Global leadership role for Monash on sustainable development

Monash has been appointed to spearhead sustainable development solutions in Australia and the Asian region.

The announcement positions Monash as one of the key global leaders in research and scholarship around sustainable development and becomes one of two universities in the world announced so far to lead a regional UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) hub.

As part of the UN role, Monash will mobilise research centres, industry and community organisations to develop practical pathways to end extreme poverty, increase social inclusion and sustain the planet.

Launched in late 2012 by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the SDSN is an independent network formed to support the development of global Sustainable Development Goals. With more than one billion people living on less than $1 per day and human impacts on the environment at what the UN refers to as dangerous levels, it is a problem requiring immediate action.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ed Byrne, making the announcement in Jakarta, said the appointment of Monash to help lead a regional hub of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network was a wonderful tribute to the work being done by the passionate leaders at our Sustainability Institute.

"Institute chair Professor John Thwaites and director Professor Dave Griggs are building a high-impact research capability of global significance, and sustainable development is clearly one of the most important issues of our time," Professor Byrne said.

The Vice-Chancellor said the University was committed to utilising both its knowledge and extensive network to support the global initiative.

"Sustainable solutions to end poverty require systematic, transformational change born of long-term engagement." 

In Australia, the Monash SDSN program is supported by the Harold Mitchell Foundation, the National Australia Bank and the Australian Federal Government.

Professor Dave Griggs said the intersection of climate change, urbanisation, poverty reduction and the management of natural resources was a big challenge for Australia and many of our friends in neighbouring nations.

"We are excited to get the opportunity to show leadership in Asia and the Pacific, through workshops, a strengthening of relationships, and by identifying the next generation of strategies.”

The announcement comes as Professor Byrne leads the University’s biggest and most senior delegation to Indonesia, aimed at strengthening the university’s position with government, business and academic leaders and institutions.

The Indonesian Government congratulated Monash, with the Minister of Research and Technology, Professor Gusti M. Hatta, saying: “We look forward to working with Monash University to explore ways in which our two nations can work together more closely on sustainability issues. We have given in-principle support to take part, at a high level, in international workshops over the following years.”

Chair of the Monash Sustainability Institute, Professor John Thwaites, said they had been brought on board because it could marshal the expertise needed to address sustainable development issues.

“It is a great testament to the team at Monash that we have been asked to play such a major leadership role on sustainable development in the years ahead.

“I am confident that the dialogues and debates that will follow will strengthen relationships and maximise the opportunities for smart academic and scientific collaborations,” Professor Thwaites said.