In the latest episode of Earth 5R’s Sustainable Futures podcast series, Alexandra Hiniker, Director of the Sustainability Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University, joins Saurabh Gupta to discuss her extensive career in sustainability. Alexandra, who pioneered the concept of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR), shares insights on local-global collaborations for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflects on her experiences leading projects ranging from pandemic preparedness in Africa to car-sharing programs in Chicago and landmine clearance in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The conversation explores the implementation challenges around sustainability at both the academic and city levels. Alexandra also offers guidance for young sustainability professionals, discussing the value of listening, mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning. Learn more about Earth5R’s sustainability initiatives and explore our related interviews with global sustainability leaders.

Chapters: 

• Introduction: Alexandra’s Background
• Concept of Voluntary Local Review
• Role as Director of the Sustainability Initiative
• Local Advocacy for Global Change
• Changes Required to Address Current Sustainability Needs
• Guidance for Younger Generation

Conversation:

Module 1: Introduction: Alexandra’s background

Saurabh: Welcome, everybody, to the Sustainable Futures podcast. Today, we have Alexandra Hiniker, the Director of the Sustainability Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University. Welcome to the podcast, Alexandra.

Alexandra: Thank you so much for having me. I’m really excited about our conversation today.

Saurabh: Let me briefly introduce Alexandra. As I mentioned, she is the Director of the Sustainability Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University. Previously, she led the Global Goals Program for New York City at the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, where she initiated a worldwide movement by creating the concept of the award-winning Voluntary Local Review (VLR). New York City became the first city in the world to report directly to the United Nations on its local implementation of the Global Goals. Over 300 local authorities have since committed to conducting their own reviews.

Alexandra began her international development career implementing pandemic preparedness projects across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. In addition to her role at Carnegie Mellon, she is also an active volunteer in local community development initiatives.

It’s great to have you on the podcast, Alexandra. I’m sure our audience will learn a lot from you today.

Alexandra: Thank you. Where shall we begin?

Saurabh: I’ll start with a few questions. First, we’d love to hear more about your journey and the different types of work you’ve done. Could you give us a brief overview?

Alexandra: Sure. As you mentioned, I have around 20 years of experience working at both local and global levels. This includes implementing pandemic preparedness projects and working in some of the world’s most heavily bombed and mined countries, like Cambodia, Laos, and Lebanon, for the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations. I also served as a representative for the international peacebuilding organization, PAX, at the United Nations, where I focused on ensuring that global policies reflected the priorities of our partners in Syria, Iraq, and South Sudan.

I actually began my career at the Center for Neighborhood Technology in Chicago, a think-and-do tank. There, I helped implement the first car-sharing program in the city and worked on an initiative called the Energy Smart Pricing Program, which educated residents about electricity usage and costs to reduce grid stress during peak times.

Saurabh: That’s fascinating! When was this?

Alexandra: Oh, that was back in 2002. Car sharing is now common across the country. Is it popular in India?

Saurabh: Yes, it’s quite a big trend here now.

Alexandra: Back then, there were just five cars, and we had to convince people to think about why they needed to own a car and how sharing could benefit them. That experience shaped my thinking about systemic issues, and that perspective has influenced my work throughout my career.

Saurabh: It’s clear you’ve had a very diverse career. How do you think this variety has influenced your approach to sustainability?

Alexandra: That’s a great question. On paper, it may look like I’ve had a lot of different jobs, but they all share a common thread—ensuring that my work is rooted in the needs of the people most impacted by it. Whether it’s pandemic preparedness, humanitarian disarmament, peacebuilding, or sustainable development, the focus is always on the people. Working in such diverse contexts has reinforced the idea that we’re all in this together, trying to make the world better for everyone, even though we may have different roles to play.

Saurabh: Did you need to prepare a lot when transitioning from one role to another? Or did you have to acquire different skill sets?

Alexandra: Absolutely. My first job at the Center for Neighborhood Technology was focused on Chicago, but I always wanted to work internationally. I wasn’t sure how to make that shift, so I went to graduate school in Poland, where my family is from, and earned my degree there. Afterward, I moved to Washington, D.C., ready to take on the world, but ended up with a part-time unpaid internship requiring an advanced degree. I had to work at a smoothie shop and as a chocolate fountain attendant to pay rent!

Eventually, I heard about a role at DAI, a USAID contractor. Though it was focused on contracts and budgets—things I knew nothing about—I jumped at the chance because it was a paying job. That experience was invaluable, as it taught me skills I’ve used throughout my career. Around that time, the bird flu outbreak in 2005 led me to work in multiple countries, training professionals on pandemic response, which even involved learning how to snap a chicken’s neck as part of avian flu preparedness!

Saurabh: Did you actually travel to those countries for this work?

Alexandra: Yes, I traveled to places like Afghanistan, Mali, Rwanda, Laos, Vietnam, and Bulgaria to train medical professionals on bird flu preparedness. After a while, though, I got tired of all the traveling and took a job at the UN focusing on mine action—something I knew nothing about but was passionate about learning.

Saurabh: Wow, that’s impressive. It seems like you’ve picked up a lot of skills along the way.

Alexandra: Yes, I’ve definitely learned a lot on the job. But I think I’m even better at working with people who have the expertise and learning from them. Collaboration has been key throughout my career.

Module 2: Concept of Voluntary Local Review

Saurabh: While leading New York City’s Sustainable Development Programs at the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, you introduced the concept of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), which has since been adopted by the United Nations and over 330 local governments, as we discussed earlier. Can you tell us how you came up with this idea and why it matters?

Alexandra: Absolutely. I started working at the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs in 2017. I had been working internationally for a long time, but I knew the importance of engaging at the local level, so this role seemed like the perfect fit. The only position available at the time was related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even though I hadn’t worked on them before. My focus had been on the Security Council and conflict resolution, so I was familiar with the UN system but hadn’t dealt with SDGs directly.

For more on global frameworks, explore the UN SDGs and Earth5R’s sustainability reports.

I also recognized the critical role cities play in shaping policies at the UN. Leveraging New York City’s unique position as the host of the UN, I developed a concept to systematically engage with city officials and get them involved in global discussions. For those unfamiliar, the Sustainable Development Goals were agreed upon in 2015, and countries voluntarily report their progress every July through the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process. Knowing the UN loves a good acronym, I wanted to create a complementary process for cities and local governments to report as well.

Initially, I thought of calling it the Voluntary City Review (VCR), but that seemed too limiting—it wasn’t just cities, but also counties and states that had a role to play. So, I coined the term Voluntary Local Review (VLR). I made it up as I went along, honestly, and was fortunate to have a supervisor who trusted me to take the lead. New York City became the first city in the world to conduct a VLR, and since then, others have followed. The UN has now embraced it as an official process.

Saurabh: That’s an impressive achievement, implementing something at the city level and having it adopted by the UN as well. It’s all about partnerships and understanding how this benefits the people doing the actual work, right?

Alexandra: Exactly. Partnerships are key. You mentioned the Global Goals Program—what we envisioned was a way to connect what was being discussed at the UN with what was happening in our cities and to involve city leaders in those conversations. The Sustainable Development Goals consist of 17 objectives that all countries aim to achieve by 2030. While they were agreed upon at the national level, the UN resolution specifically mentions the important role that local authorities, academia, and the private sector play, although it doesn’t define what that role should be.

In reality, cities are the first responders to many of the issues addressed by the SDGs. The Global Goals Program was launched to strengthen the connection between local implementation and global discussions. We also wanted to bring people from the UN and other cities around the world to New York City, so our colleagues could learn and exchange ideas—not just to showcase our work, but to foster meaningful collaboration and learning.

Saurabh: Right. It’s been more than five years since you introduced the VLR system. How do you think it has impacted global progress towards achieving the SDGs?

Alexandra: It’s a bit of a mixed bag. I’m thrilled that so many cities are taking this seriously, and the UN, through UN-Habitat and the Department for Economic and Social Affairs, has developed modules to bring local governments into the conversation. But I also see a lot of superficial engagement—some cities are producing reports just for the sake of it, hiring external consultants without doing the hard work of going through the goals and assessing where they can improve.

This is something I imagine you’ve seen with Earth5R. Sometimes, organizations want to appear as though they’re making progress without fully committing to the work. Have you encountered that?

Saurabh: Absolutely. We’ve worked with many governments, organizations, and companies, and one of the most common challenges is the gap between intentions and implementation. There’s often a lot of enthusiasm, but when it comes to taking action, there are conflicts and obstacles that make it difficult.

Looking at the SDGs, which are supposed to be achieved by 2030, we’re falling behind, and there’s a need for acceleration. So yes, you’re right—this is a widespread challenge across industries and sectors.

Module 3: Role as Director of the Sustainability Initiative

Saurabh: A major challenge indeed. Can you tell us more about your role as the Director of the Sustainability Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University? What are your main responsibilities, and what does a typical day look like for you?

Alexandra: In 2019, our provost committed the university to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and I began in 2020 to help implement that commitment by conducting the first Voluntary University Review. This looked at how our university contributes to the SDGs across education, research, and practices.

Of course, 2020 also brought the pandemic, which made engaging with existing activities challenging, but it was also an opportunity. We were able to connect with many people and understand what they cared about regarding the SDGs. In 2020, we published the first Voluntary University Review, which has informed our programming ever since.

In 2021, we launched an online platform where students, staff, and faculty can search for courses, researchers, and practices across the university related to the SDGs. By 2022, we had opened the Sustainability Studio, a permanent space in our libraries where people from across campus and the Pittsburgh community can gather to discuss issues of shared concern.

Now, I lead a fantastic team of undergraduate and graduate students, including some from India, to guide departments, units, and community partners in their efforts to achieve the SDGs. They are also developing a youth network across Pittsburgh and are focused on integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into discussions about sustainability. This is something we recognize as central to the goals, but it’s not always prioritized.

Is that something you’ve encountered at Earth5R, ensuring these topics are part of the sustainability discussions?

Saurabh: Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest challenges in sustainability is creating a society with equal opportunities for all communities and genders. We’ve seen this through our women empowerment programs, especially in underprivileged areas. Many women have the time but lack livelihood opportunities. When we created circular economy programs for them, we found that the income they generated was more likely to be reinvested in their children’s healthcare and education, which had a broader social impact. It’s an important focus area for us.

Alexandra: That’s so fascinating. What you mentioned touches on multiple SDGs. Women’s empowerment connects to education, workforce development, healthcare, and financial security all at once. It’s all interconnected!

Module 4: Local advocacy for global change

Saurabh: That’s great. From your perspective as an academic and someone who’s worked on both sides, what do you think is lacking or missing in the current educational system when it comes to tackling climate change and sustainability? How should we address these challenges in learning?

Alexandra: One of the biggest challenges is that every university is different, but a common issue is that departments often work in silos. At CMU, we have seven colleges—engineering, fine arts, computer science, humanities, public policy, science, and business—and everyone is deeply focused on their specific discipline. For example, when people think about climate action, they often think it’s limited to recycling or reducing greenhouse gasses, and they don’t see how their own work connects to broader sustainability issues. It’s a common mindset—“I’m an economist” or “I study 19th-century cultural development”—so they don’t immediately see how their work fits into larger efforts like climate action or women’s empowerment.

One of the key challenges is getting people to see how their roles connect to these broader goals and that it’s not just someone else’s responsibility. When people see their role in the bigger picture, they become more interested in contributing.

Saurabh: Is there a framework or methodology you’ve developed to address this?

Alexandra: Yes, I developed a framework while working as a consultant for the United Nations Foundation, creating a series of guides on how universities can address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It starts with three overarching questions: First, why is the university engaging in this work, and for whom? Second, where are we already contributing to the SDGs? These issues aren’t new; they are systemic, and universities have been addressing them for years. The key is identifying strengths and opportunities to build on them. And finally, what specific programs can we implement to meet the identified needs? This involves engaging students, educating faculty about how their work can be applied in different contexts, and working with staff, who often play critical roles in these efforts but may not always be prioritized.

Saurabh: That sounds like a solid approach. Can you share a specific initiative you’ve led at CMU?

Alexandra: One initiative I’m particularly proud of is a course I developed called “Local Advocacy for Global Change.” It was created in response to students’ passion for making a difference. When I first arrived, many students expressed their concerns about things like recycling or composting, but I wanted them to think more deeply. I asked them to explore how their interests connected to local and global issues. For example, one student was passionate about maternal mortality. She looked into the high rates of Black maternal mortality in Pittsburgh and linked that to national and global discussions, such as those under the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. This allowed her to engage with local organizations while contributing to international conversations. The course has empowered students to connect their passions to global challenges, and many have gone on to do incredible work.

Saurabh: That’s impressive. How do you encourage collaboration across different departments at the university? It’s often difficult to break down silos in educational institutions.

Alexandra: It can be challenging, but one successful example is an upcoming event we have on Monday. A colleague received a grant from the Center for Arts and Society to explore coffee as a form of hospitality, looking at its cultural, social, and environmental aspects. He’s collaborating with faculty from various departments, including environmental studies and social justice, to explore the roots of coffee and its impacts. These kinds of interdisciplinary events foster broader discussions and bring together people from different fields. The first step is often helping faculty see how their research connects to the SDGs. For instance, we have a robotics expert who is passionate about food security, even though it doesn’t directly appear in her research. By identifying these connections, we create opportunities for collaboration.

Saurabh: That kind of cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential. Do you see universities playing a more active role in supporting local communities while addressing climate change?

Alexandra: Absolutely, though it’s a delicate balance. Universities, especially students and faculty, are eager to help, but they’re not always skilled at listening to the communities’ needs. Sometimes, they’re so focused on their solutions that they overlook what the community actually requires. One example of successful collaboration is our partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh. Through a network called DISCOVER, we bring together local governments, non-profits, and universities to define sustainability and find ways to measure it. Universities play a critical role in these efforts by helping communities identify their needs and then supporting them in meeting those needs. Beyond formal organizations, it’s also about how we engage with the people around us.

Saurabh: That’s a thoughtful approach, ensuring the community’s voice is heard. At Earth5R, we also engage in volunteering and community action despite being a sustainability tech company. It helps build stronger connections around shared goals.

Alexandra: Absolutely. It’s important to bond around action. Volunteering and engaging with communities provide practical experience and foster relationships that make a real impact.

Module 5: Changes required to address current sustainability needs

Saurabh: Alexandra, what changes do you think are needed in the current international system to better address sustainability needs, given your background in international development, both as a volunteer and a professional?

Alexandra: I believe people need to look beyond their own spheres of influence and work more collaboratively. It’s essential to listen to others and understand their needs because everyone has their own ideas of what’s wrong and how to fix it. But if we don’t align these efforts and ensure everyone is working together, we might undermine each other’s work, which could prevent us from reaching our ambitious goals.

Saurabh: Right. What role do you think international laws and treaties play in achieving national sustainability goals, considering the potential for international crossovers and conflicts of interest?

Alexandra: I’m a strong believer in international humanitarian and human rights law. I’ve worked in this field for a long time, and while it can be complicated, disappointing, and frustrating at times, I still believe it’s the best way to bring countries together on equal footing. These laws create space for dialogue about shared values and commitments, even if some countries don’t comply or violate them. It also provides an opportunity to discuss how things can be improved. Having an international understanding of what we’re trying to achieve, alongside local discussions on why it matters and how to implement it, is crucial.

Saurabh: What current trends or developments in sustainable policymaking do you find particularly interesting?

Alexandra: I’m particularly encouraged by the growing role of local governments—whether at the city, state, or county level—in international discussions. While they may not be the ones making final decisions on treaties, their practical experience, as the ones implementing many of the issues being discussed at the international level, is invaluable in informing these discussions.

Saurabh: Yes, even Earth5R is part of the OECD’s panel on sustainable development goals for cities and regions.

Alexandra: That’s fantastic! In these kinds of meetings, we often see representatives and mayors from smaller cities, particularly from places in South America, Africa, and Europe, sharing their knowledge and experience. It’s fascinating how much learning can come from these interactions, even from smaller cities with fewer resources. When I worked with the city of New York, for instance, people would assume that because it’s a big city with many resources, we had all the solutions. But my colleagues were always eager to connect with cities of any size to find ways to improve their work.

Saurabh: Yes, some issues are fundamental, whether in the Global North or South. The context may differ, but the problems are essentially the same.

Alexandra: Exactly. While there may be different contexts, at the core, the issues are shared. And people, as I mentioned earlier, really do want to connect, share, and learn from each other.

Module 6: Guidance for younger generation

Saurabh: Alexandra, what skills do you think are essential for young people, particularly college students, who want to transition into a climate economy? Many of our Earth5R readers are young individuals eager to make an impact in sustainability. What advice would you give to those aspiring for international exposure, work with the UN, city administrations, or even in academia, given your diverse career experience?

Alexandra: Sure. I think one of the most important things is to listen and understand what’s happening around you so you can figure out how to be part of the solution. Not everyone will follow the same path, and that’s okay. It’s essential to pursue your interests, as everyone has a role to play, and trying to do the same thing as everyone else may not be the most effective approach. When you’re younger and have fewer commitments, it’s a great time to explore different topics and experiences to find what brings you joy and energy. Based on that, pursue educational and professional opportunities. For me, there wasn’t a single linear path to success; it was about being open to new experiences.

Saurabh: Were there any specific stages in your career where having a mentor was particularly important?

Alexandra: Definitely. Mentorship can take many forms. I think about my boss during my work on the bird flu program. He fully supported and trusted me, allowing me to take the lead on significant tasks, even when I had to travel to different countries and work with people I didn’t know. But my best mentor was my boss when I worked in Cambodia for the United Nations. She had a large portfolio and was under a lot of stress. I offered to help, and she allowed me to take on projects that interested me. Her support and feedback were invaluable, even though it likely took her more time than doing it herself. In the end, I became a stronger colleague and found an area that truly engaged me. Her name is Melissa Sabatier, and I owe her a lot.

Saurabh: So, a shout out to your mentor, Melissa!

Alexandra: Absolutely, thank you, Melissa! And you reminded me of an important point—taking the initiative is crucial. Sometimes it’s hard to reach out, but when students ask for help, I always want to support them. I’m sure you get lots of people reaching out to you as well.

Saurabh: Yes, absolutely.

Alexandra: And I think a lot of times people worry that asking for help makes them look like they don’t know something, but it’s quite the opposite. People are generally eager to help others. It makes us happy too.

Saurabh: That’s how we connect as human beings.

Alexandra: Exactly.

Saurabh: What can students do to gain experience and build a solid foundation in sustainable policymaking?

Alexandra: It depends on the university, but at Carnegie Mellon, for instance, we have an Office of Undergraduate Research that connects students with fellowships and opportunities, not just big ones like Fulbright but also smaller ones in different areas. So, the first step is to explore what resources your university offers. Secondly, join student clubs that align with your interests. I was part of an Environmental Concerns Organization during college, and the network I built there includes friends I still connect with today. Lastly, make time for other activities you enjoy. I play the saxophone and volunteer with local organizations, which helps me stay balanced.

Saurabh: So you’re not just hyper-focused on one goal but more of a well-rounded individual. We’d love to hear more about your current volunteering work.

Alexandra: I wish I had a picture to show you! Pittsburgh has a rich industrial past, and there are many projects to maintain the remaining infrastructure. I volunteer with a local organization, and it’s a completely different experience from my usual work. I mow lawns, paint, and even learned how to build a bench. It’s satisfying to contribute with my hands to a local community project, and it gives me a break from the more challenging tasks I face during the week.

Saurabh: That’s truly inspiring. Despite your busy career, you still find time to give back to the community.

Alexandra: I can’t imagine not doing it.

Saurabh: How do you manage stress with such a busy schedule?

Alexandra: You really want to know? I’m obsessed with powerlifting! I go to the gym three times a week and lift the heaviest weights I can. It’s incredibly satisfying to measure progress in such a straightforward way—lifting 10 more pounds than the week before. It’s a great stress relief, and I also love making music.

Saurabh: That’s awesome. So, you’re taking care of both body and mind.

Alexandra: Exactly! What about you?

Saurabh: I play the guitar and a bit of piano. For physical activity, I enjoy swimming and cycling. I think having a slow-paced hobby is essential for a balanced life.

Alexandra: I couldn’t agree more.

Saurabh: I also meditate.

Alexandra: We should definitely talk more about that! I meditate off and on, and when I do, it’s wonderful.

Saurabh: We will! It’s been amazing talking to you, learning about your experiences, and the valuable skills you’ve developed throughout your career. I’m sure our audience, especially the young people, will take a lot from this conversation.

Alexandra: Thank you so much for this interview! I look forward to staying connected and learning more from each other in the future.

Saurabh: I really enjoyed our conversation. I hope we can continue it.

Alexandra: Absolutely! Take care, everyone.

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