The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Mediterranean is the regional centre of the Global United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) launched in August 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in affiliation with the Columbia Global Policy Initiative,

It is led by the world-renowned Professor of Economics Jeffrey D. Sachs, and its Secretariat is housed at the Earth Institute, Columbia University.

The Global Network mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise from academia, civil society, and the private sector in support of sustainable development problem solving at local, national, and international levels, including the design and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The organization and governance of SDSN enables leaders from all regions to participate in the development of the network, while at the same time ensuring effective structures for decision making and accountability.

In partcular, it aims to:

  • provide expert advice and support to the post-2015 development agenda;
  • organise Thematic Groups that mobilise global expertise in priority areas;
  • identify and promote solutions that can significantly accelerate progress towards sustainable development;
  • build a global network involving universities, civil society and companies to accelerate practical problem solving addressing the environmental, social and economic challenges of sustainability.

Nowadays, the SDSN mission is supported by 35 National and Regional Networks working together with over 1,200 member institutions in more than 100 countries. SDSN’s National and Regional Networks promote the localization and implementation of the 17 SDGs, develop long-term transformation pathways, provide Education for Sustainable Development, and launch Solutions Initiatives to address challenges. Each network focuses on distinct projects and priorities in line with their local contexts and challenges.