SDG Policy Initiative Director
Gordon McCord has an extensive background in sustainable development and works at the intersection of development economics, public health and the environment. His research often employs spatial data analysis and remote sensing to explore topics such as the evolving role of geography in economic development, the burden of infectious diseases in a changing climate, the impact of agricultural technology diffusion, and the spatial patterns of violent conflict. Gordon is also Senior Advisor to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations. He does extensive policy work promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, including leading the SDSN-USA network of U.S. universities, and is deeply involved in the global FABLE project bringing together interdisciplinary teams to chart sustainable land use pathways for the largest countries around the world. Gordon has advised developing country governments on poverty reduction, health systems and economic growth. Prior to his doctoral work in sustainable development at Columbia University, Gordon was Special Assistant to Jeffrey Sachs at the Earth Institute and at the United Nations Millennium Project.
