BY SCOTT JACKSON

President and CEO of Global Impact

In September of 2015, 193 countries unanimously approved the adoption of 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. According to the United Nations Development Program, the SDGs are designed “to end poverty, hunger and inequality, take action on climate change and the environment, improve access to health and education, and build strong institutions and partnerships, and more.”

I’m heartened by the number of countries that pledged their commitment; this holds promise for an equally unprecedented level of collaboration to happen on the global stage. However, worldwide agreement is not enough. For us to succeed, there must be collaboration across sectors—civic, public, and private. For example, an article by Ed Cain, vice president of programs at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, describes well the role philanthropic institutions have in this collaborative framework. Also keep in mind that achieving the goals is not only the responsibility of the developing world. The goals are equally applicable for the U.S. and our leadership in achieving them will go a long way in ensuring success.

The question for U.S. nonprofits then is how best to engage the continuum of actors—governments, foundations, individuals, and the private sector—in this focus. At Global Impact, we have been building partnerships across sectors for more than 60 years, and have seen firsthand how partnerships can incite real change and innovation. Engaging on the SDGs begins with an understanding of why nonprofits should care about them and by connecting them to the goals that align best with their organization. Nonprofits can then decide whether engaging with companies, government, individual donors, or foundations is most strategic and will create the most impact.

We’re looking forward to delving deeper with you on this topic at the Independent Sector Conference. Our panelists will provide their unique perspectives on partnering for the SDGs from their roles in the different sectors, and through our discussion, we hope you will come away with specific strategies for engaging with the SDGs that make most sense for your organization.