Our aim is to empower next generation designers, creatives and researchers to help realize the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through local design and research initiatives that contribute to all SDGs.
The built environment disciplines—encompassing architecture, urbanism, landscape architecture, planning, and related fields—have enormous potential to advance all 17 SDGs. Yet much of the industry remains unaware of this transformative power.
In 2015, 193 countries adopted the SDGs and Agenda 2030—a bold, shared blueprint for a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world. As the 2030 deadline approaches, urgent action is critical. For the built environment disciplines SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13: Climate Action are especially vital but all of the Goals are critical for shaping an environmentally and socially sustainable future. The New Urban Agenda supports the implementation of sustainable urbanization. UN Habitat, the UN agency concerned with human settlements, works towards a better urban future for all.
In 2025 we invited educators, students and communities worldwide to contribute exciting local projects that explore how built environment design and research can drive
meaningful and transformative change. We invited communities who would benefit from academic partnerships to contact us. Cycle 1 of the Local Learning Studio, shown here, is the start of a five-year initiative that will continue to:
- Showcase outstanding local work on the online Gallery
- Provide curated learning resources through the Resource Hub
- Support participation in global events such as the
UN-Habitat World Urban Forums - Provide publication opportunities.
Our aim is to build a globally connected, locally oriented community of SDGs -savvy change-makers with the knowledge and skills to engage in interdisciplinary design, creative work and research with real-world impact for people.
We do not expect academic programs to create new curricula specifically for this initiative, but welcome participation as an option for integrating SDGs into ongoing teaching and learning.
