York University's commitments towards advancing global engagement and working in partnerships had led to a longstanding initiatives with the United Nations. Multilateral initiatives such as those highlighted below demonstrate York's commitment towards accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and beyond.
UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability
Established at York University in 1999, the UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability provides support for policy making towards achieving SDG 4 - Quality Education, and more specifically Target 4.7 Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Today, the UNESCO Chair at York is one of the most established in the entire 850+ UNITWIN/UNESCO Chair Network.
The UNESCO Chair at York University is currently the host of the following networks:
- The International Network of Teacher Education Institutions (established in 2000)
- The #IndigenousESD Research Networked (since 2017)
The UNESCO Chair at York University is currently partner in the following networks:
- The UNITWIN Network on Education for Sustainable Development Societal Transformation (since 2021)
- The International Association of Universities Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development Cluster (since 2020)
- The Global Network of Regional Centres of Expertise on ESD (since 2005)
CIFAL York
CIFAL York is part of the United Nation's Institute for Training and Research's (UNITAR) global network of training centers for knowledge-sharing, training, and capacity-building for leaders, local authorities, and civil society. Established in 2020 as a partnership between UNITAR, York University and York Region, CIFAL York started its operation in June 2021 as the first CIFAL Centre in Canada.
CIFAL York is dedicated to serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and capacity building among government officials, the private sector, academia, and civil society. CIFAL York works towards a global outreach and positive change through bridging gaps and facilitating a range of inspirational training and research opportunities.
CIFAL York Focusing Areas:
- Disaster Risk, Emergency Management and Humanitarian Actions
- Health, Development, Environment & Climate Change
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Entrepreneurship, Digital Technology, and Economic Development
- Advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals
UN Water Academy
At the 2023 UN Water Conference, it was announced the United Nations Institute for Training and Research would organize a new Water Academy with York University selected as the academic lead. The Water Academy will convene academics institutions and businesses to promote knowledge transfer and capacity sharing on pressing water-related issues to help achieve SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation.
To support its new role as academic lead, York is further developing its water expertise by establishing the One Water Institute, an interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to furthering research on water-related issues and promoting meaningful solutions in communities around the world.
Partnerships for Sustainable Development
York is a proud member of multiple United Nations affiliated networks dedicated towards promoting the integration of sustainable development into the curriculum, research, and operations of the world's higher education institutions.
- The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) - Associated with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, HESI promotes the the role of higher education in forming policy on sustainable development through convening of multi-stakeholder discussions and the sharing of best practices. York has been a member since 2023. Learn More.
- United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) - Formed in 2010 as a subsidiary of HESI, UNAI is a network of over 1,600 higher education and research institutions. York joined in 2022. Learn More.
- Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) - Created in 2012, SDSN aims to promote the 17 SDGs in domestic and international education across its 1,700 members from 144 countries and clustered into 50 national and regional networks. York is a member of SDSN Canada, which comprises 67 institutions and is housed at the University of Waterloo. Learn More.
