The University of Manitoba was recently named the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Hub for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which ensures the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.
According to the United Nations Statistics Division’s Sustainable Development Goals Report 2018, three out of 10 people lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and six out of 10 people lack access to safely managed sanitation facilities.
Seventeen institutions from around the world have been designated as SDG Hubs for three-year renewable terms. The University of Manitoba, the only Canadian institution on the list, was recognized for its ongoing research and initiatives that contribute to developments in clean water and sanitation. As an SDG Hub, the University of Manitoba will continue to advance research, analysis, and policy for clean water and sanitation in its classrooms, on its campuses, and in its communities.
“Achieving this designation demonstrates the University of Manitoba’s commitment to research in clean water, sanitation and related areas,” said Dr. Digvir Jayas, vice-president of research and international at the University of Manitoba. “Our recognition as an SDG Hub will ensure the continuation of research excellence in these critical fields, and we look forward to working with UNAI and our partners to share our research and its impact with a global audience.”
According to Academic Impact, the University of Manitoba is undertaking “interdisciplinary research on water systems to help build sustainable, resilient communities locally in the province of Manitoba and in Canada. University researchers examine three main areas related to water systems sustainability: economic, social or equity-based and environmental; each one with unique perspectives, along with key overlaps.” More information is available here.