SDSN and their Mission
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is a global network of experts and organizations that aims to promote sustainable development solutions to work towards meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established in 2012 by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, it is hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The mission of the SDSN is to catalyze and support practical solutions for sustainable development, particularly in the areas of climate change, energy, agriculture, education, and health. By bringing together experts from academia, government, civil society, and the private sector, the goal is to develop and implement innovative and evidence-based solutions that can be scaled up and replicated in different contexts to achieve the 17 SDGs.
The SDSN works to achieve its mission through the following strategies:
- Supporting policy-making processes through knowledge sharing, research and advocacy.
- Building capacity of individuals and organizations working towards sustainable development, particularly in countries of the Global South.
- Encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships to leverage the expertise and resources of all relevant actors.
- Promoting the integration of sustainable development in all sectors, such as education, finance, and business.
The Selection Process
We at Data-Pop Alliance, as an active partner of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, wanted to further strengthen our commitment to work towards more just and sustainable societies through capacity building involving data. To this end, we decided to apply for admission to the Global SDSN Network. Our candidacy was submitted in the last quarter of 2022 through an application form containing a series of questions that aimed to evaluate the following criteria:
- Expertise and Experience: Proven track record of expertise and experience in the field.
- Relevance to the SDSN Mission: Work aligned with the goals and objectives of the SDSN and contributing to the implementation of the SDGs.
- Representation and Impact: Have a significant impact in the region(s) or sector(s) and have committed to advancing sustainable development.
- Strategic Fit: Bring a unique perspective, approach, or skill set that complements and strengthens the SDSN network.
The selection process involved a rigorous review of DPA’s application, including a review of the organization, our initiatives, achievements, and goals. The SDSN selection committee, composed of experts from academia, government, civil society and the private sector, accepted our application in December 2023, thereby providing admission into the Network.
DPA’s Obligations as a Member
Being a member of the SDSN network implies a commitment to furthering sustainable development and actively participating in the network’s activities, projects and initiatives. In this context, DPA is expected to:
- Share our experience and expertise in sustainable development, particularly in our area of specialization, to support the network’s efforts to find practical solutions, especially those that help measure and report on SDG progress.
- Engage with other members of the SDSN network, build partnerships, and collaborate on projects and initiatives.
- Communicate and promote the SDSN’s activities, initiatives, and outputs, particularly to their stakeholders and target audiences.
We at DPA look forward to further engaging with this distinguished network, learning from fellow members and sharing our knowledge, with the goal of advancing progress towards the SDGs and, ultimately, creating fairer and more just societies for all.
