Launch of the 2026 Networks in Action Report: Driving SDG Progress Through a Global Knowledge Network

September 14, 2026 (New York, New York) — Released during the 27th meeting of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Leadership Council, the 2026 Networks in Action (NiA) report presents the latest innovative and impactful solutions led by the SDSN’s national and regional networks to accelerate progress on sustainable development.

The SDSN’s 60 national and regional networks across 160 countries focus on distinct projects that translate the global goals into locally-led solutions shaped by national and regional priorities. The report highlights the collective impact that the networks have had globally over the past two years – from their efforts to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); engage with knowledge institutions and youth; improve education for the SDGs; promote viable solutions initiatives and long-term transformation pathways; and develop their own publications, events, and actions.

"The highlights captured in the Networks in Action 2026 report demonstrate what is possible when local leadership is connected through a shared global vision,” said Maria Cortes-Puch, the SDSN’s Vice President of Europe and Networks. “Across every region, our national and regional networks are translating the SDGs into meaningful action — strengthening education and research, engaging youth, advancing practical solutions, and helping shape long-term pathways for sustainable development. Their work shows that lasting transformation is built through collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of local contexts. This report celebrates the collective impact of our networks and the partnerships that continue to drive progress toward a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all."

Featured highlights from the 2026 NiA include:

• In 2026, SDSN Kenya, in collaboration with FOLU Kenya and the County Government of Nakuru, convened a diverse group of stakeholders in Nakuru City for the “Land Use Planning, Food Systems and Policy Dialogue.” The forum presented and validated key findings from a study on spatial land use analysis and policy integration.
• In 2025, SDSN Canada’s host institution, the University of Calgary, with the Government of Canada’s SDG Unit and a national organizing committee, hosted Together | Ensemble 2025. The hybrid conference drew 500+ registrants, including 247 in person and 162 online, engaging youth, Indigenous Peoples, community leaders, governments, and industry.
• Led by Universidad Veracruzana and UNAM and sponsored by SDSN Mexico, the Inter-institutional College on Climate Change (ICCC) was launched in April 2026 as a platform for high-level training programs focused on climate change, mainly for members of higher education institutions.
• In 2025, SDSN Kazakhstan participated in a workshop organized by the Economic Research Institute (ERI) to discuss the draft of Kazakhstan's Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2025 and share its perspective on Kazakhstan's sustainable development journey.
• In October 2025, SDSN Philippines hosted the first in its series of national roadshows, "Localizing SDG Solutions: Knowledge Partnerships for a Sustainable Future," in Iloilo City with experts from academia, local and national government, and the social sector.
• In 2025, SDSN Northern Europe published the first Nordic Sustainable Development Report and presented the findings to working groups within the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The report also features the annual Network Managers workshop, the biennial virtual series of regional University Presidents Meetings (UPM), the Greater Bay Area-ASEAN Initiative (GAI) and its annual high-level conferences, SDSN Youth, the Universities for Goal 13 student competition, and the SDSN’s partnership with SustainChain.

Read the Networks in Action Report 2026

About the SDSN

Under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) mobilizes the world’s largest knowledge network to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change through education, research, policy advice, and global collaboration. Via its unique global network, the SDSN pioneers scientifically rigorous, scalable, interdisciplinary, and systemic approaches for an inclusive, sustainable, and just future. For more information, visit www.unsdsn.org.

About the SDSN Networks Program

The SDSN’s Networks program launched its first network in 2013 and has experienced continuous growth ever since. In 2026, the SDSN reached over 2,200 member institutions and 60 networks across six continents. To learn more about the Networks program and its flagship initiatives, events, resources, and more, visit www.unsdsn.org/our-networks.