Launch of the Global Sustainable Development Foundation

NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the Global Sustainable Development Foundation (GSDF) is pleased to announce that the official launch of the GSDF will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, September 22^nd, 2014, in parallel to the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Global Sustainable Development Foundation is a new foundation focused on supporting the mission of the United Nations to accelerate achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The GSDF has established a global network of funders and partners to support six areas of focus in the economic and social sectors to achieve sustainable development. The six focus areas are: Women & Children, Scientific Innovation, Finance & Resources, Culture & Heritage, Creative Engagement & Branding, and Partnerships.

The GSDF is privileged to have Dr. John Ashe, the 68^th President of the United Nations General Assembly, at the helm of this foundation, as the Honorary Chairman.

In welcoming this much-needed effort, GSDF Board Member and world-renowned science journalist, innovator and change agent, Mr. Ellis Rubinstein, President and Chief Executive Officer of The New York Academy of Sciences, stated, "We are delighted to be part of this important initiative, to create a better and more peaceful world through innovative use of science to help the underprivileged."

Fellow Board Member and a 25-year veteran of the United Nations and social entrepreneur, Mr. Amir Dossal, Founder and Chairman of the Global Partnerships Forum, stated, "In the current climate, no single government or organisation can address global challenges alone. We must work together, and the GSDF serves as an excellent platform for new forms of partnerships and alliances."

Ms. Sheri Yan, Vice Chairman and CEO of GSDF, stated, "We are very grateful for the support and commitment from the diplomatic community, as well as the private sector and civil society, dedicated to creative positive impact in society. I am honoured to be part of this foundation."

The Global GSDF Launch on Monday, September 22^nd will be marked by a number of diverse and high-impact programmes, including The Women Leaders Forum, the Global STEM Alliance World Launch, a special concert by The Philadelphia Orchestra, and a Gala Dinner at the United Nations.

The GSDF launch will start in the morning with an official event of the United Nations General Assembly, "Global Women Leaders Forum." This forum is being co-hosted by the Advanced Development for Africa (ADA) Foundation, the Global Partnerships Forum (GPF), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UNAIDS, GSDF and the Zero Mothers Die Consortium. The forum will include discussions on youth education, health, and entrepreneurship and is designed to increase awareness and stimulate interests in women and girls' rights globally, to end the marginalization of women and to increase their holistic welfare.

As cultivation of the next generation of talented youth is crucial for sustainable development, The New York Academy of Sciences will host the afternoon session, in partnership with UNESCO, ITU, GSDF, and the GPF to announce the launch of the Global STEM Alliance. The Alliance aims to foster intellectual and talented youth in scientific and technological training through a unique platform utilizing interactions and dialogues with global educators, scientists, and Nobel Laureates.

The GSDF Day will conclude with an exclusive Gala Dinner and concert at the United Nations Delegates Dining Room, hosted by the Global Sustainable Development Foundation, the Global Partnerships Forum, and The New York Academy of Sciences. The Gala Dinner will start off with a spectacular and unique concert called, "Ode to Humanity," which will be performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra.

The GSDF Board of Directors is honoured to host such an event where distinguished guests from around the world, including First Ladies, Heads of States, Ambassadors to the United Nations, UN officials, and leading entrepreneurs will join us to witness the launch of the Global Sustainable Development Foundation.

For further information please contact:

Ms. Eliane Sussman
Director of Operations, GSDF
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +1 (917) 803-4468

SOURCE Global Sustainable Development Foundation