SDGs Center Intro

The Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (the “SDGs Center”) is an independent research and capacity-building institution dedicated to advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its work focuses on global governance innovation, leadership development, and sustainable development practice. Drawing on relevant academic networks, knowledge resources, and international cooperation within the United Nations system, the Center builds on the experience of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in global training, capacity development, and multilateral cooperation, helping connect international development agendas with implementation at the national, subnational, and industry levels.

The Center originated as a UNITAR-affiliated center, jointly initiated by UNITAR and the Global Youth Leadership Development Council (GYLDC). As the capacity-building architecture of the United Nations system has evolved, the Center has transitioned into an independent and open platform for international cooperation, while continuing to expand collaboration with relevant UN entities and partners worldwide.

With major operational and cooperation hubs in Geneva, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, and Nairobi, the Center brings together former senior officials of international organizations, members of national academies, and experts in technology, industry, finance, and public policy. It works with intergovernmental organizations, government institutions, businesses, universities, and nonprofit organizations on policy research, leadership and professional development, institutional capacity building, and international cooperation.

The Center’s work is structured around three priorities: multilateral cooperation and the translation of global agendas into practice; localization of the SDGs; and the integration of digital transformation with sustainable development. Its key areas of engagement include climate action, artificial intelligence governance and applications, the digital economy, sustainable finance, urban resilience, and social innovation. The Center engages and collaborates with organizations including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and supports initiatives such as Youth Digital Hubs, global capacity building for digital economy governance and leadership, Digital Economy Lighthouse Cases, AI innovation challenges, and the Global SDGs Design Exhibition.

By connecting international agendas, knowledge and research, capacity development, and innovation in practice, the Center promotes cross-sectoral and cross-regional collaboration, facilitates the adaptation of international experience to local needs, and supports promising solutions in moving from demonstration to wider adoption, knowledge sharing, and scalable implementation.

Global Youth Leadership Development Council & ITU Youth Digital Hubs Launch ITU / UN Platform