The ninth annual International Connections Reception, which will be hosted by Global Affairs on March 7, 2024, brings together the UC Davis community to celebrate several award and grant programs, including the Grants for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals as a part of a partnership with Grand Challenges, Sustainability and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These team-focused grants fund global and multidisciplinary programs that enhance UC Davis’ connections to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A set of broad yet ambitious goals that address the universal need for sustainable development, the SDGs were adopted by all UN member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 17 goals—such as ending hunger, ensuring clean water, and combating climate change—provide a common global framework to achieve sustainable development across economic, social and environmental dimensions.

On campus and around the world, UC Davis faculty, students, and staff are addressing all 17 SDGs in various teaching, research, and service activities. The Grants for Advancing SDGs support work already underway and spark new partnerships. This year’s four selected projects contribute to 13 of the 17 SDGs—locally and globally—bringing together more than 15 faculty, researchers and artists from across UC Davis and collaborating communities, government organizations, and academic institutions worldwide.

2023-24 Grant Recipients

Irwin R. Donis-González

Associate Professor of Cooperative Extension, Biological and Agricultural Engineering
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Universidad del Valle, Guatemala

Universidad Rafael Landívar, Guatemala

Cultivating Sustainability: A Comprehensive Drying Initiative to Combat Postharvest Losses in Guatemala

Africa

Their efforts aim to support SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

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Kurt Rohde

Professor, Music
College of Letters and Science

Stacey Parker

Director Arboretum and Public Garden
Finance, Operations and Administration

Robin Hill

Professor, Art Studio
College of Letters and Science

A BowerHaus for a Post-Anthropocene World - A Tale in Two Chapters

California (North America)

Their project will contribute to the advancement of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

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Shingirai Taodzera

Assistant Professor, African American and African Studies
College of Letters and Science
CAMPSSAH Scholar

Honorable Apollo Rwamparo

Deputy Prime Minister
Bunyoro Kingdom

Representatives of the Acholi, Buganda Tooro Busoga Rwenzuru and Ankole Kingdoms

Resource-Rich Kingdoms and Sustainable Development in Africa

Uganda (Africa)

Their efforts aim to develop greater alignment for achieving SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 15: Life on Land.

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Emmanuel Okello

Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension,
Population Health and Reproduction
School of Veterinary Medicine

Steven Odongo

Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences
Makerere University

Obeb-Karacel Mixed Farmer’s Group

Alebtong, Northern Uganda

Pigs for Progress: Transforming Rural Livelihoods in Alebtong, Northern Uganda

Uganda (Africa)

Their project will help reach SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Register to attend the International Connections Reception on March 7, 2024

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About Global Affairs at UC Davis

Global Affairs brings the world to UC Davis, welcoming more than 10,000 international students, scholars and leaders, and hosting programs that inspire global curiosity, understanding and engagement. Compelled by the valuable outcomes of thinking globally, we make transformative opportunities a reality by supporting the thousands of students and faculty learning and researching globally—and by facilitating collaborations that tackle the world’s most pressing challenges through more than 150 global partnerships.

Putting our vision of a UC Davis community that engages, thrives, and leads in this interconnected world into action, Global Affairs is in pursuit of an ambitious goal: Global Education for All.