Fanshawe launches community engagement strategy to advance impact of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Fanshawe has received funding to create a two-year initiative that aims to advance progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets in our community and across the country.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program, Fanshawe will work with the City of London, City of St. Thomas, and the Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board (EMOWPDB) on a collaborative, community-focused approach to advancing the targets.

With only 17 per cent of the SDG targets currently on track globally, and more than 30 per cent experiencing stalled or reversed progress due to global challenges such as the pandemic and ongoing conflicts (source: 2023 UN press release), urgent action is needed to drive meaningful change. 

“At the heart of this initiative is the belief that meaningful progress on the SDGs requires inclusive, collective action,” said Candace M. Miller, EdD, executive director, Business Development and Strategic Support. “By centering the voices of equity-deserving groups and forging strong cross-sector partnerships, we aim to create a sustainable model that accelerates SDG impact while fostering community resilience.” 

Through a co-created community engagement strategy, the initiative aims to showcase the transformative power of collaboration in driving progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Canada continues to make meaningful progress on many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, said Jenna Sudds, Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “While challenges remain in addressing inequities affecting various groups across the country, these obstacles underscore the vital importance of our collective commitment to leaving no one behind. By addressing these gaps through community involvement that incorporates input from diverse sectors and equity-deserving groups, Fanshawe College’s Community Engagement Strategy to Advance SDG Impact aims to inspire local action. Together, we strive to build a more inclusive and resilient Canada, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

In addition, the project seeks to foster cross-sectoral partnerships for SDG advancement. By collaborating on a community engagement strategy with input from various sectors and equity-deserving groups, the initiative will drive local collective action with measurable impacts aligned with the SDGs.

“Through its focus on data collection, collaboration and knowledge mobilization, this initiative can develop a replicable approach to supporting organizations and communities in tackling some of the most pressing challenges we face regarding sustainability,” said Michele Manocchi, PhD, project coordinator.

The project is currently underway and will unfold in four phases until September 2026. The knowledge and best practices generated will be shared across Canada to inspire broader adoption and action. Outcomes will be shared through high-profile channels, including a national conference presentation and a public virtual summit.