UHI professor joins United Nations Leadership Council on sustainable development
UHI Professor Stuart Gibb has joined the Leadership Council to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a United Nations (UN) initiative which aims to mobilise the world’s knowledge community for science-based solutions for sustainable development.
Professor Stuart Gibb, an expert in environmental science at the UHI, is one of 95 distinguished members on the council. With expertise spanning various areas of environmental research, Professor Gibb joins leading figures from academia, business, civil society, and the public sector to advance sustainable development initiatives globally. He is also one of only a handful of representatives from the UK, and the only one from Scotland.
The Leadership Council serves in an advisory capacity to the SDSN, helping the UN initiative shape the global conversation and path forward for sustainable development.
Professor Gibb, Director of the Environmental Research Institute and Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: Being part of the UN SDSN Leadership Council feels like standing at the crossroads of science, policy, and action for global good. It’s humbling to work alongside some of the brightest minds, all focused on finding real solutions for global sustainable development. I feel immensely privileged to be in this unique space where big ideas can turn into tangible actions that can truly make a difference."
The SDSN was launched in 2012 by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to mobilize global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical problem solving for sustainable development and implement the Sustainable Development Goals – a collection of 17 goals designed to “be a blueprint to achieve a better and sustainable future for all.”
UHI joined the SDSN in 2021. The network is composed of over 1,900 institutions from around the world that collaborate to promote high-quality education and research towards sustainable development, and to localise and mobilise support for the development goals.
As well as extensive environmental research expertise in energy, pollution, and peatlands, UHI also offers a range of online courses in sustainability including an undergraduate degree, postgraduate level study, and short, upskilling modules.