Lusaka, Zambia—Today marks the launch of the SDG Philanthropy Platform in Zambia – the fifth focus country and the third in Africa, after Kenya and Ghana. The Platform, with generous support from the Conrad N. Hilton, Ford, The MasterCard Foundation and many others, is engaging philanthropic organizations in countries around the world to contribute actively to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, or Agenda 2030. In Zambia the main focus will be on the well-being of children, which supports the UN and governments’ commitments to ‘leave no one behind’. The Platform will use a multi-sectoral approach to address and work with disadvantaged communities in a holistic way, focusing on issues such as early childhood development, education and health, and sustainable livelihoods for families.

Participants from the government, UN agencies, faith-based organizations, and local, global, and corporate foundations are joining a workshop to forge new partnerships and leverage resources for common objectives, specifically the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ed Cain, Vice President of Grant Programs for the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation views the Sustainable Development Goals as a transformative development agenda requiring a transformative approach to development cooperation – an approach where philanthropy effectively collaborates with all other stakeholders to achieve the goals by 2030.

As the Zambian government develops their Seventh National Development Plan, the philanthropy sector has a unique opportunity to help define how the SDGs will be implemented and the commitments of all stakeholders. Key to the attainment of the goals is multi-stakeholder partnerships that demonstrate collaboration and provide voice to civil society. The Platform will work with civil society, including faith-based organizations, and support their efforts to connect with the national efforts for the SDGs.

“UN System and our government partners are pleased that the philanthropy are joining hands with us in Zambia to achieve the SDGs,” said Janet Rogan, Resident Coordinator in Zambia. “Philanthropy’s innovative approaches and commitment to impact sets us on a path for success.”

The Platform’s website www.sdgfunders.org will also document how philanthropy is investing in the SDGs across the Zambia, between 2015 and 2030, ensuring effective data collection on the impact of philanthropy.

Follow the discussion on Twitter: #phil2015 @philSDGs

###

About The Council on Foundations
The Council on Foundations (www.cof.org), founded in 1949, is a nonprofit leadership association of grant making foundations and corporations. It provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance, and sustain their ability to advance the common good. With members from all foundation types and sizes, the Council empowers professionals in philanthropy to meet today’s toughest challenges and advances a culture of charitable giving in the U.S. and globally.

About The SDG Philanthropy Platform
The SDG Philanthropy Platform informs and catalyzes collaboration through building awareness and connections between those working in the philanthropy sector and beyond. Launched by the United Nations Development Program, Foundation Center, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors in 2014, the Platform has brought together hundreds of foundations and philanthropists across many countries to create new partnerships to increase funding and create programs that will have greater, and more sustainable, impact on people’s lives. For more information, visit: www.sdgfunders.org.

About the United Nations Development Programme
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partners with people around the world to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer a global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.undp.org

About Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) is a nonprofit organization that advises on and manages more than $200 million in annual giving by individuals, families, corporations, and major foundations. Founded in 2002 and continuing the Rockefeller family’s legacy of thoughtful, effective philanthropy, RPA remains at the forefront of philanthropic growth and innovation, with a diverse team led by experienced grantmakers with significant depth of knowledge across the spectrum of issue areas. It has facilitated more than $3 billion in grantmaking to nearly 70 countries. www.rockpa.org

About Foundation Center
Established in 1956, Foundation Center is the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide. Through data, analysis, and training, it connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to succeed. Foundation Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grantmakers and their grants — a robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance knowledge of philanthropy at every level. Thousands of people visit Foundation Center’s website each day and are served in its five regional library/learning centers and its network of more than 450 funding information centers located in public libraries, community foundations, and educational institutions nationwide and around the world. For more information, please visit foundationcenter.org or call (212) 620-4230.

Contacts:

UNDP Karolina Mzyk Callias Project Manager +90.545.854.94.56 [email protected]	SDG Philanthropy Platform in Zambia Carrie Davies +353.86.228.8897 [email protected]
Foundation Center Lauren Bradford Global Partnerships Director 212.807.2531 [email protected]	Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Heather Grady Vice President 415.712.6557 [email protected]

Back to News