Advancing SDG 15: Biodiversity and Health at Washington University in St. Louis

As the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 15 Hub Vice-Chair for Research, WashU is uniquely positioned to advance research and partnerships that promote biodiversity conservation and planetary health. The SPHERE network embodies that mission by linking scientific discovery with actionable solutions that sustain ecosystems and human well-being.

Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH, Dean of the Washington University in St. Louis School of Public Health, delivers opening remarks at the “Disease Ecology on a Changing Planet” convening on 21 January at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), United States.
Photo:Zachary Linhares, WashU Public Health

Worth Watching

SDG of the month

Graphic showing UN ‘Goal of the Month’ alongside the Sustainable Development Goal 1 icon for No Poverty, featuring stylized figures of a diverse family.
SDG of the month

Goal of the Month | February 2026: Goal 1 - No Poverty 

We have seen that progress is possible. For the first time on record, more than half of the world's population is now covered by at least one social protection benefit, reflecting sustained investments in education, health and social safety nets. However, more than 800 million people still live in extreme poverty in 2025. A surge in action and investment to enhance economic opportunities, improve education and extend social protection to all, particularly the most excluded, is crucial to ending poverty and leaving no one behind. 

The Pact for the Future underscores the urgency of expanding universal health coverage, inclusive education and decent work to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities.

 

Learn more about Goal 1: No Poverty, and how you can get involved, then check out the  UNAI SDG Hub Network.