Leadership Council of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network

Leadership Council of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network. It is the principal advisory body for the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), providing strategic guidance on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The council comprises eminent global figures from academia, government, civil society, and the private sector. It was established following the launch of the SDSN by then-United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Overview

The Leadership Council was formed in 2012 to steer the strategic direction of the newly created Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Its creation was a direct response to the mandate from the United Nations to mobilize global expertise for sustainable development. The council operates under the leadership of the SDSN's president, Jeffrey Sachs, and works closely with the network's global secretariat. Its overarching mission is to advise on evidence-based pathways for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.

Composition and Appointment

The council is composed of approximately 40-50 members who are appointed for their distinguished expertise and leadership. Members include former heads of state, Nobel laureates, leaders of major academic institutions, and heads of influential international organizations. Notable past and present members have included figures such as Gro Harlem Brundtland, Paul Polman, Katherine Hayhoe, and Pascal Lamy. Appointments are typically made by the SDSN leadership in consultation with the United Nations and other partners, ensuring a diverse representation of regions and sectors critical to sustainable development.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

A primary function of the council is to provide high-level strategic advice on the SDSN's research agenda and advocacy priorities. It reviews and endorses major publications, including the annual Sustainable Development Report and the World Happiness Report. The council also plays a crucial role in fostering partnerships between the SDSN, national governments, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Bank. Furthermore, it guides the network's efforts in supporting SDG localization and the work of its regional and national networks across continents.

Major Initiatives and Reports

The council has overseen and championed several flagship SDSN initiatives. It provides direct oversight for the production of the Sustainable Development Report, which includes the official SDG Index and Dashboards tracking country performance. Another key initiative is the Thematic Research Network on Data and Statistics, which aims to improve monitoring for the SDGs. The council has also guided major advocacy efforts such as the SDG Academy, which creates massive open online courses, and reports on financing for development in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund.

Relationship with SDSN and UN Bodies

The Leadership Council is integrally linked to the governance of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, reporting to its president and board. It serves as a critical bridge between the independent academic networks of the SDSN and intergovernmental processes. The council regularly interacts with the United Nations Secretary-General, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and specific agencies like the United Nations Environment Programme. Its recommendations often feed directly into high-level forums, including the annual High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held at UN Headquarters in New York City.

Category:Sustainable Development Solutions Network Category:United Nations advisory bodies Category:Sustainable development organizations