The University of Calgary, the new host of Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada, is co-hosting this growing national collaboration with the University of British Columbia's (UBC) Sustainability Hub and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
A month of events
Formerly known as SDG Week Canada, the initiative now takes place over a month. Throughout March, students, educators and community members will participate in workshops, panels and interactive events to accelerate the SDGs at post-secondaries in a co-ordinated, collaborative way.
This is an "opportunity to empower individuals, strengthen connections and drive meaningful progress on the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals," says Dr. Christine Daly, PhD'23 (Environmental Design), SDSN Canada chair and associate director of UCalgary's Office of Institutional Commitments.
Last year, the impact of events across Canada was undeniable: 33 campuses hosted more than 100 events focused on the SDGs, engaging thousands of participants in critical conversations about climate action, social equity, responsible consumption and more. Now extended to a full month, its impact is expected to further increase.
What to expect from SDG Month Canada 2025
This year, campuses from coast to coast will host an even wider array of workshops, expert panels and hands-on activities, ensuring that SDG action remains at the forefront of campus life.
"Across the country, post-secondary campuses and local communities are answering the global call to action to advance the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," says Daly. "Together, we can develop creative solutions to address urgent sustainability challenges and shape the foundation for a better future."
Institutions will participate by raising awareness around the SDGs through interdisciplinary teaching and learning opportunities, building the goals into their campus operations, strategic planning, instructions and research. Additionally, institutions will foster collaborations and integrate core values to promote inclusive and respectful conversations, aiming to develop universal, transformative and interconnected solutions.
For example, UBC's Sustainability Hub has been developing awareness of the SDGs on its campus and beyond for the last five years, says Dr. Janice L. Stewart, PhD, deputy provost and associate dean (faculty) of UBC's Faculty of Arts.
"Universities can play a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative research and education," says Stewart. "We are excited to co-launch the first SDG Month Canada to engage more campuses and organizations across Canada."
March is filled with programming, but the conversation goes beyond that. Together | Ensemble 2025, SDSN Canada's flagship conference on the SDGs, will be taking place on May 26 and 27 at UCalgary. The national event will bring together policymakers, researchers and changemakers to discuss the next steps in Canada's sustainability journey.
Learn more about SDG Month Canada and view the full list of events happening in March. Additional events may be found on the UCalgary event calendar.
For more information on SDSN Canada, email SDSNCanada@ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary's Institutional Sustainability Strategy provides a road map for continuous improvement in our pursuit of excellence, innovation, and leadership in sustainability. We aim to be a Canadian post-secondary education leader in sustainability in our academic and engagement programs, administrative and operational practices, and through supporting community and industry in their aims for leadership in sustainability.
