In order to build a partnership of peace and prosperity for people around the globe, Canada and all the members of the United Nations panel have adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as of September 2015. The initiative is a call to action to address and implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals aim towards a reliable present and future world free from poverty and inequality, by providing better health and education, as well as a strong narrative for economic growth, and a greater focus on climate change-related concerns.
Through the 2030 Agenda, Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to influence how societies of the future prosper., Canadians across the country and the globe have already taken a step forth to answer the 2030 Agenda’s objectives. To facilitate their progress, the Canadian government has laid out their national strategy concisely with them.
In this article:
1. A Closer Look at the National Strategy
2. Key Objectives of Canada’s Approach
3. Stakeholders and their Commitment
1 A Closer Look at the National Strategy
The national strategy hopes to establish a shared vision of the ways in which Canada would implement the 2030 Agenda and promote actions that lead to the achievement of the SDGs, at home or universally. Many of the SDGs are within the jurisdiction of provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous governments. Therefore, their respective policies, plans, programs, capacities, and activities are crucial in connecting the global agenda to local communities and their interests. While the national strategy is overlooking this implementation, its scope and ambition entail contributions from stakeholders across society, including parliamentarians, citizens, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, and the media.
2 Key Objectives of Canada’s Approach
The following are some of the key objectives of Canada’s approach:
- Leadership: Take the lead, both at home and internationally, in crafting a sustainable and resilient future that promotes prosperity, partnership, peace, people, and the earth, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
- Awareness: Increase public understanding of the SDGs, their significance to Canada, and national and local initiatives to achieve them.
- Partnership: Provide opportunities for stakeholders, other levels of government, and Indigenous partners to contribute to national follow-up and review processes, as well as share feedback on federal efforts and initiatives that will inform the development of Canada’s national strategy and the Canadian Indicator Framework.
- Participation: Encourage and support Canadians to make their own contributions to achieving the SDGs, as well as extend public engagement. Create a culture of ownership, both on a small and large scale, in which everyone tries to fulfill the 2030 Agenda.
- Integration: Support policies and activities at all levels of government that contribute to achieving the SDGs on a national and international scale, as well as identify opportunities to improve policy integration and coherence.
- Accountability: Demonstrate accountability to Canadians by putting in place suitable structures and processes for regular, transparent monitoring and reporting, as well as evaluating activities and performance against targets and indicators.
3 Stakeholders and their Commitment
Several groups around the country are already using the SDGs to frame, monitor, and report on their social impact, and many more are looking into methods to contribute even more to the SDGs. A report about Canada’s preparedness in this regard shows that there are still some significant gaps to be filled when it comes to the SDGs despite Canada being a developed nation. Organizations were unclear about how they could contribute and how much they already contributed. There was a clear need for increased awareness and participation across all sectors.
The Private Sector
In Canada, the private sector is beginning to look beyond traditional corporate duties in order to develop creative business models that provide social and environmental value in a sustainable manner. Companies have now resolved to use environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators to steer “impact first” business practices and to create opportunities for other small and medium-sized businesses. This is to ensure closer collaboration with the government on the achievement of SDGs
Educational Institutions
A number of Canadian academic institutions are taking the lead in furthering sustainable development across the country. Some institutions are linking the direction of their strategic research with the SDGs, as sustainable development research grows. Many academic institutions are pursuing engagement initiatives and establishing curricula that will enable students to make more educated decisions in support of sustainable development.
4 What Lies Ahead for Canada
The 2030 Agenda of National Strategy outlines a strategy for establishing an inclusive environment that promotes SDG accomplishment, urges Canadians to contribute their share towards being global citizens, and accelerates progress toward SDG achievement in Canada. Hence, the government highlights the following plan of action in actively pushing forward the 2030 Agenda:
- Developing a framework for bringing the SDGs to provinces and municipalities across Canada.
- Recognizing the significance of committing to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
- Promoting collaboration and innovation among academics and civil organizations
- Honoring efforts towards gender equality, environmental health, peace, justice, and human rights
- SDG Investment via policy, governance, and leadership, as well as a mix of corporate and public finance
Progress towards fulfilling the SDGs may be hastened by working together, directing efforts where they can have the greatest impact, and investing resources in areas such as research, innovation, technology, and partnerships.
Sustainability is critical to guaranteeing future economic success, safeguarding the planet’s health, and maintaining global peace and security. Read more about Canada’s dedication towards ensuring sustainability on our blog. If you’re curious about how to be an environmentally responsible vehicle owner, we’ve got you covered there too.
