SDSN USA Launch: Moving America Forward

On December 4, 2018 the US chapter of the SDSN was launched, at Columbia University in New York. The chapter is co-directed by academic centers at Columbia University, Yale University, and the University of California San Diego. The SDSN USA joins 29 existing SDSN networks that are creating new online courses, educating their students and the general public, working with governments, engaging and empowering young people, and offering innovative solutions for the SDGs.

The SDSN USA Network

On 4 December, 2018 the US chapter of the SDSN was launched at Columbia University in New York. The chapter is co-directed by academic centers at Columbia University, Yale University, and the University of California San Diego. The SDSN USA joins 29 existing SDSN networks that are creating new online courses, educating their students and the general public, working with governments, engaging and empowering young people, and offering innovative solutions for the SDGs.

The SDSN USA will help to mobilize and support America’s colleges, universities, and other leading research institutions to promote the SDGs in the United States, and US’s contribution to the SDGs globally. In the opening meeting of the SDSN USA on December 4, representatives of more than 60 leading academic institutions around the nation developed a work plan for the new network, focusing on priority SDG challenges facing the United States.

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Networks Program

Universities are critical to the success of the Sustainable Developments Goals, through their teaching programs, research activities, and powerful ability to convene leaders of government, civil society, academia and business to collaborate on SDG solutions. Since 2012, SDSN has mobilized global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical problem solving for sustainable development under the auspices of the UN Secretary General. We are committed to supporting the implementation of the SDGs at local, national, and global scales.

SDSN’s academic community translates sustainable development expertise into action. To this end, we are building a global network of universities, research centers, and other knowledge institutions focusing on:

• Providing and mobilizing support for the SDGs;
• Promoting practical solutions and long-term pathways for sustainable development;
• Promoting high-quality education and research collaborations for sustainable development;
• Supporting governments in understanding and addressing the challenges of sustainable development.

Spanning six continents, the SDSN Networks Program draws upon the knowledge and educational capacity of over 800 member institutions.

Resources

• Agenda
• List of Participants

Presentations

SDSN Networks around the world and the roles of SDSN USA

• Maria Cortes-Puch, SDSN

Taking stock of the SDGs in the U.S. cities and states

• Jessica Espey, SDSN
• Caroline Fox, Alainna Lynch, Anna LoPresti, SDSN USA

Towards a Sustainable Energy System in the U.S.

• Jim Williams, University of San Francisco
• Vijay Modi, Columbia University

Smart Cities and ICT Technologies

• Jeanne Holm, City of Los Angeles
• William Solecki, CUNY 

US Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing

• Irwin Redlener, Columbia University
• Shauna Downs, Rutgers University
• Alejandro Adler, Columbia University

Teaching Sustainable Development

• Thomas P. Gloria, Harvard University
• Glenn Galloway, University of Florida

SDSN and the Political Process

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, US Representative-Elect (NY) (Video coming soon)

Reports

SDSN Networks in Action 2018

The 2018 Networks in Action report features the wide array of innovative solutions and initiatives being led by the SDSN’s national, regional, and thematic networks. It includes a new introductory piece by Prof. Mariana Mazzucato on mission-oriented research for the SDGs and also details how SDSN works with our networks.

Sustainable Development Report of the United States

Led by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, SDG USA recently published the first edition of The Sustainable Development Report of the United States, an index which ranks the 50 states on progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Building off of the work done by SDSN’s Cities and Global Indices, the report highlights significant differences in outcome between states and the progress that must be made to achieve the SDGs in the US while leaving no one (and no state) behind.

Leaving No U.S. City Behind: The U.S. Cities Sustainable Development Goals Index

This 2nd annual report from the SDSN analyzes 44 indicators for each city to provide a comprehensive assessment of sustainable development challenges related to environmental, social, and economic objectives. It is intended as a planning tool for cities, highlighting areas of strength and weakness and where opportunities exist to learn from other cities. It ranks the 100 most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S. on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Global 2018 SDG Index and Dashboards Report

The 2018 SDG Index and Dashboards Report provides a report card for country performance on the historic Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The annual report shows how leaders can deliver on their promise and it urges countries not to lose the momentum for important reforms. It is produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung. In order to achieve the ambitious goals, immediate and comprehensive action is needed.

America’s Goals Report

America’s Goals answer a call for improved social mobility, equitable access to opportunity, and sustainable environmental conditions. They set hard targets on education, health, and infrastructure, including water, transportation, broadband access, and more. Designed to inspire real change, America’s goals will be a much-needed mobilizing blueprint for the country.

To get in contact with the SDSN USA team, please write to Caroline Fox.