U.N. Forum Focuses on Pittsburgh as Leader in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals


Ann E. Cudd

A forum during the 74th United Nations General Assembly featured Ann E. Cudd, Pitt’s provost and senior vice chancellor, along with Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto and other local leaders who highlighted regional accomplishments to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a more peaceful, prosperous planet with fair and inclusive societies.

The efforts were summarized Sept. 23 in New York City during a “Spotlight on Pittsburgh” panel discussion to showcase the best of American leadership and innovation to achieve the SDGs. The goals were adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 2015 after years of discussion and input from millions of people — especially young people — around the world. The SDGs include 17 global goals to realize “The Future We Want.”

Provost Cudd and Mayor Peduto were joined by James Garrett, provost and chief academic officer of Carnegie Mellon University; David Finegold, president of Chatham University; and Lisa Schroeder, president and CEO of The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Pitt’s highlighted commitments included: the Millennium Fellowship, with 14 students selected for this United Nations Academic Impact/MCN program who will focus on SDG projects; two Community Engagement Centers established in partnership with residents and stakeholders in traditionally underserved Pittsburgh neighborhoods where the University has made long-term commitments of investment, infrastructure, programming and staffing; and the Pitt Success Program to expand access and affordability through a new financial aid program that has already dramatically increased the percentage of Pell students.

“The University of Pittsburgh is proud to work together with city leadership and our neighboring universities to advance a common and powerful commitment to participate in active, effective and transformative efforts framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals — all meant to benefit our students, our region, and the world,” said Cudd.

Read more about the United Nations General Assembly forum on the Office of the Provost’s website.