Purdue Has Key Role in Global Program

Suresh Garimella says the initiative will capitalize on Purdue's strengths.

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Purdue University has been tapped to lead the U.S. portion of an international effort focused on addressing future world problems. The Cities for Life Global Initiative aims to tackle issues including cultural diversity, sustainability, urban planning and security using evidence-based solutions.

The Colombia-based initiative will bring together "sister universities" throughout the U.S. and the world. Purdue Center for Regional Development Director Bo Beaulieu says "right now, we are mobilizing major public and private universities across the Midwest region with major cities in their states, but ultimately we plan to take this initiative nationwide."

Purdue says around 75 percent of the global population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050.

Purdue Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships Suresh Garimella gave the keynote address earlier this month at the kickoff event in Colombia. It attracted 2,000 attendees representing 116 cities.