Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada
What to Expect
The conference will feature:
- Opening video remarks by Anacláudia Rossback, economist and Executive Director of UN-Habitat
- Keynote presentations by The Honourable Bob Rae, Canada’s 25th Ambassador to the United Nations and Danika Littlechild, UNESCO Research Chair in Biodiversity, Conservation and Indigenous Health and Well-Being
- Plenary sessions, panel discussions, immersive tracks, breakout sessions and workshops on topics like business solutions, future-focused education, community leadership, and SDG innovation
- For in-person attendees: Indigenous land-based learning experiences to Kananaskis, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, or on-Campus
- Student-led programming featuring a post-secondary Water Innovation Challenge, a national dialogue capturing youth priorities for the SDGs, and a poster session (in person), alongside other youth-focused activities
- …and more!
About
SDSN Canada is a network of universities, colleges and research institutions across Canada committed to Sustainable Development.
The network builds pathways to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement in Canada by mobilizing research, outreach, and collective action.
The University of Calgary is the new SDSN Canada host institution, effective July 1, 2024.
The University of Waterloo founded SDSN Canada in 2018 and served as host until June 30, 2024. UCalgary's Office of Sustainability, supported by the institution's leadership, led the SDSN Canada proposal. The university aims to build on UWaterloo's accomplishments and advance SDSN Canada's mission to mobilize Canadian educational and research institutions in support of the SDGs.
The world's largest knowledge network for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) works under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to mobilize the world's universities, think tanks, and national laboratories to identify and develop global and local solutions for action on the world's most critical sustainable development challenges.
Stay up to date
Check out recent or upcoming SDSN initiatives and developments below.
Together|Ensemble Conference 2026
The Together|Ensemble Conference (May 19-20, 2026) brings together intergenerational Indigenous Peoples, youth, academia, government, business, and community leaders to turn global goals into local action and tackle Canada’s toughest sustainability challenges.
SDSN Annual Impact Report
SDSN Global released SDSN’s 2025 Annual Impact Report, highlighting the collective progress of our global network and programs in advancing the SDGs, strengthening evidence-based policy, and mobilizing collaborative solutions across regions and sectors.
Announcing the University of Calgary as the Next Host for SDSN Canada
After an open call for proposals amongst the SDSN Canada membership, the University of Calgary has been selected to be the next SDSN Canada host institution, effective July 1, 2024. The team at UCalgary will take the summer to set up communications, governance, staffing, and priority setting for the coming three years.
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