The Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Center (the “SDGs Center”) is an independent international research and advisory institution focused on global governance innovation, international leadership development and sustainable development practice. It is dedicated to supporting the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Center originated from an international initiative with the Global Youth Leadership Development Council (GYLDC). In response to the UN system’s call to accelerate SDG delivery and advance SDG localization, and building on the experience, knowledge resources and partner networks developed through the initiative, the Center has operated as an independent legal entity since 7 November 2026, serving as an open international cooperation platform for all stakeholders and connecting international development agendas with national, city and industry-level practice.

The Center cooperates with United Nations entities, governments, enterprises, universities, research institutes and civil society organizations, with an operational network covering Geneva, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Nairobi. Focusing on three workstreams—innovation in multilateral cooperation, SDG localization, and digital transformation—the Center collaborates with UN entities including ITU and ITC on initiatives such as the Digital Economy Lighthouse Cases and ITU Youth Digital Hubs.