Universities play critical role in achieving global sustainability goals

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” – Buckminster Fuller

As we consider the importance of building a sustainable future, it is critical to consider the role of universities in shaping the outcome.

This is the focus of the Partnerships for Change event on Thursday, Oct. 25, featuring a keynote address from internationally recognized sustainability leader, Dr. Marjan van den Belt, PhD.

Originally from the Netherlands, Dr. van den Belt is an ecological economist and former assistant vice-chancellor of sustainability at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. She is a co-author on the global Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Guide for Universities on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which has been translated into six languages. 

“I have always had a lifelong passion for nature and how people can live sustainably as a part of nature,” says Dr. van den Belt.

Her keynote address will discuss the significant leadership role that universities play in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, linking this to research and education, community engagement, and the campus environment.

“As assistant vice-chancellor of sustainability, I was able to explore how a university can take the next step in achieving sustainability across research, teaching, operations, engagement and leadership,” she says.  

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals include 17 global goals as part of the resolution, Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals apply to all humans, with a critical role reserved for universities to deliver these goals by 2030.

As part of her keynote, Dr. van den Belt will also discuss applying the Sustainable Development Goals and translating them into local action. This will lead her to answer the fundamental question: What can we do to orient ourselves to more sustainable outcomes?

“Universities have a responsibility and opportunity to showcase leadership in this space. The diversity of individuals on university campuses allows institutions the unique opportunity to apply the Sustainable Development Goals,” says Dr. van den Belt. “This can be established through inspiring positive ideas and having some constructive conversations.”

The University of Calgary has a number of programs to support achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including the student-run Sustainable Development Goals Alliance, a community of student groups whose purpose is to solve sustainability issues on local and global levels.

Dr. van den Belt’s keynote will occur during the Partnerships for Change event on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in MacEwan Hall A&B. Seating is still available, but limited. If interested in attending, please RSVP as soon as possible. This event will also include a progress update on the Institutional Sustainability Strategy.

For more information on all of the activities and events happening during Sustainability Week (Oct. 22 – 26), visit ucalgary.ca/sustainability-week.