Sustainable Development Goals
Selkirk College was the first Canadian post-secondary institutions to sign onto the SDG Accord for the world’s colleges and universities. The Accord is designed to bring awareness to the SDGs, track progress and allow institutions to commit to working toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Selkirk looks forward to collaborating with other institutions on efforts to work toward a more sustainable future. Read the full story...
Check out our online resource that shares stories of Selkirk's contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals.
If you have any questions or want more information on how to get involved, contact Sustainability Coordinator Laura Nessman.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action, outlining steps to create a more sustainable and just planet. These 17 goals were adopted by all United Nations (UN) Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
What do the SDGs hope to achieve?
The SDGs aim to alleviate human suffering and halt environmental degradation, while supporting economic growth, creating clean and affordable energy, and addressing climate change. The SDGs work within five critically important areas: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership.
How will the SDGs be met by 2030?
We have entered the Decade of Action. With less than 10 years left to achieve the SDGs, we need to accelerate solutions to our biggest challenges. Cooperation from different sectors including educational institutions is crucial if the ambitious SDGs are to be achieved. Selkirk College is responding to the global call to action to work towards the SDGs in order to accomplish the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
What are the Millennium Development Goals and how do the SDGs differ?
The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted following the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Millennium Development Goals were used to support a global effort to progress sustainability from the years 2000 - 2015, but were designed for low income and developing countries. The SDGs follow a similar structure to the MDGs but are more specific, influential, interconnected, and call upon wealthy nations for support.
“The MDGs helped to lift more than one billion people out of extreme poverty, to make inroads against hunger, to enable more girls to attend school than ever before and to protect our planet.” United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moo