THUNDER BAY – Confederation College has become the second post-secondary school in Ontario to sign an agreement promising to live up to 17 sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations.
College president Kathleen Lynch says by signing the SDG Accord, the Thunder Bay school will join educational institutions from around the world in putting a priority on sustainability, with a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, both now and into the future.
“The commitment we are making represents an important next step in advancing our longstanding College-wide sustainability effort, and furthers our work to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive experience for all members of our College community,” Lynch said in a release.
“The implementation of the SDG Accord responsibilities supports our Strategic Plan and will inform our next Sustainability Plan, which is currently under development.”
It will be done with a holistic and global approach and the goals range from responsible consumption, innovation and infrastructure, clean water and clean energy, to quality education, reduced poverty and inequalities, good health and well being, economic growth and more.
Lynch said the SDG Accord also aligns with the college’s strategic plan, Kaa-anokaatekin and its values of courage, equity and relationships. It will also help the school in its management of sustainable physical environments, responsive to the needs of the college community and its commitment to ensure graduates leave with a good appreciation of global citizenship.
It is critical for us to help lead the way in addressing the urgent social, economic and environmental challenges facing our planet, including climate change and issues like poverty and inequality,” said Lynch. “We not only want to do our part for our collective future, but also want to inspire our College community, particularly our students and employees, to do the same.”
Viist www.sdgaccord.org for more information or visit www.confederationcollege.ca/sustainability.
