Even before the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, Hawaii launched the Aloha+ Challenge, which as an unprecedented statewide commitment to achieve six interconnected sustainability goals, making it the first state in the nation to commit to achieving 100% renewable energy as well as a zero-emission and carbon neutral economy by 2045. The Aloha + Challenge is now recognized worldwide as a model locally driven framework to implement the UN SDG’s, which can be scaled to support place-based implementation of the global agenda. Why is Hawai’i the unlikely leader in the drive to meet the UN SDG’s? Its culture is kind, diversity matters, and the power of science and technology is rooted in indigenous knowledge.

Usha Kilpatrick (’89) currently serves as the Hawai’i Program Director for The Healy Foundation, which builds community and supports the environment and youth by awarding grants and scholarships in Oregon and Hawaii. Prior to joining The Healy Foundation, Usha practiced law and then co-founded and served as the Director of Kona Pacific Public Charter School.

All of the events in the series will be offered via Zoom. Tickets are available for a suggested donation of $20, and can be ordered via the speaker series website, sdgspeakerseries.org.