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A Growing Global Network: SDSN Surpasses 2,000 Member Institutions

By SDSN Networks

Introduction

At a time when the world’s challenges demand unified action, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is thrilled to announce a major milestone: surpassing 2,000 member organizations and institutions. This achievement not only showcases the growth of the SDSN network but also reflects an expanding global commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDSN’s members — spanning universities, research centers, think tanks, NGOs, and more — bring unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Together, they form a vibrant community actively working to shape a sustainable future.

Reaching 2,000 members underscores the growing recognition of collective action as a critical driver of change. It highlights the power of shared knowledge, cross-sector partnerships, and a global network ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges with innovative solutions. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s reflect on the growth of our network and its impact over the years—and look ahead to what we can achieve together.

Network Growth

Since its inception, the SDSN has evolved into a global network spanning over 140 countries. This remarkable expansion stems from purposeful engagement and a shared belief in the transformative power of partnerships to tackle sustainability challenges.

In the first three quarters of 2024 alone, the SDSN welcomed 122 new members, bringing the network to a total of 2,017 organizations and institutions. These members include:

  • 1,243 universities and university departments educating and inspiring future sustainability leaders.
  • 496 CSOs and NGOs driving impactful community-led initiatives.
  • 259 research institutions advancing innovative solutions.
  • 19 additional institutions contributing diverse expertise.

The SDSN’s reach now includes 57 national and regional networks, each designed to address specific sustainability priorities and challenges unique to their regions.

But this growth isn’t just about numbers, it’s about meaningful engagement and measurable impact. From spearheading innovative climate action projects to championing inclusive education initiatives, SDSN members are at the forefront of addressing complex, interconnected challenges. Every new member adds unique value, strengthening our collective effort to build a sustainable future for all. This uniqueness is captured and exhibited through our SDSN Spotlight Initiative, an initiative open to all members to showcase their innovative projects and its impacts.

Membership Landscape

The SDSN spans continents, with members across Africa, the Americas, Eurasia, and the Asia-Pacific. Each quarter, 20 to 50 new members are welcomed from knowledge-driven institutions, including universities, research centers, foundations, and civil society organizations. These members share a commitment to advancing the SDGs through deep expertise and by dedicating significant resources to finding and implementing solutions.

Member Engagement

SDSN fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and inclusive action as pillars of its member engagement strategy. Here are some recent highlights:

  • SDSN Kenya: Hosted its 1st Annual Members Summit, uniting ten institutions to discuss challenges and opportunities in mainstreaming the SDGs and enabling cross-institutional collaboration.
  • SDSN Amazonia: Convened the "Beating Amazon: Communal and Voluntary Conservation Network" meeting to strengthen partnerships and elevate the voices of civil society, indigenous, and local communities through the “Amazon Without Borders” initiative.
  • SDSN USA: Engaged over 400 participants during the 2023 US Summit on Transformative Education through its Mission 4.7 Community of Practice. The event culminated in a youth-led innovations white paper, later presented at the COP28.
  • SDSN Thailand: Organized its inaugural study tour in December 2023, fostering knowledge exchange among university executives on sustainability practices.
  • SDSN Germany: Promoted collaboration through informal networking events like coffee talks, encouraging best practices for SDG implementation.
  • SDSN Spain: Strengthened institutional ties by launching a call for best practices and translating SDSN's Net Zero on Campus Guide into Spanish, supporting sustainable practices across member organizations.

These diverse engagement strategies underscore how active participation drives impactful action and strengthens connections across the network.

How to join

Joining the SDSN is free and offers a unique opportunity to become part of a vibrant global community dedicated to addressing the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Membership provides access to a global network of experts, exclusive events and tailored resources, a platform to showcase your institution’s contributions toward the SDGs, and opportunities for collaboration on cutting-edge research and initiatives driving measurable SDG progress.

To apply, visit our website and submit your application through Submittable, where you’ll find detailed eligibility criteria, benefits, and instructions. Additionally, if you would like to contribute to the SDSN Spotlight Initiative, kindly apply via this Google Form.

Looking Ahead

Reaching this significant milestone of 2,000 members is a testament to the SDSN’s vision and the collective efforts of its community. It reflects both the trust we’ve built and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. As we celebrate this growth, we remain focused on expanding our impact, fostering meaningful connections, and championing innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

If you are interested in engaging or collaborating with SDSN Members or Networks, please contact [email protected].

The makeup of the SDSN's network organizations and institutions