UCalgary becomes host of Canada’s UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

The University of Calgary became the new host institution for Canada’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) this past summer. SDSN is a global initiative to mobilize the world’s largest network of researchers on the world’s most critical sustainable development challenges.

UCalgary became host effective July 1.

SDSN Canada enters new chapter with UCalgary

“This transition marks a new chapter for SDSN Canada as it continues to strengthen its network and support sustainable development initiatives across the country,” says Joanne Perdue, associate vice-president (sustainability) for the university, adding UCalgary aims to foster collaborations across academia, government and civil society to remove roadblocks to progress and accelerate transformative action to deliver on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Our approach includes four strategic pillars, including advancing SDG research and policy, advancing future-focused SDG education in Canada, youth engagement, and deepening of community engagement for the SDGs in Canada,” Perdue says. “To help scale the impact of SDSN Canada, there are dedicated UCalgary co-chairs. The Office of Sustainability is responsible for SDSN youth initiatives and overall community engagement activities.”   

A key component of UCalgary’s role as host institution will be its Institutes for Transdisciplinary Scholarship (ITS), says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). “ITS will foster transdisciplinary communities of practice, partnerships and collaborative action on sustainability research activities for SDSN, and create new national and international connections.”

About the SDSN Global network

Established in 2012, SDSN works under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to mobilize the world’s universities, think tanks and national laboratories for action on the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. The SDSN operates at the intersection between science, policy and development practice to maximize SDGs achievements at the global, regional, national and local levels.

Spanning six continents, the SDSN network comprises more than 1,900 member institutions, primarily universities, co-ordinated by 57 national and regional networks — one of which is SDSN Canada.

About SDSN Canada

SDSN Canada was launched in 2018 to harness the power of the country’s post-secondary sector to advance the SDGs. UCalgary assumes the host institution role from the University of Waterloo, which established the SDSN Canada and has served as the host institution for the past six years.

From 2018 to 2024, SDSN Canada enrolled more than 65 members and has implemented numerous initiatives to advance the SDGs across the country. Key efforts included the Together | Ensemble Conference (Canada’s only annual all-of-society gathering for the SDGs), SDG Week Canada Campaign, and the SDGs Localization Community of Practice, which promoted nationwide collaboration and education. 

It created resources like the SDGs Reporting Guide for Post-Secondary Institutions and the Youth Leadership Certificate for SDGs. Other projects engaged youth through SDG Student Hubs and SDG Youth awards. At the same time, workshops and webinars covered topics such as Indigenous partnerships for SDGs, decolonizing curriculum and civic implementation of SDGs.

"We are honoured to host SDSN Canada. This opportunity aligns perfectly with Ahead of Tomorrow, UCalgary’s strategic plan. We are excited to build on the University of Waterloo's strong foundation and lead collaborative efforts toward a more sustainable and inclusive future."

- Dr. Sandra Davidson, provost and vice-president (academic)