News
2025 Reach Alliance Conference November 18–21, 2025
Celebrating 10 Years of Global Impact Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals & Building on a Transformational Fundraising Campaign
TORONTO, October 6, 2025 — The Reach Alliance, in collaboration with the Singapore Management University (SMU), will co-present the 2025 Reach Conference from November 18–21 in Singapore, the first time the global convening is held in Asia. The conference theme, Reach for Impact: 10 years of Global Research, Local Solutions, Lasting Change sets the stage for bold conversations, breakthrough ideas, and real-world action that bridges global expertise with community-driven outcomes.
The annual conference will bring together public, private and third sector leaders, as well as trailblazing researchers from around the world to spotlight data-driven, field-based solutions that address the world’s toughest climate, public health and economic challenges.
“The Reach Conference has always been a space to amplify the voices and insights of those who go where others don’t — researchers and communities tackling last-mile issues head-on,” said Joseph Wong, Founder of the Reach Alliance, Professor and Vice-President, International at the University of Toronto. “Bringing this event to Singapore reflects the global importance of Asia and is both a reflection of the Alliance’s expanding global network and a testament to UofT’s strategic partnership with SMU.”
“On the occasion of our Silver Jubilee this year, SMU is honoured to co-host the 2025 Reach Conference alongside the University of Toronto,” said Professor Lily Kong, President, Singapore Management University. “Asia’s influence on international affairs and the global economy is clear. The region – home to 60% of the world’s population – is a hotbed of innovation and opportunity, but also one that faces myriad challenges to its sustainable development and growth. This duality requires a new breed of changemakers who can leverage Asia’s potential to bring positive change to society, especially for the communities who need it the most.”
The conference will feature new actionable insights from research conducted in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ghana, India, Mexico, Nepal, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as first-hand accounts from field researchers and local community collaborators who have worked in complex, underserved contexts.
“Now, more than ever, universities must drive actionable research that is grounded in local insights and expertise,” said Marin MacLeod, the Executive Director of the Reach Alliance. “The world is off track when it comes to achieving the SDGs and rigorous, interdisciplinary research is needed to inform policymakers and practitioners as we work together to solve urgent local challenges with communities being left behind.”
New Reach Alliance research being launched:
- Blockchain for Social Impact: Empowering Vulnerable Communities Against Climate Shocks in Nepal (Nepal)
- Good Eye Health Through Responsible Data Sharing (United Kingdom)
- Improving Black Maternal Health: A Holistic Approach in the U.S. and Ghana (United States/Ghana)
- Unconventional Paths: Employment Strategies for Youth Deterred from Completing High School in South Africa (South Africa)
The Reach Alliance remains steadfast in its mission to ensure no one is left behind in an increasingly connected world. Despite global progress, millions still face exclusion due to inequality, isolation, and systemic barriers. To address these urgent challenges, the Reach Alliance has launched a bold campaign to raise $10 million over the next three years. This funding will accelerate impact across four key areas: driving action and innovation, cultivating global talent, supporting community partners to scale, and growing the global network.
As the Reach Alliance grows its footprint in Asia, SMU will play a key role in advancing regional and international research collaborations and enabling more student researchers to shape policy, inform practice, and drive inclusive innovation globally.
For more information on the 2025 Reach Conference please visit https://reachalliance.org/event/2025-reach-conference-singapore/
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About the Reach Alliance
The Reach Alliance is a consortium of global universities – with partners in Ghana, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore – developing the leaders we need to solve urgent local challenges of the hard to reach – those under-served for geographic, administrative, or social reasons. It was created in 2015 by the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, in partnership with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. For more information, visit https://reachalliance.org/.
About Singapore Management University (SMU)
Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is a premier Asian university internationally recognized for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. SMU offers a broad-based, interactive, and project-based education to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. Its eight schools span disciplines including business, law, computing, economics, social sciences, and integrative studies. SMU emphasizes high-impact, interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian and global challenges. Located in downtown Singapore, its city campus enables strong ties with industry, government, and the community. Celebrating 25 years of impact, SMU remains committed to innovation, boundary-breaking research, and transforming lives. Learn more at www.smu.edu.sg.
Contacts:
Reach Alliance: Marin MacLeod – marin.macleod@utoronto.ca
Singapore Management University: Jean Lim – jeanlim@smu.org
