Climate change, misinformation, extreme inequality, threats to democracy, conflict –the world seems to be facing multiple existential crises at once. As 2024 gets underway, we are both humbled by the challenges and more convinced that the mission of Columbia World Projects – to spark and amplify social impact work at the University – is as important as ever. With that in mind, this year, we are committed to bold action and difficult conversations, including around the following areas of work:

Community Empowerment and Infrastructure Development

• Breaking Ground in the Black Belt: This Spring, we will demo the new wastewater treatment system at Auburn Rural Studio, along with its expansion plans.
• Enabling Thriving Communities: This June, we introduce new projects aimed at supporting community well-being and resilience.

Advancing Health Equity and Policy Reform

• Responsive Maternal Health Policies: In 2024, the first-ever large-scale survey on postpartum health will be available, thanks to a partnership with Columbia, Cornell and city/state governments. Its data and recommendations are to be integrated into Medicaid policy-making.

Fostering Talent and Leadership

• Welcoming New Scholars and Fellows: We will announce the new cohorts for our Early Career Faculty Impact Fellows, Social Impact Fellows, Obama Foundation Scholars and Displaced Student Scholarship recipients.

Innovations in Governance and Technology

• Digital Governance Initiative: Our next convening will explore the democratic implications of Big Tech's business models to identify promising legislative interventions, industry standards and regulatory approaches.