Net Impact Boston SDG Summit 2025

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (also known as the Global Goals, or simply, the SDGs) are 17 interconnected goals with 169 associated targets for social, environmental and economic development aimed at creating a more equitable, green, and just world. But with the 2030 deadline fast approaching, momentum has slowed. Geopolitical challenges and the underrepresentation of key voices continue to hinder progress. Still, the potential is vast: the SDGs could unlock up to $12 trillion in market opportunities and generate 380 million new jobs by 2030 (Better Business, Better World report).

Net Impact Boston is building a local community of changemakers determined to meet these challenges head-on. Now more than ever, collaborative action is essential—and this event is one way to come together, exchange ideas, and drive impact.

Join us for Net Impact Boston’s SDG Summit, a half-day gathering featuring panel discussions, networking, and an exhibition of Boston-based organizations advancing the SDGs. Explore local efforts creating global change—and find your place in the movement.

You’ll hear from professionals across government, business, nonprofit, and community sectors who are leading innovations in environmental, social, economic, and technological impact. Build meaningful connections and discover how you can contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive future.

• Connect with Boston-area social and environmental impact leaders
• Engage with mission-driven organizations and expand your network
• Discover career opportunities in sustainability and impact-focused fields
• Support and learn from fellow changemakers in your community

SDGs: Life Below Water, Climate Action,

Areas of focus: Community organizing around watersheds, sustainable finance/investing, climate data and analytics

The panel will examine how different stakeholders are helping to shape local climate action and how the SDG framework can inform the intersectional policy changes needed to reach our climate goals. Our panelists will bring a variety of perspectives including, but not limited to: investing in sustainable climate change solutions, community organizing, clean energy policy and the role of local universities for data collection and knowledge sharing.

SDGs: Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth

Areas of focus: Gender Equality/LGBTQIA+ equality, impact investing (investing in sustainable businesses that will benefit underserved communities), using bicycling as an economic advancement,

The panel would examine how the city can engage with diverse communities and incorporate their perspectives and needs into social policy initiatives and what intersectional approaches from the Sustainable Development Goals can transform institutions in the Greater Boston Area to become more equitable, inclusive, just and accessible. Our panelists will bring a variety of perspectives including, but not limited to: Gender Equality/LGBTQIA+ equality, impact investing (investing in sustainable businesses that will benefit underserved communities), how transportation equity can bring economic advancement and more.

SDGs: Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities

Areas of focus: Building Together: Community Led Solutions to Inequality

This panel explores how grassroots leaders and community-based organizations are designing practical, place-based solutions to reduce systemic inequality in Boston. Rooted in lived experience and collective action, these efforts aim to build long-term wealth, power, and resilience in communities historically excluded from mainstream economic systems. Panelists will share examples from the frontlines of economic democracy, cooperative development, inclusive housing, education justice, and cultural organizing - demonstrating how local innovation can reshape systems from the ground up. We'll discuss how policies rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals can be applied locally to dismantle barriers, amplify community voice, and invest in shared prosperity.

• Emma Walter, current President, Net Impact Boston
• Elise McCutchen, current Vice President, Net Impact Boston

Ticket prices are based on suggested donation, $15 for students, $25 for professionals, or more if you would like to financially support our mission. Net Impact Boston strives to make all events accessible. If you cannot afford the registration fee and would like to volunteer your time and attend for free, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Net Impact Boston Professional Chapter