Local Philanthropy and Universal Goals in Arkansas

How do the Sustainable Development Goals relate to domestic challenges in the U.S.?

There are significant challenges facing American communities today, including growing domestic inequality and increased poverty. In Arkansas, members of the philanthropic community work in a variety of innovative and collaborative ways to improve quality of life and create sustainable local communities. 

The Council on Foundations and the SDG Philanthropy Platform are excited to host a meeting in Little Rock on December 10, 2015 to discuss how the work already underway across Arkansas supports the newly announced universal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As American philanthropy grapples with local challenges, how do our solutions and experiences link to challenges elsewhere around the globe? How can these new global goals encourage and enhance domestic programs in the United States?

Event Details

Morning discussions will highlight ongoing efforts of philanthropy across the state, current needs and recent analyses of local challenges, and discuss the broader context of the universal SDGs. The afternoon will include deep-dive conversations around specific areas of ongoing work in Arkansas and how these relate to specific SDG targets, including inequality and rural poverty, workforce and economic security, and education.

Confirmed Speakers

This list will be updated regularly:

• Sherece West-Scantlebury, President and CEO, Winthrop-Rockefeller Foundation 
• Stephanie Street, Executive Director, Clinton Foundation 
• Charlotte L. Williams, Director, Center on Community Philanthropy, Clinton School of Public Service
• Tony Pipa, US Government Special Coordinator for Post-2015 Development Agenda 
• Chris Whatley, Executive Director, UN Association of the US 
• Sarah Kinser, Vice President of Communications Strategy, Arkansas Community Foundation
• Jaci Bertrand, Director of Member Engagement, Southeastern Council of Foundations
• Lauren Bradford, Global Partnerships Manager, Foundation Center

Learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals