Category: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

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January 16, 2023

Change starts with education (SDG 4)

Say hello to the new you! At the beginning of a new year many of us resolve to make positive changes in our lives, relationships, and communities. We’re aiming a bit bigger. For us, 2023 is about building a country that is more sustainable and more equitable. To do that, we have to reimagine how we think about education.

SDG 4 challenges us to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Colleges and institutes take this to heart.

  • Offering more than 10,000 programs, diplomas, and certificates of different lengths and with varying delivery-methods, colleges and institutes are the most accessible post-secondary institutions in the country.
  • With nearly 700 campuses, our members make learning and skills upgrading available and accessible (within 50 km) to more than 95% of Canadians and 86% of Indigenous peoples. And that doesn’t include asynchronous and online learning options!
  • With state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on learning experiences and forward focused training, they prepare students for the current labour market and futureproof them for the jobs of tomorrow.

Through education, we contribute to positive change.

January 24 is the International Day of Education, celebrating of the role of education for peace and development. This year (2023) also means we have officially passed the half-way point of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Let’s use both milestones as reminders of the importance of accessible education and how we need to collectively build a more sustainable, inclusive and peaceful future for all.

Let’s work together to have a national and global impact.

Don’t forget! We have recommendations to transform our global future together. With more support for innovation, skills-based training, equity and accessibility, reconciliation, and less carbon, we can see a better future for people and our communities.

Change starts with education. This, year, we want to bring more leaders together, share more knowledge, create more positive change, and equip more Canadians with the skills to become futureproof. What is your wish for PSE in 2023?

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November 28, 2022

If you build it, they will come. (SDG 9)

Infrastructure. It brings to mind huge public projects like roads, subways, bike lanes, water supply, electrical grids, and telecommunications. But, public infrastructure encompasses everything that we deem critical for our cities, countries, economies, and households to function. Now what about the elements we deem critical to function sustainably?

SDG 9 challenges us to build resilient infrastructure in a way that promotes sustainable industrialization and fosters innovation. Did you know that there are over 140 publicly supported colleges and institutes in the country with a total of nearly 700 campuses located within 50km of over 95% of Canadians and over 86% of Indigenous people? The role our members play in their communities goes well beyond post-secondary credentials – they provide everything from newcomer support to R&D services to local industry.

  • Our network’s footprint is unmatched, so investing in college and institute infrastructure has a direct, local impact in communities across the country, in a variety of areas.

Infrastructure is deeply tied to our ability to innovate and grow sustainably. As Canada’s largest post-secondary network, our members have over 300 shovel-ready infrastructure projects (valued at over $3.5 billion) 62% of which include renovations, repairs, and retrofits to improve energy efficiency and reduce campus GHG emissions.

We are also vital community hubs that lead social and economic development across the country. Investing in colleges and institutes as infrastructure projects brings net-zero leadership directly to campuses across the country, while continuing to deliver cutting-edge green skills training accessible for all Canadians, where they live. In the context of Budget 2023:

  1. To build the next generation of campus infrastructure, we recommend: Creating a new Green Postsecondary Infrastructure Fund, with a minimum of $500 million a year over five years being dedicated to helping colleges achieve net zero emission campuses. (SDG 13)
  2. To support a net-zero economy, we recommend: Undertaking an inventory of critical strategic skills infrastructure to ensure that Canada has the training space available to meet the needs of key economic sectors. (SDG 8 & SDG 13)
  3. To bring the future to all communities, we recommend: Investing $100M over five years in a new network of 50 College Sustainability Centres across Canada to leverage college and institute assets including campus infrastructure, industry, and community partnerships to meet Canada’s net zero goals. (SDG 9 & SDG 13)

Must read: Canada needs futureproofing; colleges and institutes are the solution. We have seven recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee of Finance (FINA) as part of its most recent round of pre-budget consultations.

For further reading:

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November 14, 2022

Applied research is at the centre of the 2030 Agenda for a sustainable future

In our world, it’s more important than ever that we think creatively about economic, social, and environmental challenges. Innovation is critical, yet Canada’s investment in research lags behind many of its OECD counterparts. While (in 2020) OECD countries invested an average of 2.67% of GDP on research, Canada spent just 1.84%.

Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure) puts research at the centre of the 2030 Agenda for a sustainable future. In fact, when we talk about applied research, in many cases we are talking about developing new, innovative products and improving existing procedures in ways that contribute to sustainability such as reducing waste, saving energy, making processes more efficient, and more.

College and institute applied research is one of Canada’s strongest motors for innovation, and is recognized as a world leader. In the college and institute context, businesses – especially SMEs and entrepreneurs that often do not have large budgets for research and development – come to their local institution with a problem. There, they get access to state-of-the-art facilities, specialized equipment, and technical experts to help them advance their business.

In real numbers, that expertise led to 8,000 total research partnerships, over 6,400 applied research projects, 5,500 new processes, products, prototypes, and services in only one year (2019-2020). Canadians benefit from these innovation services that contribute to the long-term sustainability of Canadian industry, at a growing rate each year.

At nearly 700 campus locations, college and institute expertise is not only accessible, but also adaptable to any business need. And, over 90% of colleges and institutes have applied research offices ready to support their communities and local businesses with innovative solutions.

These numbers paint a picture of what applied research already offers Canada’s innovation ecosystem and what we can still achieve if we think more strategically about investment.

To build stronger, more resilient communities, (and help rebuild the economy and the work force) it is essential that we give college and institute leaders the resources they need to maximize the impact of Canada’s largest network of innovators.

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October 17, 2022

The SDGs are about ensuring that nobody is left behind (SDG 1)

Did you know that the official poverty rate in Canada has decreased from 14.5% in 2015 to 6.4% in 2020? While this is good news, trends indicate that the rate of decrease is slowing.

In fact, at the beginning of the pandemic (April 2020), we heard warnings that the economic impact of the pandemic could increase global poverty by as much as half a billion people, or 8% of the total human population, according to the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research. The study highlighted that the achievement of the 2030 Agenda (SDG 1 No poverty and SDG 2 Zero hunger) is under considerable threat. 

October 17 is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and SDG 1 challenges us to act to end poverty in all its forms, everywhere. But poverty is multidimensional, and factors like the lack of education, unemployment, gender and racial inequality, and climate change make it harder to put an end to it, especially following a global pandemic.

That’s why it’s even more important, now, that we use the SDGs as a framework to maximize our collective impact and ensure our actions contribute to positive change for people, communities, and the planet. As community-oriented educators, colleges and institutes use the SDGs to make Canada futureproof.

  • SDG 4 Quality education: Colleges and institutes offer more than 10,000 programs, diplomas, and certificates of different lengths and with varying delivery-methods. That makes them the most accessible post-secondary institutions in the country.
  • SDG 5 Gender equality: Colleges and institutes design programs that empower women to achieve their full potential, including in traditionally male-dominated fields. They also make spaces safe and welcoming for non-binary and gender-diverse learners. (Plus, did you know that 38% of college and institute presidents are women?)
  • SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth: Colleges and institutes provide lifelong, skills-based learning opportunities that are tailored to the local economy, getting the right people into the right jobs. (Did you know that 91% of our graduates find a job within six months?)
  • SDG 10 Reduced inequalities: Colleges and institutes are the primary point of access to post-secondary education for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis learners. They offer over 300 credential programs tailored to the needs of Indigenous learners and communities. They also serve as hubs to help all learners, no matter the background or experience, upgrade and advance their skills to succeed in the labour market.
  • SDG 13 Climate action: Colleges and institutes train learners to work in green industries and conduct applied research in the latest clean technologies. Their campuses are also home to leading-edge examples of net-zero and sustainable design.

The SDGs are about ensuring that nobody is left behind. If you haven’t already, make sure to sign the SDG Accord, the postsecondary education sector’s collective response to the Global Goals. 

  • As a college and institute leader, when you begin to think about your work using the SDG framework, you may quickly realize how invested in the SDGs you already are! Signing the Accord is a public and visible statement to inspire, celebrate, and advance the critical role of education in delivering on the SDGs.
  • Plus, as signatories, we maximize the impact of our efforts, share knowledge, hold each other accountable, and inspire each other to doing more.
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October 5, 2022

Report: Best practices on sustainability in the extractive sector (SDG 15)

Properly managing a country’s natural resources is one of the keys to supporting economic development. Natural resources provide the inputs for production processes but, they don’t last forever, and extraction often negatively affects the environment. How can Pacific Alliance countries ensure the environment is protected while supporting economic growth through the extractive sector?

A new report from our Education for Employment in the Pacific Alliance team highlights the best practices and policies on environmental sustainability shared over the course of its latest intersectoral forum.

Use it and share it with your partners as a tool to motivate and inspire creativity in managing natural resources!

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October 3, 2022

Artificial Intelligence is here, and it’s growing (SDG 8 & SDG 9)

You may not think about it, but artificial intelligence impacts our lives every day. But what is AI, anyways? It’s not all robots and self-driving cars. The theories of AI and Big Data allow businesses, organizations, and government to analyze huge data sets to identify patterns, trends, and other information that can help them make better decisions.

AI is here, and it’s growing (hastened in many ways by the pandemic). In fact, the Harvard Business Review reported last year that 52% of companies accelerated their AI adoption plans because of the COVID pandemic. Eight-six percent said that AI (once considered science-fiction) was becoming a mainstream technology at their company in 2021. That represents a huge transformation in business, labour, and skills.

Did you know that colleges and institutes offer almost 50 programs in AI, Big Data, data analytics, and machine learning in a range of stackable microcredentials, diplomas, certificates, and specialized post-graduate degrees? These programs ensures that new opportunities to upgrade or reskill are available to all learners, and that the businesses can find qualified workers to meet sector demand.

  • At Cégep de Sainte-Foy, the Technical Specialization in Artificial Intelligence teaches learners to perform technical tasks related to AI like preparing and processing data, implementing an AI method, and preparing AI solutions for production. This program was developed jointly with Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne and is taught fully online by both institutions.
  • At NorQuest College, the Machine Learning Analyst diploma program focuses on fundamental skills in AI and machine learning, like data analytics and computer programming and explores strategies to develop competitive business solutions. This flexible, industry-aligned program is offered through both in-person and hyflex delivery and includes an opportunity for work-integrated learning.
  • At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics is a post-graduate certificate that prepares students to work in data analysis and machine learning focusing on topics like cost and benefit estimation for process change and ethical issues surrounding big data.
  • The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Suite of courses at Yukon University is an introduction to the science behind AI systems, key definitions, processes, techniques, AI ethics, and more. This series of microcredentials is offered in partnership with Ed2go and takes only 48 hours to complete!
  • At Nova Scotia Community College, Business Intelligence and Analytics prepares students to manage, mine, and filter big data and apply analytical techniques in support of critical business decision-making. This program is offered in a blended in-person and online delivery model.
  • At BCIT, Business Information Technology Management (with an option in Artificial Intelligence Management) trains workers for positions managing AI, machine learning, and business intelligence solutions. The program focuses on things like AI business models, AI ethics, machine learning for business, and natural language processing.
  • At Assiniboine Community College, four microcredentials in AI machine learning, blockchain and the cloud help students better understand the technologies shaping the way contemporary businesses operate. Each microcredential is self-paced and takes no more than six weeks to complete.

But skills are only part of our new AI landscape. There’s also huge potential for growth through innovative business solutions. Some estimates predict that AI could add almost $16 trillion to global GDP by 2030.

SDG 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure) challenges us to do more to upgrade and retrofit industries to make them sustainable and foster innovation. Colleges and institutes help business and industry partners tap into the potential of new technologies through applied research and with specialized centres of excellence.

The AI landscape is changing our understanding of what is possible, and colleges and institutes are key players in that.

Read more: While the world of technology opens access and opportunity for us all, it also comes with the requirement to remain vigilant. Protecting networks, information, systems, and infrastructure is now an essential part of keeping all Canadians and Canadian businesses safe.

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September 20, 2022

Climate change is a global emergency that requires collective action, at all levels and across all sectors. (SDG 13 & SDG 17)

Global Goals Week is about action, awareness, and accountability for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A sustainable future requires each of us to do our part – SDG 13 challenges us to take urgent action to combat climate change. Our new milestone report asks the question: Are We Ready?  

The climate change emergency requires urgent collective action. Our new report details the role colleges and institutes play in addressing climate change and supporting Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy.

“Are We Ready?” is a scan and compilation of college and institute leadership in climate action across three crucial areas: Curriculum, Applied Research and Community Engagement, and Campus Infrastructure and Indigenous Approaches to Sustainability.  

  • The report reveals how colleges and institutes integrate principles of sustainability across program disciplines to address skills needed in the green economy; showcases how applied research helps businesses and community organizations find innovative solutions to lower their carbon footprints; and highlights strategies to plan for sustainability and energy efficiency when building infrastructure, both on and off campus.   

This report is not only a showcase, but also a resource to inspire more post-secondary leaders to act in the fight to combat climate change. Share it widely! 

And, don’t miss our first climate workshop: Is our curriculum ready to support a low-carbon economy? 

  • Be among the first to dive into a brand-new report! The latest research reveals that approximately 10% of all our member programs incorporate the principles of sustainability. But is that enough to support the workforce needs of a low-carbon economy? Workshop: September 21.  

For more, visit the Perspectives Blog:  

Don’t forget: The SDG Accord is the education sector’s collective response to the Global Goals. 

  • The Accord inspires, celebrates, and advances the critical role of education in delivering on the SDGs. As signatories, we maximize the impact of our efforts, share knowledge, commit to doing more, and hold each other accountable. So far, we have 34 member signatories. Your institution could join next! 
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September 19, 2022

Colleges and institutes are leaders in the transition to a green economy (SDG 8 & SDG 13)

Canadians have been waiting for a new plan to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next eight years under the Net-Zero Accountability Act. The official 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is now here. But what’s in it and what does it mean?

Bold, specific, ambitious, and achievable is how Justin Trudeau described the new plan, which outlines a sector-by-sector approach to reduce emissions to 40% below 2005 levels. That means things like greening homes and buildings, switching to electric vehicles, adopting greener technologies, and empowering communities to take climate action.

While some Canadians may be anxious about the future and about what a green shift might mean for jobs, colleges and institutes are the key to making sure this transition is successful and inclusive.

With around 15% of the current labour force (that’s more than three million jobs) anticipated to face a green-skills transformation, it’s important that workers – and future generations of workers – are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a green economy. Colleges and institutes are already putting a solution into action.

Submission: Colleges and institutes are a vital part of Canada’s sustainable jobs agenda. We have three recommendations to better navigate the transition to a green economy.

Through reimagined, high-quality, and innovative programming, colleges and institutes train young people, mid-career workers, and support businesses as they innovate. As the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is implemented, we need to keep these strengths top of mind.

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September 14, 2022

It’s time to reimagine the tourism industry (SDG 8)

Did you know that the tourism sector in Canada generates $102 billion annually, involves 1.8 million jobs, and accounts for over 2% of GDP? Of course, in the past two years, the sector has taken an unexpected turn.

Now, the federal government is asking Canadians for help developing a new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy that will plot a course for growth, investment, and stability. We have some ideas!

Colleges and institutes are Canada’s skills solution. Did you know that 6.8 million workers in Canada get training at public colleges and institutes? For tourism and related service fields, 26% of workers are college and institute graduates.

Submission: Colleges and institutes are important partners in the recovery and growth of the tourism sector. We have three recommendations. (SDG 8)

Colleges and institutes train for workers at all stages in their hospitality and tourism careers through a variety of credentials, including post-graduate certificates, specialized degrees, advanced diplomas, online microcredentials and more!

As Canada re-imagines it’s long-term tourism strategy, ensuring that workers have the right skills and see the industry as a path to good, high-quality jobs will be instrumental to the sector’s success.