Purchase College Joins UN’s University Global Coalition

As part of Purchase College’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and social justice, the college has officially signed the United Nation’s University Global Coalition (UGC). The UGC, which enlists globally engaged colleges and universities to work in partnership for a more sustainable future, is focused on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

These goals are designed to help tackle the planet’s most urgent challenges including everything from defeating poverty and hunger, to supporting education, creating affordable and clean energy, and reducing inequalities.

Purchase College President, Dr. Milagros Peña said, “Environmental sustainability, climate change, equity, and justice are priorities in all aspects of our campus, both in and outside the classroom. The Sustainable Development Goals align with the way we have been tackling these issues as a community. We are committed to continuing and expanding this work and to inspiring our faculty, students, and staff as we join together to work towards a safer, more equitable future for all.”

Dr. Anne M. Kern, Dean for Global Strategy and International Programs and Director of the Center for Engagement, said, “Among the many reasons to integrate the SDG framework into our students’ educational experience is its prevalence across all sectors of government, business, industry and institutions. Our students are highly likely to encounter the SDGs in their professional lives, and we want them to be well versed and prepared to contribute to meeting these goals.”

About the Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, a global delegation of experts developed, debated, and introduced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be adopted by the United Nations and its 193 member countries. The 17 goals emerged from rigorous research into global conditions and trends. They are at the forefront of international development conversations, initiatives, and require innovative research collaborations to create new possibilities and a better future for a more sustainable world.

The goals are: No poverty; No Hunger; Good Health and Well-Being; Quality Education; Gender Equality; Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequalities; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life on Land; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and Partnerships for the Goals.

Purchase College already has several initiatives that are addressing the SDGs, including a food pantry, energy efficiencies, green infrastructures, anti-bias and anti-racism programming, and service learning opportunities, among many other programs. More information on the SDGS and Purchase’s current efforts can be found on the website.

By joining the other colleges and universities who are a part of the international University Global Coalition, including 15 other SUNY schools and the SUNY system itself, Purchase is committing to increasing students’ understanding of the most urgent challenges today. Using the framework of the SDGs, Purchase is dedicated to inspiring students to get involved in finding new solutions to urgent challenges, and instilling the global competence and leadership skills students will need to be active participants in these efforts. Colleges and universities in the UGC must also conduct research, engage with public and private partners, and communicate publicly about their progress and outcomes.

About Purchase College, SUNY

Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of 64 universities and colleges, was founded in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. His aspirations for Purchase were to combine on one campus conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with programs in the liberal arts and sciences. Today, Purchase College–SUNY is a community of students, faculty, and friends where open-minded engagement with the creative process leads to a lifetime of intellectual growth and professional opportunity. For more information about the College, visit www.purchase.edu.