Sustainable Development Goals Week – Ways to get involved 

March 11, 2025

Part of what makes Georgian Canada’s first and only Ashoka U changemaker college is our commitment to creating positive change in the communities we serve and producing graduates with innovative skills and a creative mindset. Social change starts with making a difference on all seven of our campus communities, including supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).  

March is recognized as SDG Month in Canada with the goal of promoting the 17 UN SDGs and inspiring students, employees, alumni and our communities to take action. Georgian has already participated in several initiatives since signing the UN SDG Accord in 2021.  Georgian will be celebrating our SDG commitments the week of March 17 to 21 by sharing resources, highlighting SDG initiatives and getting together for a litter clean up. 

This year’s SDG Week theme, “Demystify and Connect,” is all about breaking down the UN Sustainable Development Goals into clear, actionable steps and showing how they relate to our daily lives. By making sustainability more accessible and highlighting real-world connections, we can empower our college community to take meaningful action toward a better future. This year, the SDG Committee is offering scheduled events, initiatives at Georgian and resources to spark your interest.

Scheduled events

Monday, March 17 

Introduction to the UN SDGs and sustainability: Virtual lunch and learn

Kick off SDG Week with this 45-minute virtual session to get a high-level overview of the 17 UN SDG goals, Georgian’s commitment to the UN SDG Accord, and learn about some environmental initiatives at Georgian. See how the SDGs connect to your work and how you’re making a difference! Bring your lunch, bring your curiosity, and let’s dive into sustainability together. This lunch and learn could assist with your PDP learning commitments to the SDGs. 

• Open to all Georgian College employees.  

• Virtual session from noon to 12:45 p.m.

• Hosted by Jessica Kukac, Manager, Sustainability and Energy, Georgian College. 

Tuesday, March 18

Listen, watch, read, use

Looking for inspiration on sustainability, social justice and global change? As part of SDG Week, members of Georgian’s SDG Committee have curated a resource list featuring their favorite books, websites, podcasts and documentaries. Whether you’re interested in climate action, equity and inclusion, or innovative solutions for a better world, this collection offers thought-provoking insights and fresh perspectives. This initiative supports SDG 4: Quality Education, by encouraging lifelong learning and informed action on global challenges. Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and discover new ways to create positive change. Then, come to our virtual session get inspired with members of the SDG Committee – bring one of your favourites to share! 

• Open to all Georgian College employees.
• Virtual session from noon to 1 p.m.
• Hosted by Hilary Villneff, Manager – Student Transition and Engagement, and Christi Storfa, Manager – EDI&B 

Wednesday, March 19

Community Justice and Policing Career Expo – Orillia Campus

Georgian is hosting a Community Justice and Policing Career Expo at the Orillia Campus, open to students, employees and community members. This event provides a unique opportunity to network with professionals from probation services, border security, policing, investigations, bylaw enforcement and the military. Guest speakers include Michael Bailey, a recruiter from the Canadian Armed Forces, and Jonathan D’Silva, Manager of South Simcoe Probation and Parole, who will share insights into careers in community safety.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this event highlights SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, emphasizing the importance of effective, accountable institutions in building safe communities. It also supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by connecting attendees with career pathways in justice and security. Come explore meaningful careers that contribute to a more just and secure society.

• Open to all employees, students and community members. 

• Orillia Campus gym. 

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Thursday, March 20

GCSA trivia: Test your SDG knowledge

Think you know your Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Put your knowledge to the test at our SDG tabling event. Stop by to learn more about the UN SDGs, take part in a fun sustainability-themed trivia challenge and win some awesome prizes. Whether you’re an SDG expert or just curious about sustainability, this is a great chance to challenge yourself, pick up some new knowledge and connect with others who care about making a difference. 

• Barrie Campus Marketplace.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Open to all Georgian students.

UN SDGs and teaching: Exploring resources for sustainability in the classroom

Join the CTL for an engaging session on integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into teaching and learning. This 1.5-hour workshop will help you explore how sustainability connects to both personal and professional practice. Through guided reflection, you’ll demystify the UN SDGs, self-locate and set intentions for incorporating them into your courses. Participants will leave with practical resources to enhance their teaching and support students in understanding sustainability for people and the planet. This session aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, and connects to the Georgian Faculty Competency Framework, earning participants emerging badges in designer, inclusive practitioner, and changemaker roles.

• Virtual session hosted from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  
• Open to Georgian faculty.

• Hosted by Tracy Mitchell-Ashley, Faculty Developer, CTL.  

Friday, March 21

Barrie Campus litter clean up (weather permitting)

Join us for a litter cleanup at the Barrie Campus and help make a tangible impact on our environment! This hands-on event is a great way to contribute to a cleaner, greener campus while connecting with others who care about sustainability. By reducing waste and preventing litter from entering our waterways, we’re actively supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 15: Life on Land, promoting cleaner public spaces and protecting local ecosystems. This initiative also aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, reinforcing the importance of waste reduction and mindful disposal. Every small action adds up—get outside, get some fresh air, and let’s work together to keep our campus and community beautiful! 

• Meet outside K building – closest exterior door to library. 

• Bags and pickers provided. 

• Hosted by Lisa Buchanan, Director – Clinics and Placement. 

Saturday, March 22

World Water Day

World Water Day was initiated as an International Day of Observance by the United Nations on March 22, 1993. Taking place annually, World Water Day acknowledges the importance and advocates for the protection of freshwater resources. On this day, Georgian College recognizes that many of our campuses border on some of the worlds purest water systems in the world – The Alliston Aquifer, the Nottawasaga Watershed and the Minesing Wetlands are among the many freshwater systems in our region.  

The Midland Campus sits on the Alliston Aquifer. The Alliston Aquifer is currently undergoing a five-year research study to understand why this aquifer remains one of the purest in the world, and how to determine the most appropriate ways of maintaining this purity.  The Collingwood Campus sits on the Nottawasaga Watershed, which partially flows into the Minesing Wetlands. Meanwhile, the Orangeville Campus, Barrie Campus and downtown location, Owen Sound Campus and Orillia Campus all border either the watershed or aquifer, or both! 

Indigenous people have practiced sophisticated water management for thousands of years, helping to preserve the purity of these natural water sources. However, Indigenous communities in Canada and globally are among the most affected by the water crisis. They often face significant barriers in accessing clean water due to historical injustices, underfunding of resources, economic deprivation and environmental damage. 

Indigenous peoples’ deep understanding and profound knowledge of ecosystems and sustainable practices provides insight and guidance on how to protect these vital resources. This wisdom passed down through generations acts as a guide for creating resilient, sustainable communities in response to today’s water crisis. World Water Day honours the wisdom and sustainable practices of Indigenous peoples, raises awareness about the global water crisis, and advocates for access to safe and clean water for all. 

Learn more:

• Nottawasaga Watershed. 
• The Purest Water on Earth.
• Researching the Alliston Aquifer in Springwater township.
• Canada’s Waterless Communities: Neskantaga.
• Children of the Poisoned River.
• Water Teaching with Edna Manitowabi.

Resources and initiatives

Sustainably Speaking – An SDG Podcast  

In celebration of SDG Week, Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation hosts  Sustainably Speaking: An SDG Podcast. The show is dedicated to highlighting the significance of promoting positive change globally by working towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Listen to uplifting stories from organizations and individuals who are making progress achieving these goals. Through these stories, HTR hopes to motivate others to embrace this challenge as well and encourage everyone to come along with us on this journey to effect change and forge a brighter future for our planet.   

• Available wherever listeners get their podcasts.  

Connect with other colleges and universities 

March is the official SDG Month in Canada. The hosts of National SDG Week are the Sustainability Hub at UBC, SDSN Canada hosted by the University of Waterloo, and Colleges and Institutes Canada. Through collaboration with various Canadian institutions, UBC is able to extend the virtual and hybrid events to participants across the country.

Explore how Georgian is making an impact

• Georgian College Students’ Association signs UN SDG Accord in 2023.  
• Culinary programs cook up ways to reduce carbon footprint.  

• Georgian’s microgrid system powering the future with renewable energy. 

• Students to retrofit a 1972 VW Westfalia as an electric vehicle. 

• Georgian participates in ImpAct Climate Challenge.  

This post was originally published on March 1, 2024 and republished on March 11, 2025.