Appalachian State University's Walker College of Business has officially joined the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global platform that affirms the university’s commitment to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Walker College became an official SDSN member October 15, 2020, though its work to support the SDGs began earlier.
“SDSN membership will allow our students and faculty members opportunities to participate in SDSN sponsored events on a global stage and collaborate on solutions-focused research on a broader scale,” said Appalachian’s SDSN Chair and Sustainable Business Director Dr. Rajat Panwar. “Our chapter will work by committee to develop plans to disseminate faculty research to the new global partners as well as improve collaboration efforts between partner institutions.”
Leveraging ongoing research from its faculty, the Walker College SDSN will focus its efforts on SDG # 8 — promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; SDG # 12 — ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns; and SDG #15 — protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combat desertification, and halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity loss.
Related: View selected sustainable business research authored by Walker College of Business faculty
Dr. Martin Meznar, Walker College of Business Associate Dean of Global & Civic Engagement, said this is an important and logical next step for the college.
“We are excited to join the Sustainable Development Solutions Network,” said Dr. Meznar. “We will work to transfer the knowledge generated at Appalachian to the design and execution of the country’s public policies to achieve sustainable development goals.”
The Walker College had previously committed to upholding the SDGs, making sustainability a core value in 2017, launching a chapter of Enactus in 2018, and setting a standard for its faculty academic qualifications in teaching, research and service in 2019.
“Our faculty members have been integrating SDGs in their research and pedagogy even before sustainability became an official, shared, core value of the college,” added Walker College Dean Sandra Vannoy. “This new partnership will help support our faculty as they continue to teach and do business for good.”
Related: Read the Walker College of Business’ core values.
About the Sustainable Development Solutions Network
The SDSN builds pathways toward the achievement of the SDGs in the United States by mobilizing research, outreach, collective action and global cooperation. To accomplish this, network members: Facilitate and lead coalitions to address U.S. sustainability challenges; Build sophisticated, practical systems for assessing progress; Facilitate public awareness, education and engagement; and Link these efforts with policymakers and community leaders throughout the U.S. to result in lasting change. Learn more https://www.unsdsn.org/about-us.
About Sustainable Business at Appalachian
Appalachian’s Walker College of Business is committed to advancing sustainable business practices that promote responsible management of economic, social and natural resources. The theory and practice of sustainable business recognizes that the economy, environment and society (the triple bottom line) are interconnected and interdependent, and strives to enhance the business model so that it can flourish and thrive to benefit future generations. The college offers a sustainable business minor available to business and nonbusiness majors, a bachelor’s degree in environmental economics and policy, and an MBA concentration in sustainable business. The programs focus on student engagement, research and community involvement. For more information, visit www.business.appstate.edu/sustainability.
Graphic symbolizing Walker College having joined Sustainable Development Solutions Network
SDSN New Member Graphic