Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is marking institutional efforts in advancing a more sustainable world with a week of events and activities.
KPU is one of a handful of B.C. post-secondary institutions to sign on to the SDG Accord, a global movement which commits higher education institutions to deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), report on progress and share learning.
From March 6 to 10, KPU will participate in SDG Week Canada with workshops, talks, and other activities at all five KPU campuses and online.
“Signing on to the accord demonstrates KPU’s commitment at an international level to advance Sustainable Development Goals, and builds upon an existing foundation of sustainability commitments and initiatives already positively shaping our identity,” says Dr. Alan Davis, president and vice-chancellor of KPU.
The SDGs offer a blueprint for a more sustainable, safe, and prosperous world for humanity by 2030. The 17 goals address a wide range of social issues, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and peace and justice.
Since signing on to the SDG Accord in 2022, KPU has reviewed all initiatives and practices at the university, including courses and programs in all seven faculties. That review found many KPU programs already align with numerous SDGs, such as the newly-revised entrepreneurial leadership program at KPU’s Melville School of Business. The business degree program integrates SDGs through an emphasis on experiential learning and case studies.
“Higher education institutions like KPU have a critical role in helping society achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Through leadership, research, teaching and learning, and campus operations, we are working to achieve a more sustainable future,” says Davis.
According to Colleges and Institutes Canada, KPU is one of two institutions in B.C. that has signed on to the SDG Accord, the Indigenous Education Protocol and the 50-30 Challenge, which aims to advance gender parity and increase diversity.