The University of Tulsa plays a key role in influencing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) policy development at both national and regional levels through direct involvement in collaboration with government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). TU’s expertise and research capabilities contribute to identifying challenges, developing strategies, and modeling policy outcomes that align with the SDGs. Here are specific ways TU is involved:
Research and Expert Consultation for Policy Development
- Identifying Problems and Challenges: TU’s faculty and research centers, such as the National Energy Policy Institute (NEPI) and the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities, frequently collaborate with government bodies and NGOs to identify sustainability challenges. For example, TU has provided expertise in areas such as climate change (SDG 13), energy policy (SDG 7), and water management (SDG 6), offering data and research to policymakers. In 2023, TU faculty advised local governments on the environmental impact of urbanization and energy use in Oklahoma, helping to pinpoint key sustainability challenges in the region.
- Developing Policies and Strategies: TU’s involvement in policy development includes crafting strategies that directly address SDG goals. For instance, in 2022, TU collaborated with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and NGOs like Water4 to create strategies for addressing water scarcity and improving water access in rural communities, aligned with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Faculty from TU’s environmental science and engineering departments contributed by offering scientific data and recommendations for sustainable water management practices.
Modeling Likely Futures with and Without Interventions
- TU contributes to scenario modeling that helps government agencies and NGOs understand the long-term impacts of different policy interventions. For example, TU’s energy research has been used to model the economic and environmental outcomes of various energy policies, such as transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, in line with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. In 2022, TU’s National Energy Policy Institute (NEPI) collaborated with state policymakers to develop models predicting the future economic and environmental impact of renewable energy adoption in Oklahoma. These models helped decision-makers assess potential outcomes with and without policy changes related to energy subsidies, emissions regulations, and renewable energy infrastructure investment.
Monitoring and Reporting on Interventions
- TU’s academic centers are involved in tracking the effectiveness of SDG-related policy interventions. This includes monitoring environmental, social, and economic indicators to evaluate the success of programs aimed at achieving the SDGs. For example, TU partnered with NGOs and local governments to monitor the progress of Tulsa’s climate resilience strategies, reporting on greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency improvements, and air quality measures. By providing periodic data reports, TU enables regional authorities to adapt their policies based on real-time results and emerging challenges.
- In 2023, TU’s collaboration with Sustainable Tulsa led to the development of a regional sustainability index, which tracks progress on multiple SDG indicators, such as clean energy usage, waste reduction, and water conservation. These reports are shared with local governments and regional stakeholders to guide policy adjustments.
Enabling Adaptive Management
- TU helps policymakers and NGOs apply adaptive management practices, which involve adjusting strategies based on feedback from implemented interventions. Through its policy analysis and research programs, TU offers insights into how policies can be refined over time to improve effectiveness. For instance, TU’s research on public health and economic disparities (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth) has helped inform local policy responses to health equity issues, including in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2022, TU worked with Community Health Connection and regional health authorities to monitor the impact of health interventions aimed at improving access to healthcare for underserved populations in Tulsa. Based on the monitoring results, TU provided recommendations for refining policies to better address public health disparities, including adaptive measures to meet new challenges as they arose.
Policy Advocacy and Capacity Building
- TU also plays a role in capacity building for government agencies and NGOs by providing education, training, and resources that empower these organizations to effectively implement SDG-related policies. In 2023, TU’s College of Law offered policy workshops in collaboration with the Oklahoma Policy Institute that focused on social justice and economic development (aligned with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities). These workshops equipped policymakers and NGO leaders with the tools and knowledge to draft more equitable policies and manage programs that promote social inclusion.
- TU’s collaboration with international NGOs, such as Plan International USA and HeForShe, has further expanded its influence on gender equality policy development (SDG 5: Gender Equality). In 2022, TU faculty contributed to policy recommendations for local governments aimed at reducing gender-based violence and promoting women’s leadership in politics and business. The university also helped NGOs craft advocacy strategies that bring these issues to the attention of policymakers at regional and national levels.
Examples of TU’s Involvement in Policy Development
- Energy Policy and Climate Action (SDG 7 and SDG 13): In 2023, TU collaborated with the Oklahoma state government and the National Energy Policy Institute (NEPI) to develop regional energy policies that support a transition to clean energy while addressing economic and environmental challenges.
- Public Health and SDG Monitoring (SDG 3): In 2022, TU partnered with the Tulsa Health Department and local NGOs to track health outcomes in underserved populations, offering data-driven recommendations that informed public health policy updates.
- Water Conservation and SDG 6: TU’s environmental science department played a pivotal role in modeling water conservation scenarios and advising on water policy reforms in Oklahoma, contributing directly to SDG 6-related policy recommendations.
By leveraging its research capacity, interdisciplinary expertise, and community engagement, the University of Tulsa plays a significant role in SDG policy development through partnerships with both national government agencies and regional NGOs. This direct involvement ensures that the university contributes to sustainable development through practical, evidence-based policy solutions.