Ottawa, September 23, 2021 – As the world marks Global Goals Week, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is pleased to reaffirm its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One year after signing the SDG Accord, CICan produced a first report outlining how its many programs, activities and partnerships help support the SDGs in Canada and abroad. It focuses on key goals that have inspired CICan’s strategic plan: Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Quality Education (SDG 4) which is treated as an overarching theme at CICan.
“The SDGs provide a valuable framework for collaboration, among our members and with partners, to ensure our actions contribute to positive change for people and the planet” says CICan President and CEO, Denise Amyot. “We are incredibly proud of the fact that CICan’s own programs, domestic and international, are all tied to at least one of the 17 SDGs. This is perfectly in line with our vision of better futures for people and communities”
In addition, CICan recently updated its SDG Toolkit for colleges and institutes. The toolkit is made available to all post-secondary institutions as an open educational resource (OER). Developed with support from the McConnell Foundation, it is regularly updated and includes valuable information about the SDGs, tips on how to implement them in post-secondary contexts as well as best-practices and resources from member institutions.
CICan is also pleased to report that ten member colleges and institutes (Selkirk College, NSCC, Sheridan College, Confederation College, Lethbridge College, Olds College, Dawson College, CEGEP du Vieux Montreal, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and CEGEP de la Gaspésie et des Iles) have joined the growing list of signatories to the SDG Accord, along with postsecondary institutions and stakeholder groups from around the world committed to advancing the SDGs. More are expected to join, as CICan continues to encourage members to sign on.
See CICan’s website for more on the association’s work towards the SDGs.
About Colleges and Institutes Canada:
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the voice of Canada’s publicly-supported colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics, and an international leader in education for employment with ongoing programs in over 25 countries. CICan’s members add over $190B to Canada’s economy each year and contribute to inclusive economic growth by working with industry and community partners to offer more than 10,000 programs to learners in urban, rural, remote, and northern communities.
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For more information:
Julien Abord-Babin
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
Colleges and Institutes Canada
Email: jabord-babin@collegesinstitutes.ca
Phone: 613-746-2222 ext. 3131
Twitter: @CollegeCan