IAU - Responsible Futures International Pilot Institution: Queen's University, Canada

In partnership with Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK), we are pleased to spotlight the work of one of our Responsible Futures international pilot participants, Queen's University in Canada. Through their work in the Responsible Futures programme, Queen's is committed to embedding holistic sustainability across the formal and informal curriculum in higher education.

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One of the recent initiatives that showcases Queen's University’s dedication to sustainability and social justice is their "Stop the Chop, Party 'Til You Drop" Fundraiser Gala that was held in late 2023. The event was organised by the Commission for Environmental Sustainability (CES), who aims to promote environmental awareness and action on campus and in the broader community. The CES collaborated with No Clearcuts Kingston, a local organisation that opposes the redevelopment plan for the Davis Tannery Wetland site.

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This festive event raised awareness and funds for No Clearcuts Kingston’s campaign to protect the Davis Tannery Wetland site from irresponsible development. The gala raised $24,000 towards the No Clearcuts Kingston goal of $50,000, and these funds will aid in the effort to hire expert witnesses to argue for protecting the historically contaminated site at the Ontario Land Tribunal. This fundraising is an impressive achievement and a testament to the support and solidarity of the Queen’s University community and beyond.

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We congratulate QU, the CES, and No Clearcuts Kingston for these impressive efforts and outcomes. We are proud to have them as part of our Responsible Futures international pilot, which aims to co-create a framework of good practice for integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at the whole institution level.

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This was originally published on the IAU LinkedIn on 26th February 2024