About Us

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) mobilises scientific and technical expertise from academia, civil society, and the private sector in support of sustainable development problem solving at local, national, and global scales. It engages scientists, engineers, business and civil society leaders, and development practitioners and promotes solutions initiatives that demonstrate the potential of technical and business innovation to support sustainable development. In addition, it

• Provides expert advice and support to the post-2015 development agenda
• Organises Thematic Groups that mobilise global expertise in priority areas
• Identifies and promotes solutions that can significantly accelerate progress towards sustainable development
• Builds a global network involving universities, civil society and companies to accelerate practical problem solving for sustainable development

The SDSN was launched in August 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. It is led by Professor Jeffrey Sachs and its Secretariat is housed at Columbia University.

SDSN Australia, New Zealand & Pacific (formerly SDSN Australia/Pacific) fosters global SDSN activities within the region by developing and promoting solutions, policies and public education.

The roles of the Regional Network include:

• To mobilise SDSN Members in the region and coordinate the activities of the Regional Network
• To publicise regional and global SDSN activities amongst policy makers, private sector and NGOs
• To promote regional solutions initiatives
• To coordinate and contribute to the SDSN’s policy support to governments in the region
• To organise annual regional sustainable development meetings bringing together key actors from the region to identify and promote regional solutions initiatives
• To identify opportunities for broadening the network

The Regional Network is hosted by the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. The University has a vast array of internal capability and external links ideally placed to assist in promoting the aims of the SDSN. It has strong research strengths and expertise in health and wellbeing, smart healthy and productive cities, future industries, sustainable environments and resilient cultures and communities. It is Australia’s most internationalised university with campuses in Asia and alliances with universities around the world.