I am really pleased to see that within North America more stakeholders are becoming aware of the importance of the SDGs and the fact that each and everyone has a role to play in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Earlier this month, I had the privilege to assist with planning and attending the historic North American Community Foundations Summit in Mexico City– co-hosted by Comunalia, Community Foundations of Canada and the Council on Foundations. With over 200 attendees gathered, the Summit, which focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), included discussions about reducing poverty, building strong economies, ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion, and protecting against climate change and natural disasters.
A joint statement – North American Philanthropy: United to Leave No One Behind – was released on Day 2 of the Mexico City Summit. The statement represents the commitment of philanthropic leaders from the U.S, Canada and Mexico to strengthening global connections that help improve the quality of life for all.
New Report launched!
One of the big announcements at the Summit was the release of a new report, Local Leadership, Global Impact: Community Foundations and the Sustainable Development Goals. The report seeks to continues the conversation that was started in Mexico City about how community foundations, using the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), can leverage their knowledge and expertise to make greater local and global impact.
I am truly happy to have been a part of this whole process- including being a part of the Summit’s tri-national planning committee and doing research for the report- and really hope that these initiatives represent the start of a really meaningful engagement by community foundations (globally) towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals!
Mexico City, I will be back……
Maxi