SFU-led projects
SFU hosts global forum on sustainable cities
Simon Fraser University is honoured to be the host university for the 2022 THE University Impact Forum: Sustainable Cities, a Times Higher Education (THE) virtual event on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
The forum brings together an interdisciplinary delegation of sustainability practitioners, researchers and elected officials to explore opportunities to develop more Sustainable Cities and Communities—goal 11 of the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). So far, over 600 organizations from around the world are represented at the forum.
The 17 SDGs challenge UN member states to work together to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and support economic growth while tackling climate change and protecting the planet.
SFU has been recognized globally for its leadership in building sustainable cities and communities. In the 2022 THE Impact Rankings, SFU was one of the top 10 universities in the world—and number three in Canada—for its demonstrated commitment to SDG 11.
Forum participants will explore and discuss the many aspects of climate change, as a driver of risk across disciplines and sectors, and as a critical opportunity to make our cities more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Guided by the theme “Reconciliation, Resilience and Regeneration,” they will engage in dialogue on what a just and sustainable future should look like.
The agenda offers a full day of sessions, including ‘Meet the Experts’ networking lunch clusters exploring the topics of: measuring progress on sustainability on the university campus; energy transitions; Indigenizing the city; nature-based solutions; sustainable transportation; and urban liveability. See the full agenda.
Delegates will hear from SFU community members and experts who are working to build sustainability into urban and community planning and practice, including:
Ginger Gosnell-Myers: An Indigenous Fellow at SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, presenting on “Governance requirements for implementing decarbonisation: Challenges and opportunities.” How do we shift to more sustainable and inclusive governance structures to guide effective decarbonisation efforts?
Andréanne Doyon: Professor and director of the REM planning programme, who is contributing to a panel on “Localising climate justice: From knowledge to action,” a conversation between scholars, elected officials and practitioners on how to work together to advance climate justice.
Joy Johnson: SFU president and vice-chancellor, Johnson will lead the closing circle: “Putting the pieces together: Do we have what we need to build sustainable cities?”
Alison Shaw: Executive director of the Action on Climate Team (ACT) at SFU, Shaw mobilizes low carbon resilience approaches and nature-based solutions to ensure that “climate action that multi-solves” is mainstreamed into policy, planning, strategy, and operational decisions in the public and private sectors.
Clifford Atleo: A Tsimshian (Kitsumkalum/Kitselas) and Nuu-chah-nulth (Ahousaht) scholar who researches and teaches Indigenous governance, political economy, and resource management. He is interested in how Indigenous communities navigate/adopt/resist mainstream capitalism while working to sustain their unique cultural identities and worldviews.
Candace Le Roy: Executive director of SFU Sustainability, Le Roy guides the institution-wide approach to sustainability leadership, consulting on risks and opportunities to integrate sustainability into the university's core business.
Meg Holden: Professor of urban studies, she is an engaged researcher and educator in the domains of urban and regional planning and policy, sustainable development and well-being, and pragmatic philosophy.
Taco Niet: Professor of professional practice in SFU’s School of Sustainable Engineering, his research deals with energy systems modelling, energy storage technologies, integration of renewable/variable technologies and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Meghan Winters: Professor in SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Winters is an epidemiologist interested in the link between health, transportation and city design. She conducts research and knowledge exchange collaboratively with local governments and health authorities and leads the Cities, Health and Active Transportation Lab.
Elder Margaret George: of the Skawahlook Nation, she has been a part of the Elders programme within the Indigenous Student Centre at SFU for 22 years where she provides support to students, as well as to the President’s Office.
To learn more and register for the global impact forum visit: www.timeshighered-events.com/impact-cities-forum-2022. Registration is free for delegates representing a university, association, public sector, or NGO.
Discover SFU’s commitment to sustainable cities and communities at sfu.ca/sustainable-cities.