Nursing must play a vital role in improving global health and health care in the 21^st Century. Columbia University School of Nursing is dedicated to serving the health care needs of individuals in urban settings, as well as globally. We perform much of our research within our local, urban community of northern Manhattan and engage its residents in our projects which seek to explore the relationship between the unique, complicated environment in which they dwell and their health to improve their quality of life. Columbia Nursing’s global health program engages in research which fosters strategic partnerships in the context of population-based global health disparities to advance the conduct of nursing research throughout the world. Our global work examines the research infrastructure and the strengths and needs of our international neighbors, in tandem with their leaders, to inform programs of research tailored to addressing their unique health care needs, thereby improving overall global health.