side event “Financiando los ODS hacia 2030 y 2050.” The policy brief developed as an outcome of this event can be accessed here.
The conference provided an opportunity to meet the SDSN’s leadership to prepare for SDSN Portugal’s annual conference, to be held in Lisbon in December 2025. Several valuable contacts were established, with follow-up already underway.
Read additional reflections from FfD4 here.
