SDSN Statement on Racial Inequality
The staff at the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) joins and supports the movement to end systemic racism and police brutality that was ignited after the brutal killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). We condemn these actions of police violence and join our voices with those who call for an end to inequality and injustice in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Equality and human dignity are foundational values for a sustainable future. The work of dismantling systemic institutional racism is ours to take on, and we must do better.
Article 6 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.” Together as a network and through the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDSN works toward large-scale transformative change, challenging the existing social norms of our preceding and current generations. We are listening to the lessons of the past and the voices of the present as we work toward a more just and equitable world for all, focusing first on repairing the damage and harm caused to the most marginalized and vulnerable, following the SDG principle of “leave no one behind.” The ongoing protests and civil unrest across the world demonstrate that our efforts are far from complete and highlight the need to listen to and amplify voices from BIPOC communities.
While the SDGs provide a framework for global sustainability around governmental, social, and environmental metrics, at the core of this agenda is humanity and our combined aspiration to create an inclusive, just, and sustainable planet for all. SDG 10, which aims to “Reduce inequality within and among countries,” seeks to create equity in shared opportunities, as well as ensure the social, economic, and political inclusion of all peoples without discrimination. Further, SDG 16 aims to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.” If this goal is to be achieved, we must identify and rectify our history of police violence, discrimination, and injustice in the United States and across the globe. Both goals support the right to a fair and just legal system for all.
In response to the ongoing protests worldwide, we have a responsibility to reflect, organize, and re-prioritize our work ahead. We acknowledge that as a global organization and as individuals, we have unfinished work to do to fully realize these values. While this statement is only a small step in challenging the inequality that persists in our communities, SDSN will continue to mobilize its expertise and promote evidence-based research to advance a just and sustainable future for this generation and beyond.
In support of this statement, SDSN will undertake the following actions throughout the organization:
- Incorporate a lens of equity into all of our work
- Seek new partners, members, and projects with a specific focus on SDG 10 and SDG 16 to highlight local and national efforts to achieve these goals.
- Review and revise the following organizational protocols and practices by:
- Promoting diversity in all of our events, drawing on expertise and excellence from all parts of society and the world.
- Working with experts to develop meaningful diversity and inclusion training that is mandatory for all staff.
- Ensuring equitable hiring practices such as anti-racism and implicit bias training before interviews.