Sustainable Development Goals
The UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) unite people in action and aim to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change. UM is addressing these themes by creating opportunities for our students, staff, faculty and community to participate in actions to help achieve these goals.
UM's commitment to the SDGs
In April 2017, the president of the United Nations General Assembly wrote to higher education institutions around the world, including the University of Manitoba. The letter was delivered to spark movement and create a call-to-action to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainability Development within the university environment. The university was encouraged to include the Global Goals as part of research, teaching and study within the institution.
The University of Manitoba is dedicated to contributing to the cultural, social and economic wellbeing of peoples in Manitoba, Canada and around the world. This commitment aligns with and supports the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs unite people in action and aim to address three main themes: end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change.
The University of Manitoba is addressing these themes by creating opportunities for our students, staff, faculty and community to participate in actions to help achieve the SDGs.
As part of our effort to contribute to the SDGs, UM has begun the process of submitting our efforts to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in order to demonstrate our commitment and track our progress relative to post-secondary institutions around the world.
Featured goals
Good health and well-being
UM supports health as a human right, working globally to enhance well-being for all ages. Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages at the University of Manitoba is evident through our initiatives and programming. Our research institutes collaborate worldwide to advance maternal and child health, fight infectious diseases and expand healthcare access.
Clean water and sanitation
UM leads in promoting equitable water access, sanitation and Indigenous-led water management. As the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Hub for SDG 6, UM is a leader in this goal, emphasizing the need to integrate Indigenous Knowledge into how we manage and use water.
Our rigorous and collaborative research programs are changing how we view and value water, leading our community and those beyond our campus to increase water use efficiency and management and safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
The University of Manitoba is at the forefront of promoting sustainable industrialization by advancing resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive innovation. With over 120 SDG 9-specific research projects, strategic global partnerships and cutting-edge facilities, UM fosters sustainable development in energy, food security and climate resilience. Key highlights include the Churchill Marine Observatory, Alternative Village and pioneering work in economic reconciliation.
Climate action
Focused on climate action, UM's innovative research advances climate understanding and resilience, particularly in northern contexts. UM is internationally recognized for collaborative solutions that address climate impacts.
UM is ambitious in studying and tackling this global crisis, setting an example and inspiring change among governments by exploring innovative solutions around energy consumption that are paving the road for a more sustainable future.
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Through research and partnerships with government and communities, UM supports inclusive policies and justice access, addressing discrimination and strengthening laws for peaceful, effective governance.
Partnerships for the goals
UM is committed to fostering global partnerships to address climate change, inequality and poverty. We contribute expertise and input at all government levels to support SDG advancements and ensure inclusive progress worldwide. UM supports health as a human right, working globally to enhance well-being for all ages.
Contact us
Office of Sustainability
152 Physical Plant Building
89 Freedman Crescent
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2
Office of Institutional Analysis
Room 213 University College, 220 Dysart Rd.
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2