Our programming in the 2022-26 cycle is structured around five themes which reflect the interests of the communities we work with, the expertise of our core faculty, and the urgency of particular global issues as identified in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We also strive to make connections between the global and local by highlighting the role of Wisconsin in addressing global challenges.
Theme 1) Global Poverty & Inequality: The SDGs aim to end poverty (1) and hunger (2) by 2030. They also call for more inclusive and sustainable economic growth, with decent work for all (8), and a reduction in inequalities both within and between countries (9).
Theme 2) Global Languages and Cultures: The SDGs aim to strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (11), and to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, institutions, and public spaces (16). They also recognize the importance of revitalizing global partnerships and international cooperation in order to achieve all goals (17).
Theme 3) Gender & Global Health: SDGs 1 to 6 directly address health disparities. Specifically, they aim to promote food security (2), support good health and wellbeing (3), expand access to quality education (4), promote women’s empowerment (5), and facilitate access to clean water and sanitation (6). SDG 4 also recognizes that progress on all of these SDGs will be stalled if women’s empowerment and gender equality are not prioritized.
Theme 4) Climate Change & Security: The SDGs aim to guarantee access to affordable clean energy (7), make cities more sustainable and resilient (11), promote responsible consumption and production (12), take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (13), and to conserve life below water (14) and on land (15).
Theme 5) Human Rights and Migration: The SDGs also calls on signatory countries to strengthen commitments to human rights, to ensure that all people live free from discrimination and violence (5), and to establish responsible and well-managed migration policies to facilitate the orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people (10).