SDSN’s Networks Program Convenes Local Network Chairs in New York for Second Annual Meeting on the Sidelines of UNGA and the SDG Summit
During UNGA, SDSN’s Network Program held the second annual Network Chairs meeting with chairs from across 45+ networks joining in New York and online to discuss sustainable development challenges and innovative solutions.
SDSN held a meeting of global network chairs on September 20, 2023, with participation from 45+ National, Regional, and Thematic Networks. The agenda, with a particular focus on the current state of the SDGs at the midpoint, included remarks from SDSN President Jeffrey Sachs, the Vice President of Networks, Maria Cortes-Puch, and Under-Secretary-General for Policy, Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) United Nations, Guy Bernard Ryder. The one-day event featured presentations on scalable solutions from many of the networks, on topics from SDG curriculum toolkits and conservation to agrifood value chains and equity and inclusion initiatives.
The first half of the meeting focused on the 2030 Agenda, including updates and key takeaways from the SDG Summit, and on the ongoing preparations for the Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 2024. In the afternoon portion of the meeting, attendees identified key priorities for the SDSN National, Regional, and Thematic Networks.
Key priorities included:
- Showcasing the role of SDSN Networks in SDG localization;
- Developing tools and initiatives to continue to engage universities and other higher education institutions; and
- Meaningfully engaging youth leaders and their initiatives on advancing sustainable development.
The afternoon session ended with panel presentations of network initiatives focused on SDG localization, transformative pathways, and SDG data reporting.
Overall, SDSN’s networks will continue to support local, regional, national, and global initiatives to advance the SDGs and the Paris Agreement on Climate in the second half of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
In their respective countries and regions, SDSN’s 55 national and regional networks of universities, research centers, and other knowledge institutions translate the latest expertise in sustainable development into action by: promoting high-quality education and research collaboration for sustainable development, localizing and mobilizing support for the SDGs, and vetting and launching practical solution initiatives.
For more information on the Networks Program at SDSN, please visit its webpage at unsdsn.org.
