In a significant stride toward fostering global collaboration on research for sustainable development, Future Earth announced on November 26, 2024 it has chosen the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University (ASU) to host its Global Coordination Hub. This strategic partnership aims to bolster Future Earth’s mission to advance research in support of transformations toward global sustainability.

The Global Coordination Hub at ASU will function as the coordinating body of Future Earth’s secretariat. It will host an Executive Director who will work with nine Global Hubs to coordinate research efforts across the broader Future Earth community, facilitate partnerships, and disseminate knowledge generated by the network. Wendy Broadgate, Director of the Future Earth Swedish Global Hub, will serve as interim Executive Director until the role is filled.

“This collaboration with ASU will provide leadership of the Future Earth growing and distributed secretariat to support our global networks,” said Broadgate. “The ASU Global Futures Laboratory’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and its global reach resonate with Future Earth’s priorities, making it a strong partner for hosting the Global Coordination Hub.”

“This partnership enhances Future Earth’s ability to drive scientific collaboration, integrate diverse perspectives, and accelerate solutions for global sustainability,” said Sirkku Juhola and Maria Uhle, co-chairs of the Future Earth Governing Council. “This is a pivotal moment for Future Earth as we continue to strengthen our role as a global platform for knowledge, action, and transformation.”

The selection of ASU underscores Future Earth’s commitment to advancing transdisciplinary research and driving actionable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. By leveraging ASU’s inter- and transdisciplinary expertise, Future Earth looks to amplify its impact and continue to facilitate knowledge exchange on a global scale.

“The Global Futures Laboratory is uniquely designed to serve as a leader in shaping the direction of research that will advance sustainability and resilience around the world,” said Peter Schlosser, vice president and vice provost of Global Futures at ASU and director of the Global Futures Laboratory. “This partnership will strengthen our collective efforts to envision and create a world where all will thrive on a healthy planet. We are encouraged by the possibilities ahead and eager to work together on our planet’s urgent challenges.”

Future Earth is looking forward to partnering with ASU to continue to mobilize the global research community hand in hand with other societal actors to make an impact in addressing the interconnected challenges facing our planet.