UN Sustainable Development Goals

Graphic with words Sustainable Development Goals and list of all 17 goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) represent 17 Goals, which are an urgent call for action for all countries in a global partnership. The Goals recognize the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of solutions that are required to build a sustainable future.

Higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to advance the SDGs through a broad range of work in research, outreach, teaching, and operations.

Read about how Western has taken action across all 17 SDGs in our annual Sustainable Development Goals reports. Recognizing the importance of SDG 17, partnerships for the goals, you can learn more about Western's collaborations in the annual Partnerships for the Goals reports.

Annual Reports

2022-2023 Sustainable Development Goals Report

2022-2023 Partnerships for the Goals Report

2021-2022 Sustainable Development Goals Report

2021-2022 Partnerships for the Goals Report

2020-2021 Sustainable Development Goals Report

2020-2021 Partnerships for the Goals Report

Summary of SDGs across campus

SDG 1 - No poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Research

  • Addressing the root causes of poverty in London, Ontario, London Poverty Research Centre works towards ending poverty in our community. The centre approaches poverty reduction by focusing on three steps: research, knowledge mobilization, and community action.
  • Through a series of concurrent research initiatives and evaluation analyses, the Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion at Western collaborated on Homes4Women, a community pilot project that provides housing for women experiencing homelessness.

Outreach

  • Group of people standing with sign indicating $612,569 raised for United WayPurple Hands is a homeless advocacy organization run by students at Western University. They organize annual events to reach out to people experiencing homelessness, distribute items, or collect food to donate to food banks.
  • Western University's 2023 United Way Campaign donated more than $600,000 to support United Way Elgin Middlesex, benefiting over 110,000 locals through 50+ funded services and programs in our community.
  • Operated by the Faculty of Law at Western, Community Legal Services provides free legal services to low-income people in the community. The clinic is among the most progressive legal clinics in Canada and a leader in the cause of access to justice.

Teaching

  • The 39 Country Initiative, based at the Ivey Business School's International Business Institute, accelerates management education in under-resourced countries by providing updated teaching materials and pedagogical training to educators, enhancing the quality of education.
  • The Master of Professional Education at Western University offers an Anti-Poverty Education Course that delves into poverty's impact on education access and achievement, as well as broader social class and economic inequality issues.

Operations

  • Western University provides a Bursary Program to aid low-income students in overcoming financial barriers and food insecurity, covering expenses such as tuition, housing, and more. Additionally, the Work Study Program offers on-campus part-time jobs to students, providing valuable training and support for their future careers.
  • Western University is offering postsecondary education to five former foster kids through the Youth in Extended Society Care program. The support includes covering full tuition costs, ancillary fees, as well as books and supplies.

SDG 2 - Zero hunger

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

Research

  • Dr. Bryan Neff and his lab in the Biology Department are researching best practices for ethical and sustainable aquaculture using advanced genetic techniques.
  • Dr. Jury Gualandris of Ivey if leading "Towards a Climate-Smart Food System," which seeks to promote regenerative agriculture in Canada through collaboration with partners like the City of Guelph's Smart Cities Office and Scotiabank.

Outreach

  • Fresh produce stand at the Western Farmers Market with customerThe community garden was built by Western's Sustainability Office, Landscape Services, Society of Graduate Students, and EnviroUSC to engage in sustainable gardening practices.
  • A group of Western University students living on Broughdale Avenue organized a month-long food drive to address hunger in London. This was their second year organizing this event. They collected over 1,400 non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army.
  • Hospitality Services at Western has been hosting a weekly Farmers Market since 2014 as a symbol of true food celebration where Western's community is encouraged to connect with local farmers. Students, faculty, and staff at Western can purchase the region's finest farm-fresh produce and locally made goodies.

Teaching

  • Developed by graduate students enrolled in the Masters of Food and Nutritional Sciences program at Brescia, FRESH is a research-based, multi-strategy nutrition education program.
  • The University Students' Council (USC) combats student food insecurity by hosting cooking workshops and demonstrations throughout the year that promote sustainable eating, such as the Food Skills for Life workshop. 

Operations

  • Western Hospitality Services is dedicated to a sustainable food system for the campus. They work with the Office of Sustainability to evaluate current initiatives and align them with UN SDGs by monitoring campus projects that support these goals.
  • Food Support Services is a USC student service dedicated to reducing food insecurity among students, staff and community members. The service provides education and awareness of issues such as food insecurity, hunger, and poverty in both local and global settings.

SDG 3 - Good health & well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Research

  • Scientists at Lawson Health Research Institute-Western University identified distinct blood biomarkers in post-COVID-19 patients, potentially paving the way for a groundbreaking blood test to diagnose long COVID and new treatment options.
  • Nicole Redvers at Western University research comprises climate change's impact on health, particularly Indigenous medical knowledge, taking a holistic approach to understand its effects on our ecosystem and all life on Earth.
  • Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute researchers used ultrasound to develop a novel 3D imaging system, which could improve the precision of liver cancer treatment via thermal ablation by assessing the potential for complete tumor eradication. 

Outreach

  • Indigenous dancer in regalia at sports eventThe Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging is a unique national research and education centre within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western promoting physical activity and well-being for older adults.
  • The Peer Support Centre is a USC student-led initiative that aims to provide non-judgmental, non-professional, confidential support from trained peers. Through fostering openness and understanding, the centre can provide a listening ear, resources of all kinds, or any wellness-related needs.
  • Western employees can earn points and win prizes by participating in Living Well @ Western's internal Wellness Rewards Program, which is aligned with Western's "Keep it On Campus" philosophy.

Teaching

  • The Global Health Systems program is a one-year professional master's degree, focusing on international health, especially in marginalized populations.
  • The Community Service Learning program for dental students

Operations

  • Health and Wellness provides free professional and confidential services to students who need assistance to meet their personal, social and academic goals.
  • The Community Service Learning program for dental students offers placements in local clinics and community sites in Southwestern Ontario. Its goal is to deliver person-centred, trauma-informed care to underserved community members with unmet oral health needs.
  • The Master of Public Health Program is a 12-month, case-based program where students learn from diverse faculty, engage in seminars, complete a 12-week practicum in Canada or globally, and acquire skills to become public health leaders.

SDG 4 - Quality education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Research

Outreach

  • Western Pride parade with people holding pride flag. Balloons and decor in background.The Wampum Learning Lodge hosts a unique garden emphasizing the respectful integration of Indigenous Peoples and their Knowledge. It enhances Indigenous presence and knowledge sharing, and provides organic, sustainable food for the community.
  • The Western Serves Network connects London community organizations with Western students, fostering collaboration on social issues. This strengthens Western’s community ties and helps produce engaged and productive graduates.
  • Western Continuing Studies offers diverse learning opportunities at Western University, catering to recent graduates, job seekers, and corporate clients through a wide range of programs, courses, and professional certificates.
  • Western is committed to building culture and community by bringing staff and leaders across the university together for engaging professional development opportunities. Staff and Leader Learning Days and annual conference days promote learning and growth for all.

Teaching

  • Western University’s Faculty of Education is a prestigious institution committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It provides a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare future educators, administrators, and researchers.
  • The Centre for Teaching and Learning is the teaching hub of the university to support the university’s teaching and learning mission by providing orientation, training, mentorship, research, and innovation opportunities for instructors at Western.

Operations

  • With more than 12 million items—both in print and online—Western Libraries houses one of the largest collections in North America. The public is welcome to visit Western Libraries and make use of most collections.
  • The Western Green Awards were established to recognize and promote sustainability efforts at Western by honoring individuals or teams making positive contributions to the environment.
  • Western has 1,879 student awards, as well as internal scholarships, external scholarships and awards, academic merit scholarships, needs-based awards, and employee group scholarships.

SDG 5 - Gender equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Research

  • Nadine Wathen conducts interdisciplinary research on the impact of gender-based violence on health and well-being. She collaborates with various organizations, including shelters, health clinics, and schools, to promote trauma-informed, equity-oriented practices and policies.
  • The Sexuality and Gender Research Group brings together researchers from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities with scholars in other disciplines to discuss questions of sexuality and gender.

Outreach

  • As part of a program promoting inclusivity, the Gender Equality Network at Western aims to educate about issues of gender equality and diversity through conferences, invited speaker series, and collaborative initiatives with other on-campus groups and community partners.
  • Students at Empower Club work to remove barriers facing underprivileged women in the London community, such as women who have experienced abuse, single mothers, and women experiencing homelessness.
  • Go ENG Girl and Go CODE Girl are some of the community outreach programs offered by Western Engineering that provide interactive and exciting opportunities for girls in grades 7-11 to be introduced to engineering, coding, and related STEM fields.

Teaching

Operations

  • Recognizing the unique needs of gender-diverse students, the Trans Care Team comprises a group of clinicians who work together to provide specialized psychological counseling and medical care to students in an LGBTQIA2S+ affirmative environment.
  • Western offers access to two onsite childcare centres, the University Childcare Centre and the UCC Flexible Childcare.

SDG 6 - Clean water & sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Research

  • Launched in 2020, WesternWater Centre is an Engineering-based group researching real-life solutions for the management and treatment of water supplies.
  • Research for Subsurface Transport and Remediation conducts innovative research aimed at addressing the sustainable management of our water resources through the development of engineering technologies in addition to enhancing understanding of natural hydrogeologic systems.
  • Western Engineering and Core Geoscience Services Inc. partner in an expanded research effort on water treatment through freezing technology. They seek to create innovative, efficient, and sustainable methods for purifying water resources.

Outreach

  • In 2022, Sustainability at Western initiated Riverfest, a series of events from September 6-27 to celebrate Western’s natural heritage, the Deshkan Ziibi (Thames River).
  • Western celebrates International World Water Day with a different topic each year, where past years’ events focused on Water and Food Security, as well as Water Cooperation.
  • WaterAid Western aims to fundraise and bring awareness to making clean drinking water, reliable toilets, and good hygiene accessible to everyone.

Teaching

  • The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering offers courses in drinking water treatment at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can explore specialized courses, including water resources management, wastewater treatment, hydrology, and groundwater modelling.

Researcher taking a water sample in a shallow waterway.

Operations

  • The Rain Infiltration Garden by the Physics and Astronomy Building is Western’s inaugural naturalized rain garden, with low-maintenance native plants aiding rainwater infiltration into the ground, reducing stormwater runoff into the sewer system.
  • Starting January 2024, Western will cease selling plastic bottled water on campus, replacing it with over 200 free water bottle filling stations.
  • The London Wastewater Facility, a collaboration between Western University and the City of London at the Greenway Pollution Control Plant, offers real-time access to municipal wastewater for testing and demonstrating innovative treatment technologies.

SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy

Research

  • Western University and Ivey Business School team up for interdisciplinary research on climate change and renewable energy, with a focus on agrivoltaics—using solar panels on farms to increase crop yields, conserve water, and generate additional income for farmers.
  • Western University researchers have advanced nighttime solar energy generation by storing it as heat in molten salt tanks, revolutionizing renewable energy production for around-the-clock clean energy.

Outreach

  • Green Campus Tours are a great way to get an in-depth look at what makes Western’s LEED-certified green buildings sustainable. Tours are open to campus community members as well as the general public.
  • At Western, SEWU organized a model energy policy negotiation, a fusion energy movie night with Q&A sessions featuring international researchers, and Western’s inaugural carbon neutrality pitch competition.

Teaching

  • Western University’s undergraduate Environmental Science programs cover a wide range of Environmental topics. Students can also pursue a Master’s in Environment and Sustainability. Other disciplines can explore energy-related subjects in courses like “Conventional, Renewable and Nuclear Energy” from the Faculty of Engineering.
  • Sunstang is a solar car project involving students from various disciplines and faculties. It challenges them to combine mechanical car elements with custom electrical systems and solar panels, creating an eco-friendly, futuristic vehicle for global solar competitions.

Operations

  • The Deep Energy Retrofit Program is a campus-wide initiative aimed at renovating older buildings at Western University to enhance their energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
  • Facilities Management at Western University broadens the approach to mitigating consumption during peak energy demand days throughout the summer by dialing back the air when the provincial drain on energy reaches its peak.

SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Research

Outreach

  • Four Western Hospitality staff standing in a residence dining hallWestern’s Faculty of Social Science in collaboration with the London Economic Development Corporation, offers graduating students the Social Science Career Apprenticeship It connects them to local job opportunities, providing exclusive roles, paid work experience, alumni mentorship, and a direct career launch after graduation.
  • The Western Accelerator is an immersive four-month program in entrepreneurship for new high-potential ventures. This program aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in students, providing resources to foster enterprising careers.
  • CommunityShift™, by KPMG Enterprise and Ivey Business School, offers Canadian charity and nonprofit leaders experiential learning and networking. Renowned faculty and guest speakers inspire knowledge exchange and practical application within their organizations.

Teaching

Operations

  • The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization Central Working Group advises AVP-EDI and shares equitable practices across Western’s departments, faculties, and student groups to advance anti-racism and accountability.
  • The Telus Health Employee Assistance Program at Western University is a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their immediate family members. It offers professional counselling, resources, and guidance to help address personal and work-related challenges.
  • The Western Faculty and Staff Experience survey aims to make Western a great place to work by gathering feedback from faculty and staff to identify areas of improvement, encourage dialogue and action planning, and measure progress towards the university’s goals.

SDG 9 - Industry, innovation, and infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

Research

  • Western University has developed an open-source robotic walker aimed at assisting people with mobility impairments. This innovative walker utilizes 3D printing and affordable components to make it accessible to a wider population.
  • The Western Information and Networking Group research lab is using drones for data collection in diverse fields, including exploring hazardous environments, conducting infrastructure inspections and long-distance delivery, and improving smart home security.

Outreach

  • WORLDiscoveries draws upon a mix of industry connections, sector-specific market knowledge, and business development expertise, to help researchers and local inventors commercialize their discoveries through licensing and new company spin-offs.
  • Western’s Ideas for Sustainability & the Environment competition was established to foster innovative and high-impact ideas that reduce or eliminate today’s most pressing environmental concerns.

Teaching

  • Researcher working with a solar panel.Civil and Environmental Engineering students can specialize in International Development with Structural or Environmental Engineering where they are introduced to the complex societal, environmental, political, and economic issues associated with building safer communities in Canada and in the developing world.
  • Western Continuing Studies provides innovation courses to give leaders the skills they need to pave the way for their organizations’ success. There are also bundled online courses to make learning more convenient. A certificate can also be obtained at the end of the course.

Operations

  • Western has implemented various efficiency upgrades on campus to reduce energy consumption, including Sustainable Design Guidelines for construction projects, energy conservation training programs, and improved weatherproofing in older buildings.
  • Western uses solar power generation through its investments in LEED-certified buildings and solar-powered LED lamps on campus. The Amit Chakma Engineering Building is a great example, as the building boasts an impressive solar array that offsets much of the building’s energy needs.

SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Research

Outreach

  • Held every year, International Week is an event focused on an inclusive, globally aware campus, with the goal of celebrating Western’s international community, diversity, and international collaborations.
  • BrainsCAN is a cognitive and behavioral neuroscience research initiative at Western, with a commitment to improving the representation of marginalized groups in neuroscience.

Teaching

  • Western Education’s Doctor of Education program offers specialization in Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice. Courses foster a deep understanding of educational equity issues, emphasizing critical reflection for integrating equity into education and policy.
  • The Health Equity and Sustainability master’s program is an entirely web-based, one-year graduate program that centers around the principles of fairness and righteousness.
  • The Collaborative Specialization in Migration and Ethnic Relations at Western brings together graduate students and faculty to study questions of migration, ethnic relations, cultural diversity, conflict, acculturation, and the integration of migrants, from the perspective of various social science disciplines.

Operations

  • Indigenous community members in regalia with a teepee on front of a campus building.Indigenous Services has established Western’s Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Committee, which includes Western’s inaugural multi-year Indigenous Strategic Plan.
  • Western University is launching the Western B.L.U.E. program to empower Black students through paid part-time leadership experiences, fostering skills, community engagement, and mentorship.
  • The Human Rights Office at Western offers information on the University’s discrimination and harassment policies, employment equity, diversity, and other human rights issues.

SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities

Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Research

  • Established by the Department of Geography professor, Dr. Jason Gilliland, the Human Environments Analysis Laboratory works on many projects with a focus on sustainable cities and communities.
  • Nursing professor Abe Oudshoorn and a team from Western’s Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion studied the effectiveness of permanent supportive housing in Canada, focusing on the case of Woodfield Gate in London, Ontario.

Outreach

Teaching

  • Western’s new Centre for Sustainable Curating was launched in May of 2021. It aims to shed light on ecological issues and share them through stories grounded in environmental awareness.
  • The Planning Sustainable Cities course explores land use planning in urban, regional, and rural settings, emphasizing sustainable city development.

Operations

  • Western University psychology professor, Dr. Victoria Esses, leads the Pathways to Prosperity Partnership, which aims to make Canadian communities more welcoming to immigrants.
  • Western’s sustainable transportation initiatives feature 80 electric vehicle charging stations, unlimited bus passes for full-time students, ongoing path network enhancements, and support from the Western Active Transportation Society, complemented by bike lockers and shelters to encourage eco-friendly commuting.

Outdoor view of Wampum Learning Lodge on campus.

SDG 12 - Responsible consumption & production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Research

  • Western’s ICFAR facility drives innovation for a sustainable future, focusing on reducing carbon dependence, improving alternative energy use, and developing eco-friendly processes and materials, along with solar-powered pollution removal.
  • Researchers from Western University, in collaboration with CTK Bio Canada, have developed a new biodegradable, hemp-based material as a sustainable substitute for plastic packaging.

Outreach

  • Ivey’s Social Impact Club, a merger of Sustainability and Not-for-Profit Clubs, champions business for positive change through initiatives and events. Their 5th annual Roots sustainability conference emphasized global and local perspectives, interconnectedness, inclusivity, and the field’s rapid growth.
  • EnviroUSC focuses on advocating for environmental and sustainability concerns at Western University. Through diverse initiatives like gardening, sustainable food, waste reduction, and outreach activities, EnviroUSC encourages student involvement in fostering a greener campus.

Teaching

  • The Sustainability Guide for the Western Community was put together by graduate students from the 2021 Master of Environment and Sustainability class. This guide provides tangible, accessible, and sustainable lifestyle recommendations to Western students, staff, and faculty.
  • Students in the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering undergraduate and graduate program at Western are trained engineers with skills to develop holistic solutions for clean water and air, carbon reduction, cleaner renewable fuels, and life-saving medicine.

Operations

  • In 2018, Western became the first Bee City Campus in Canada. The designation recognizes communities that establish healthy pollinator habitats and communicate their importance to the community.
  • Western’s Power Plant uses a multipurpose greywater system which has mitigated 10 million litres of municipal water since 2017. Water used to rinse equipment is captured and reused for blowdown tanks, chilled water make-up, and other auxiliary services.
  • Western University has pledged to have all responsibly sourced products, and currently, 99% of the seafood supply comes from certified sustainable or responsible sources. Residence Dining serves approximately half of the entrees meatless. Of these options, half are completely vegan.

Group of students conducting a waste audit.

SDG 13 - Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Research

  • The Wind Engineering, Energy and the Environment Research Institute at Western is home to the world’s first 3D wind-testing chamber, allowing scientists to address important scientific, economic, and societal challenges related to wind while evaluating energy potential and damage risks.
  • The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) aims to improve tornado detection and prediction in Canada, which experiences a significant number of tornadoes each year. NTP’s research also helps to assess post-tornado property damage and develop strategies for mitigating the impact of future tornadoes.

Outreach

  • Presentations at Thinking Globally Acting Locally event on campus.Thinking Globally, Acting Locally is a pilot program where student teams research and tackle local sustainability challenges while collaborating with community organizations.
  • The Multi-Hazard Risk and Resilience Group gathers researchers from different departments and faculties at Western and aims to address national and global challenges related to disaster risk reduction against natural catastrophes.
  • Ivey students organized the inaugural Ivey Sustainability Week in February 2023, connecting sustainable practices with business success through discussions, workshops, and art exhibitions.

Teaching

  • The Connecting for Climate Change Action course offers an innovative, storytelling-based approach that brings together Western and Indigenous sciences to educate and motivate learners in combating climate change.
  • The Climate Change and Society major focuses on the human dimensions of climate change and aims to equip students with the tools to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

Operations

SDG 14 - Life below water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Research

Outreach

  • Western Science Speaks Podcast is a short-format interview show exploring work at the Faculty of Science. The show covers a wide range of topics in science relevant to a broad spectrum of listeners, such as environmental sustainability.
  • The ‘Perspectives on drinking/household water in Indigenous communities’ event aimed to provide diverse insights on the challenges related to drinking and household water in Indigenous communities and promote collaboration between Western University and Indigenous stakeholders.

Teaching

  • The Western Science Departments of Biology and Earth Sciences offer students extensive hands-on learning experiences across five continents.
  • The Department of Biology offers Aquatic Ecology and Marine Environments courses. Aquatic Ecology explores freshwater and marine ecosystems, covering topics like zooplankton, microorganisms, and ecological impacts. Marine Environments delves into the challenges of marine animal communities, emphasizing invertebrate examples.

Operations

  • View of volunteers planting trees and shrubs along the Medway Creek bank at live stake planting event.Western University is committed to sustainable and ethical seafood sourcing, partnering with certified organizations. Our campus eatery serves locally produced, recyclable sushi, and collaborates with sustainable seafood organizations for responsible dining.
  • Students, faculty, and community members partnered in a project on Western’s campus to use “live staking” to plant native shrubs and willow branches along the Medway Creek shoreline. This effort aimed to mitigate flooding, enhance water quality, and foster climate resilience.

SDG 15 - Life on land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss

Research

  • The Woolford Wildland Fire Science Lab creates risk maps that predict fire occurrence based on current weather conditions. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry uses its models to generate daily fire occurrence prediction maps during fire seasons.
  • Danielle Way and her Biology Department lab group at Western’s Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre study the impacts of climate change on the boreal forest, simulating future climate conditions to assess boreal tree resilience over the next century.
  • The Canadian Micro-Pulse Lidar Network project, led by Dr. Robert Sica, aims to establish a Canadian network for tracking smoke and particulate matter, which will aid in forest fire monitoring, air quality management, and emergency response.

Outreach

  • Western climate change, ecological, and health experts provide consultancy and suggestions on the impact of the recent wildfire crisis in Canada concerning the health effects of wildfire smoke, climate change and wildfires, ecological damage of wildfires, as well as disaster response and mitigation.
  • Western Wildlife Conservation Society is a student organization dedicated to educating and increasing the involvement of the student body in wildlife conservation. WWCS aims to raise awareness of how to lower ecological footprints and create a healthy and sustainable planet.

Teaching

  • Western’s field courses provide academic credit for immersive learning in remote locations, such as the Adirondack State Park, covering diverse natural environments, field techniques, and regional history.
  • The Honors Specialization in Biodiversity and Conservation equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s ecosystem forces, focusing on the impact of climate change on biodiversity.

Operations

  • Landscape Services at Western employs a variety of practices to support ecologically beneficial plantings across campus. Native plants are given priority in planting plans, and the right plant is selected for each specific location.
  • Western University is implementing infrastructure updates and standardized signage to enhance waste reduction and diversion efforts across campus, promoting consistency and efficiency in waste management.

Beryl Ivey garden in bloom.

SDG 16 - Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Research

  • The Centre for Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction unites interdisciplinary experts at Western, specializing in topics like transitional justice, reconciliation, criminal accountability, legal reconstruction, environment, and human rights.
  • The Canadian Partnership for International Justice (CPIJ) has been awarded the 2022 Partnership Award by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Led by Western Law professor Valerie Oosterveld, CPIJ aims to strengthen access to justice for victims of international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
  • Surviving Memory, led by project director and Western professor Amanda Grzyb, is committed to documenting the Salvadoran civil war and preventing future violence through commemoration.

Outreach

  • The Western Humanitarian Society partners with the Canadian Red Cross to fundraise and increase awareness of humanitarian crises. They also provide their members with a wide variety of volunteer opportunities within the London community.
  • Western Model United Nations was founded to provide a platform for students to practice diplomacy and discuss important international political issues in a setting that simulates the actual United Nations.

Model UN group in action. Students holding country signs in the air.

Teaching

  • The Local Government Program is a leader in municipal-level public administration education and offers two unique opportunities for studying the rapidly changing fields of local government and local government administration.
  • Western is a leader in transitional justice research and hosts the only program in North America at both the undergraduate and graduate levels that focuses on transitional justice.

Operations

  • Funded by the Office of the Vice-President, the Humanitarian Award recognizes faculty, staff, and students at Western, who are engaged in a range of efforts directed towards improving the quality of life for individuals and communities around the world.
  • Western Special Constables patrol Western and affiliate campuses on bikes, enhancing their accessibility for conversations and inquiries. Additionally, 25 strategically located Code Blue Emergency Phones offer direct two-way communication to the Communications Centre.
  • Legal Information for Sexual Assault was initiated by Western Law students, with backing from Community Legal Services and Western’s Faculty of Law. It offers discreet legal guidance to Western University students dealing with sexual assault, with trained law students providing information, referrals, and support.

SDG 17 - Partnership for the goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

Research

  • Ivey’s Lawrence Centre is an important voice on business-government issues and develops future leaders who better understand the immense value of the collaborative relationship between the public and private sectors and the development of sound policy.
  • An international team of scientists, including astrophysicists Els Peeters and Jan Cami from Western University, used data from the James Webb Space Telescope to identify a molecule called methyl cation in the protoplanetary disc around a young star.

Outreach

  • The World’s Challenge Challenge is an annual international competition hosted by Western, during which teams from universities around the world present their best solutions to pressing environmental, educational, and social issues.
  • The Western Sustainability Leaders Program is a way for students to engage with sustainability with a network of like-minded students from across campus.
  • Network for Economics and Social Trends is a flagship research and policy alliance in the Faculty of Social Science at Western University that informs social and economic policies and practices in Canada and North America.

World Challenge Challenge team of three students holding globes.

Teaching

  • Community Engaged Learning gives students the opportunity to take their skills beyond the walls of the classroom and into the community. CEL experiences partner students with groups, individuals, and organizations in the London region and abroad to address important problems and issues.
  • International Learning at Western University collaborates with international partners to develop, promote, and support a broad range of activities that cultivate global-ready graduates, and a community of internationally engaged faculty and staff.
  • Pro Bono Students Canada, Western Chapter, is a national program launched by Western’s Faculty of Law. The mission of the program is to pair law students with community agencies in need of free legal services.

Operations

  • The Western Heads East Internship program offers students a competitive and dynamic international experience focused on health sustainability in Africa.
  • The Visiting University Scholars Program by Western International provides funding for international scholars nominated by faculties to make short- to medium-term visits, offering up to $3,000 matched with host faculty funds. Western is committed to supporting students and scholars who face threats to their lives, liberty, and well-being in their home countries due to events beyond their control.