Our Structure

A Framework Built for Global Impact

Sustainable Development Council (SDC) is structured to combine high-level governance, strategic advisory support, operational coordination, and implementation capacity across regions, national chapters, and thematic initiatives.

Governance Framework

The Sustainable Development Council is structured to combine high-level governance, strategic advisory support, operational coordination, and implementation capacity across regions, national chapters, and thematic initiatives.

Executive Board: President/Chairperson, Vice President, Secretary-General, Treasurer, Directors. Working groups and councils connect governance with regional, national, thematic, and youth implementation.

UN Logo

Recognized with Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) from 2021.

SDC Logo

SDC operates through a multi-tiered governance model designed for accountability, inclusivity, and global reach.

4
Core Governance Tiers
6
Regional Operating Clusters
9
Key Institutional Pillars

Organizational Structure

From global governance to local implementation — a four-tier framework designed for accountability and impact.

Level 1
Global Governing Council
SDC Global Youth Council
Level 2
International Working Group
Global Partnerships and
Collaborations
Regional CouncilAfrica, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania
Thematic Working Groups
Level 3
International Projects and
Initiatives Department
Advisory Board
National Council
  1. No poverty
  2. Zero hunger
  3. Good health and well-being
  4. Quality education
  5. Gender equality
  6. Clean water and sanitation
  7. Affordable and clean energy
  8. Decent work and economic growth
  9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  10. Reduced inequalities
  11. Sustainable cities and communities
  12. Responsible consumption and production
  13. Climate action
  14. Life below water
  15. Life on land
  16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
  17. Partnerships for the goals
Level 4
Project Managers
Local
International
National
State / Provincial Council
Youth Council
International Programs Team
National Partners / CSO / NGO
District Council
Institution Council
Monitoring and Evaluation
Team
Local Council

Executive Board: President/Chairperson, Vice President, Secretary-General, Treasurer, Directors. Working groups and councils connect governance with regional, national, thematic, and youth implementation.

Governance in Detail

Explore the nine institutional pillars that form the backbone of SDC's governance and implementation framework.

1 General Assembly / Global Council

The highest governing body of SDC, responsible for institutional legitimacy, mandates, and strategic oversight.

Composition
  • Founding Members
  • Institutional Members
  • Regional Representatives
  • Strategic Advisors
Responsibilities
  • Approves global policies
  • Elects executive leadership
  • Reviews impact reports
  • Ratifies major partnerships
2 Executive Leadership

Executive leadership translates SDC's mission into strategy, governance continuity, and institution-wide coordination.

Key Roles
  • Founder Chairman
  • Secretary-General
  • Vice Presidents
  • Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer
3 Global Advisory Board

This board strengthens thought leadership and helps align SDC's priorities with emerging global opportunities.

Focus Areas
  • Strategic guidance
  • Policy advice
  • Global advocacy
  • International partnerships
4 Global Secretariat

The Secretariat serves as the operational center of SDC and ensures consistent delivery across programs, policy, and communications.

Divisions
  • Programs & Impact Division
  • Research & Policy Division
  • Partnerships & International Relations
  • Communications & Media
  • Finance & Administration
  • Technology & Innovation
5 Regional Offices

Regional offices create localized momentum and ensure SDC's work remains globally relevant and locally connected.

Regions
  • Africa
  • Asia Pacific
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • North America
  • Latin America
6 National Chapters

National chapters adapt SDC priorities to country contexts through implementation, engagement, and local partnerships.

Key Roles
  • National Coordinators
  • Program Managers
  • Volunteers and Fellows
7 Thematic Councils

Thematic councils enable expert-led collaboration around focused SDG challenges and specialized intervention areas.

Councils
  • Sustainable Land & Water
  • Climate Action
  • Education for Peace
  • Gender Equality
  • Digital Inclusion
8 Youth & Civil Society Platforms

These platforms ensure civic participation and youth leadership are integrated into the Council's long-term institutional work.

Platforms
  • International Youth Forum (IYF)
  • Youth Ambassadors Network
  • Volunteer Corps
9 Strategic Partners

Strategic partners broaden institutional reach, strengthen implementation pathways, and support innovation at scale.

Partner Types
  • United Nations agencies
  • Universities
  • Civil society organizations
  • Foundations
  • Private sector

Our Regional Presence

Africa

Asia-Pacific

Europe

Middle East

North America

Latin America

Thematic Councils

Sustainable Land & Water

Focused on responsible resource management and environmental sustainability.

Climate Action

Driving policy and community action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Education for Peace

Promoting inclusive education as a pathway to peace and sustainable development.

Gender Equality

Advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and representation for all genders.

Digital Inclusion

Ensuring technology access and digital literacy bridge the divide.

Want to Join Our Structure?

SDC operates through national councils and regional chapters. Find out how to establish one in your country.

Get in Touch