Abstract
The United States Cooperative Extension Service, established in 1914, delivers research-based education to local communities nationwide. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a guide for extension to address evolving needs in increasingly global communities shaped by migration and immigration. Strengthening global sustainability requires learning from local efforts and sharing best practices and research findings. This project identifies (1) current Extension efforts with an international component, (2) their alignment with UN SDGs, and (3) opportunities for developing future global connections. With over 3,000 offices across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, and U.S. territories, the Cooperative Extension Service has extensive reach and the potential to both influence and learn from global sustainability efforts. Using interviews and textual analysis, a framework was created to link Florida Extension initiatives with specific UN SDGs. Case studies of extension programs with international collaborations were examined to understand how these partnerships enhanced both local and global outcomes. Additionally, opportunities for expanding global connections were identified in four key areas: water resources, health and well-being, agriculture and horticulture, and sustainable urban and suburban communities. The analysis reveals that local extension programs are well-positioned to align with UN SDGs. While Florida’s Extension network serves as a model of community-driven initiatives, it can benefit from deeper engagement with global efforts. By fostering connections through exchanges, scientific research, and collaborations, Extension can inspire innovative approaches, broaden its impact, and build resilience to global challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and economic disparity.
Presenters
Ondine WellsWater Resources Extension Agent, University of Florida/IFAS Extension, Florida, United States Claude Jean
Extension Agent I, Urban Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Extension, Florida, UN Sustainable Development Goals, Local, Globalization
