Assiniboine College and the Assiniboine Students' Association have signed on to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Accord, joining fellow Canadian colleges in committing to delivering environmental, social and economic impact. The SDGs offer a shared framework to measure the college's impact and participate in a global initiative.
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has been leading the way launching the ImpAct Initiative in 2019 to amplify the college system's contributions to economic and social development, community well-being and a sustainable future through supporting the SDGs.
Among the 17 SDGs are goals relating to poverty, hunger, health and wellbeing, quality education, equality, responsible consumption and production, and sustainable communities - all of which intersect with the work of Assiniboine.
"We're already committed to these goals, and ensuring the work we do creates meaningful impact in these areas," said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine. "We are grateful for the leadership of CICan in championing this initiative and look forward to continuing to ensure that our impact on students and communities is guided by these goals."
By providing a framework for collaboration among partner agencies, the SDGs ensure that the actions of signatories contribute to positive change for people and the planet and encourage the sharing of best-practices for a sustainable future.
"Assiniboine College is the national leader in community-based education offering full-time programs in more than 20 communities every year," added Amy Doerksen, Director of Integrated Planning. "Our graduates consistently find employment, in their field of studying and stay in Manitoba."
Assiniboine has an annual economic impact of $612 million.
"With our lens on student success and belonging, we're inspired by the SDGs and committed to these goals being a guide to what we do, in supporting students and in partnership with the college," said Amanda Hamm, Executive Director of the Assiniboine Students' Association.
"The impact of Assiniboine is far-reaching, be it to the communities in which we deliver programming or the students we have welcomed from more than 55 countries over the past five years," said Danielle Adriaansen, Vice President Enrolment at Assiniboine. "In recognition of that global viewpoint, the college will continue to foster sustainability, equity diversity & inclusion, and measured economic impact." she added.
Those interested in more information about the United Nations Sustainability Development goals, can visit https://www.collegesinstitutes.ca/what-we-do/our-priorities/advancing-sustainable-development-goals/
