Partnerships for the Goals

Partnerships for the goals graphic

This societal impact focuses on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.

Lakehead University understands the importance of a collaborative effort for advancing knowledge exchange and cooperative strategies with government agencies, community organizations, industry partners, Indigenous communities, citizens in the communities we serve and other academic institutions. By seeking expertise, resources, and best practices to address complex global issues, Lakehead University is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Relationships to Support the Goals

17.2.1 Relationships with Regional NGOs and Government for SDG policy

Does your university as a body have direct involvement in, or input into, national government SDG policy development - including identifying problems and challenges, developing policies and strategies, modelling likely futures with and without interventions, monitoring and reporting on interventions, and enabling adaptive management?

Lakehead University has direct involvement with the national government to provide input to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) policy development, including identifying problems and challenges and developing policies and strategies.

  1. Problem Identification:  Lakehead University actively contributes to identifying challenges and issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lakehead University is a member of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), which promotes integrated approaches to implement the SDGs through education, research, policy analysis and global cooperation. In addition, Lakehead University is directly involved in various Sustainable Development Goals and policy development within our sector.
  2. Policy Development: Lakehead collaborates closely with government entities in the development of policies and strategies aimed at achieving the SDGs. Lakehead University researchers provide valuable insights and research-based recommendations to inform policy formulation.  Examples of this work in 2023-24 include:

Dr. Charles Levkoe, Canada Research Chair in Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems at Lakehead University, serves on an official advisory council that informs the federal government’s food policy.  Through this role, Lakehead University contributes to identifying challenges, developing strategies, monitoring interventions and advancing adaptive management in Canada’s food systems. 

This article highlights the broader context where universities can act as knowledge brokers, advocates, and conveners for dialogue. Universities’ scholarly contributions to reconciliation and justice can influence government policy by identifying systemic injustices and proposing evidence-based strategies for adaptive governance.

Research led by Dr. Christopher Mushquash, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Mental Health demonstrates the role of academic research in monitoring, evaluating, and generating knowledge that informs policy. The research outputs inform federal bodies (like CIHR and Health Canada) on interventions, monitoring needs, and adaptive approaches.

Dr. Ellen Field, Associate Professor at Lakehead University leads research that contributes to policy-aligned education reforms. By integrating climate change education into teacher curricula, universities contribute to national SDG goals, including climate action and quality education.

Dr. Samim Al-Azad, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Business was a collaborator on this study which highlights how universities help governments understand barriers and enablers for industry adoption of new technologies. 

Dr. Helle Møller, Associate Professor at Lakehead University  demonstrates how universities can tackle issues like health inequities among First Nations elders through community-based interventions. Such research informs national strategies by generating evidence, piloting programs, and developing scalable frameworks for policy integration.

3. Scenario Modelling: Lakehead University researchers collaborate with the national government through data collection and scenario modelling/forecasting to support evidence-based decision-making and policy planning.   Examples of initiatives include;

    • Dr. Robert Stewart, Associate Professor at Lakehead University leads the Freshwater Coastal Management Research Group, an interdisciplinary group examining issues related to freshwater coastal regions including coastal zone management and source water protection.  His work also includes the development of Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) along the north shore of Lake Superior to reduce and eliminate threats to aquatic ecosystems.    Through scenario modelling, the RAPs assess the impact of interventions and potential degradation which are shared with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

    • Dr. Tarlok Singh Sahota leads the Lakehead University Agricultural Research Station to develop and diversify the agricultural industry through small plot research, community-based agricultural research and natural resource management.  The work of the research station informs crop yields, economic viability and environmental conditions to inform agricultural practices and adaptive management strategies.

Through these contributions, Lakehead University is advancing national government SDG policy. This work in collaboration with national and international collaborators, community stakeholders, Indigenous knowledge keepers and First Nation communities, businesses and non-government organizations plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable development and achieving SDG targets.  Together, we are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

17.2.2 Cross sectoral dialogue about SDGs

Does your university as a body initiate and participate in cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs, e.g. conferences involving government/NGOs?

Lakehead University routinely initiates and participates in cross-sectoral dialogues related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as organizing conferences involving the government and non-government organizations (NGOs).  These dialogues serve as a crucial platform for addressing and advancing the SDGs.

In 2023-2024, Lakehead University hosted the C2U Expo, Canada’s leading conference on community-based research.  It is a conference that explores the edge of community - college - university partnerships as catalysts for social innovation.  The theme for the 2023-2024 conference was: Connected Communities. Collective Change.  The conference is a platform to share experiences, strategies and ideas about how communities and post-secondary institutions can champion societal change.  Details of the conference program can be found here.

Lakehead University's 2023-2024 Research and Innovation Week, "Improving our Lives through Research”, highlighted Lakehead University research projects, innovative collaborations and initiatives that are advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals with NGO partners.  The focus on this year’s event emphasized that research, whether in scientific discoveries, in health and wellbeing, in understanding society and culture, or in partnering with community and industry, is the cornerstone to understanding problems, finding solutions and improving lives.

SDG Week Canada is a national collaboration that features workshops, panels, and other interactive programming to increase awareness and engagement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals on university and college campuses. In 2023-2024, Lakehead University's SDG Week offered diverse panels and activities open to the public, faculty, staff, and students to build awareness and progress towards the SDGs. 

17.2.3 International collaboration data gathering for SDG

Does your university as a body participate in international collaboration on gathering or measuring data for the SDGs?

Lakehead University actively participates in international collaboration related to the gathering and measurement of data for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Lakehead University is a member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada, a global movement to collect data and build a network of universities, colleges, and research centres to promote practical solutions for the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals. As a member of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Lakehead University partners with a variety of organizations to assess progress toward SDG achievements at both the national and local levels.  

Lakehead University is a comprehensive university with a vibrant ecosystem of esteemed educators and scholars engaged in international collaborations producing cutting-edge research that not only measures the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals but also seeks innovative solutions to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Notable 2023 - 2024 collaborations by Lakehead scholars and researchers include:

  • Dr. Sudip Kumar Rakshit, Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Bioenergy and Biorefining Processes, has been appointed as the UArctic Chair in Integrated Sustainability Analysis and Circular Bioeconomy. He has played a key role in advancing sustainability research and applications in the Northeast Canadian region, including Canada’s Provincial Norths (PN) and Arctic areas. Dr. Rakshit organized a colloquium involving Indigenous communities, researchers, and community leaders to identify climate change research priorities specific to the region, further highlighting his collaborative and impactful approach to research.
  • Dr. Charles Levoke, Canada Research Chair in Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems led the development of a Thunder Bay Food System Report Card to highlight the challenges and opportunities within the regional food system.  Through his work, the report card identifies 7 pillars of a sustainable food system to inform a coordinated approach to addressing food issues and design solutions that protect and nourish the environment, foster local and diverse economic development, build community and improve access to food security.
  • Dr. Pete Hollings, NOHFC IRC Chair in Mineral Exploration, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining & Exploration (CESME), and Professor of Geology has a longstanding collaboration with the University of Tasmania’s Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences (CODES). In 2023-2024, Dr. Hollings was awarded the Goldrich Medal award for his outstanding contributions to the geology of Lakehead Superior focused on the Midcontinent Rift System (MRS) and Archean greenstone belts and their mineral resources.
  • Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Equimaux, Lakehead’s Chair on Truth and Reconciliation develops and leads pathways forward to reconciliation across Canada.  In 2023-2024, she participated in discussions with the Finnish Government and the Sami Nation as they opened their Truth Commission, “Saamelaisten totuus-ja sovintokomission aloitusseminaari”. She was a conference keynote including “Truth and Reconciliation Processes in Stable Democratic States: Who, How, and What Happens After?” to explore what the Canadian context could offer the Nordic experience. She encouraged the nascent Truth Commissions to broaden their mandates, employ deep listening strategies to Sami Nation history and contemporary desires, and to let go of the need to control, limit, or dictate truth commission outcomes.  
  • Dr. Pedram Fatehi, Canada Research Chair (Tier II) and Industrial Research Chair in Chemical Engineering is also a distinguished professor ranked among the top national and international researchers working on lignin. Dr. Fatehi has also been a committee member of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), working on the development of standard methods for analyzing lignin. In addition, Dr Fatehi is also a professor at the Qilu University of Technology, in China and regularly contributes to international conferences – as an organizer, plenary speaker, invited speaker, committee member, and regular contributor. 
  • Dr. Alla Reznik is a ​​Professor in the Department of Physics at Lakehead University, a Senior Scientist in Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Physics of Molecular Imaging. In 2024 Dr. Reznik’s research led to a New Case Report: “Possible role of low-dose PEM for avoiding unneeded procedures associated with false-positive or equivocal breast MRI results”.  Dr. Reznik’s work is based on international collaboration with industry partners and global research institutes.
  • Dr. Samuel Essien, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences  research focuses on improving workplace safety, mental health, and improving quality of life for vulnerable populations including epidemiological models in addressing maternal health care.  In 2023-2024, his research investigated the importance of help-seeking behaviour among women in Ghana who had experience a miscarriage.  His work underscores the need for targeted health education programs to address barriers to improve women’s post-miscarriage health outcomes.
  • Dr. Matthew Leitch is a Wood Science and Forest Products Professor in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management at Lakehead. His research interests are in wood quality, inherent properties of trees, and creating whole-tree and landscape-scale wood property maps. Other research areas include biomass for energy and heating systems, product and market development for under-utilized tree species, and working with Indigenous Communities on wood product and energy opportunities, Dr. Leitch collaborates widely with researchers in complementary fields (chemical engineering, civil engineering, business management) on wood and wood-derived chemical products and bioenergy systems. Dr. Leitch's team focuses on tree species and silvicultural systems in Ontario and across Canada and internationally in South and West Africa, working with government partners in Ghana.

17.2.4 Collaboration for SDG best practice

Does your university as a body, through international collaboration and research, review comparative approaches and develop international best practice on tackling the SDGs?

Lakehead University actively engages in international collaboration and research efforts to review comparative approaches to development best practices for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university’s aims for 2023-2024 focus on advancing key initiatives including:

1. Foster Global Partnerships: Lakehead University collaborates with international institutions and organizations to pool knowledge and expertise, enabling the exchange of ideas and experiences in tackling the SDGs. Lakehead University is actively collaborating with higher education institutions as a driving force for social change and to overcome social inequalities, while promoting knowledge and learning society.  As a member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada, Lakehead is part of a global network of universities, colleges, and research centers that promote practical solutions for the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Lakehead University is a member of the Lake Superior Living Labs Network (LSLLN), a collaborative that brings together multiple academic institutions and community partners. This network is dedicated to safeguarding the Lake Superior watershed, covering aspects related to water, land, food, climate, and energy. The network also includes members from other regions including the United States, promoting collaboration efforts in freshwater ecosystems.

Canada-Mexico Roundtables on Indigenous/Intercultural Higher Education: Lakehead University is a leader in Indigenous postsecondary education with one of the largest Indigenous student populations of any Canadian university. In 2012, Lakehead reached beyond its borders to establish the Canada-Mexico Roundtables on Indigenous/Intercultural Higher Education. The purpose was to connect Mexican intercultural universities with Canadian universities and colleges that support Indigenous education. 

In 2024 the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) designated Lakehead University as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) University. This designation acknowledges North American public research universities working with public and private sector partners in their cities, states, provinces, and regions to support economic development through a variety of activities, including innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development, and community development.

2. Research and Analysis: The university conducts research to analyze global approaches to the SDGs, seeking to understand what works and what doesn't in different international contexts. Based on research outcomes and collaboration, Lakehead University strives to identify and promote international best practices for addressing the SDGs. These practices are often informed by successful strategies and innovative solutions observed across various regions. Lakehead’s annual Report to the Community provides an update on the efforts and commitment of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends in the communities we serve.  The 2023-24 report brings to the forefront how the University is leading innovation and growing partnerships to create a more resilient, healthy, sustainable, and equitable world.

3. Knowledge Mobilization: Lakehead actively participates in the global dialogue on sustainable development, contributing insights and findings from its research and international partnerships. This knowledge-sharing aims to inform global efforts in achieving the SDGs.  Lakehead University’s annual Research and Innovation Week (R&I) event highlights outstanding scholarly activities over the previous year and is open to the wider community to participate. In 2024, the R&I week showcased a diverse array of research initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The week featured presentations and discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, climate change, unmarked graves at residential schools, and Indigenous housing solutions, highlighting the university's commitment to addressing global challenges through research.

By engaging in these international collaborative and research activities, Lakehead University plays a valuable role in advancing the global agenda for sustainable development and contributing to the collective efforts to achieve the SDGs.

17.2.5 Collaboration with NGOs for SDGse

Does your university as a body collaborate with NGOs to tackle the SDGs through: student volunteering programmes, research programmes, development of educational resources?

Lakehead University actively collaborates with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a range of initiatives.  These collaborations include:

  1. Student Volunteering Programs: Lakehead University works in partnership with NGOs to facilitate student volunteering programs that contribute to SDGs. These programs empower students to engage with and make a meaningful impact on the community.  The university encourages student engagement by offering volunteer opportunities at the university, as well as program-specific volunteer opportunities which provide hands-on, real-world opportunities for students (e.g. Social Work). Lakehead University has cultivated a vibrant volunteer culture among its students, fostering a sense of community engagement and social responsibility. The university actively encourages students to explore a wide range of volunteer opportunities that not only enrich their personal and academic experiences but also contribute to the betterment of society. These volunteer activities can be officially recognized and added to a student's co-curricular records. Co-curricular records serve as a valuable testament to a student's extracurricular involvement and achievements beyond their academic coursework. They provide a formal way to document and showcase a student's contributions to the community, leadership skills, and commitment to social causes. (e.g. World University Service of Canada, Compass North)
  2. Research Programs: Lakehead's research initiatives often involve collaborations with NGOs, aiming to address specific SDGs. Through research partnerships, the university seeks to advance knowledge and innovative solutions for sustainable development. For example, Lakehead University is an active member of the Lake Superior Living Labs Network, an international collaboration between academic institutions, First Nation communities, non-governmental organizations and businesses to identify innovative solutions at the intersection of water, food, land, climate, energy and individual and community well-being across the Lake Superior watershed.
  3. Development of Educational Resources: Lakehead University actively engages in the development of educational resources in conjunction with NGOs. These resources are designed to educate and raise awareness about the SDGs, promoting a deeper understanding of their importance and the role individuals and communities can play in achieving them. CityStudio Thunder Bay is led by Lakehead University in collaboration with Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Confederation College, and the City of Thunder Bay. CityStudio is an innovative, collaborative educational model that connects students, academia, and local governments and non-governmental organizations to address urban challenges and co-create solutions for sustainable, livable cities. More information on the 2023-2024 initiatives can be found publicly here. 

Publications of SDG Reports

17.3.1 - 17.3.17 Publication of SDG reports

Please indicate if your university publishes the progress against the SDGs.

Lakehead University is strongly committed to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The objectives of the SDGs to address a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges are intricately woven into the university’s Strategic and Academic Plans, reflecting Lakehead’s dedication to fostering sustainability across a range of dimensions.

Lakehead University's campuses offer a unique advantage in contributing to critical sustainability discussions. Our Orillia campus is nestled along the shores of Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching, while our Thunder Bay campus is situated beside Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area, and within the boreal forest. These distinctive northern vantage points enrich our contributions to the global discourse on sustainability.

Lakehead University’s annual report highlights key facts, figures and commitments that underscore the institution’s collective impact and ongoing efforts to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.     

Click here to view Lakehead University’s 2024 Impact Report

Click here to view Lakehead University’s 2023 Impact Report

Click here to view Lakehead University’s 2022 Impact Report

Click here to view Lakehead University’s 2021 Impact Report

Click here to view Lakehead University’s 2020 Impact Report 

Education for SDGs Commitment to Meaningful Education and Specific Courses on Sustainability

17.4.1 Education for SDGs commitment to meaningful education

Does your university as a body have a commitment to meaningful education around the SDGs across the university, that is relevant and applicable to all students?

Lakehead University is committed to meaningful education across the Sustainable Development Goals by integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework in all Lakehead University undergraduate and graduate courses.  

Lakehead University has developed a Sustainability Course Inventory available on Lakehead’s Sustainability webpage.  This inventory lists all undergraduate and graduate courses related to sustainability, enhancing their visibility and accessibility for students interested in sustainability programming.  Lakehead maintains this inventory,  valuing feedback from students, faculty, and university stakeholders to ensure it remains a dynamic resource.

Lakehead University’s new strategic plan, EvoLUtion 2025-2030,  is built around five interrelated and interconnected strategic themes: 

  1. Expanding student opportunity and success, 
  2. Sustainable economic and community development and entrepreneurship,
  3. Advancing our societal impact,
  4. People and culture, and 
  5. Financial sustainability.  

Through the Advancing our Societal Impact pillar, Lakehead University advances solutions to grand challenges affecting our society through quality research and scholarly activity.  It is through this pillar, that Lakehead University commits to meaningful education, and engagement around the SDGs across the university, and to the communities we serve.

Lakehead University’s Academic Plan includes a commitment to Social Responsibility as one of its four pillars, and articulates "Lakehead is committed to advancing the UN SDGs, specifically in areas including access to education and social, cultural and environmental sustainability and health and wellbeing" (pg. 18).

17.4.2 Education for SDGs specific courses on sustainability

Does your university as a body have dedicated courses (full degrees, or electives) that address sustainability and the SDGs?

Lakehead University has developed a Sustainability Course Inventory available on Lakehead’s Sustainability webpage.  This inventory lists all undergraduate and graduate courses related to sustainability, enhancing their visibility and accessibility for students interested in sustainability programming.  This work was completed in two phases.  

In Phase 1, courses were tagged based on the keywords used by the University of Toronto during a similar exercise of tagging courses that address sustainability.  In Phase 2, the Lakehead team augmented the keywords from the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Australia-Pacific, and the keywords used by Elsevier in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings to identify courses across all 17 SDGs.  Lakehead maintains this inventory,  valuing feedback from students, faculty, and university stakeholders to ensure it remains a dynamic resource.

Lakehead University’s Sustainability Plan also includes a pillar dedicated to Academics / Curricula with commitments to:

  • Increase the number of programs that include a focus on sustainability

  • Offer sustainability courses and include sustainability in courses across the curriculum

  • Offer sustainability-focused immersive experiences

  • Utilize campus grounds, infrastructure, and operations as living environments for multidisciplinary learning, applied research, and practical work that will advance sustainability on both campuses. 

 Lakehead University offers several programs that address sustainability and environmental concerns. Some of the programs related to sustainability include:

17.4.3 Education for SDGs in the wider community

Does your university as body have dedicated outreach educational activities for the wider community, which could include alumni, local residents, displaced people?

Lakehead University is committed to fostering educational outreach activities that benefit a variety of community members in the areas we serve including alumni, local residents, and displaced individuals.  These activities reflect our dedication to lifelong learning and to the well-being of the wider community.  Examples of current and ongoing initiatives in 2023-24 include:

  1. Research and Innovation Week: Lakehead University’s annual Research and Innovation Week (R&I) event highlights outstanding scholarly activities over the previous year and is open to the wider community to participate.  In 2024, the R&I week showcased a diverse array of research initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The week featured presentations and discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, climate change, unmarked graves at residential schools, and Indigenous housing solutions, highlighting the university's commitment to addressing global challenges through research.
  2. SDG Week Canada: In 2023-2024, Lakehead participated in the first-ever SDG week across Canada.  This initiative was a national collaboration of institutions through the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada.  The SDG Week featured workshops, panels, and other interactive programming to increase awareness of and engagement with the 17 SDGs in the Lakehead community. 
  3. Advancing Truth and Reconciliation: During the 2023 - 2024 academic year, through commitment to education and stewardship to advance Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and the advancement of an equitable society, Lakehead University partnered with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and other First Nation communities for the raising of the National Truth and Reconciliation flag at Lakehead University. In addition, Lakehead University hosted a series of free Truth and Reconciliation-themed public events that honour survivors of residential schools along with their families and the children who didn’t return home during Treaties Awareness Week.  

Open to all members of the wider community, including alumni, local residents, and displaced people, these outreach activities showcase Lakehead University’s commitment to lifelong learning and to advancing societal impact through education that supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

17.4.4 Sustainable literacy

Does your university as a body measure the sustainability literacy of students?

Lakehead University is examining methods to better understand and support students’ knowledge of sustainability. We recognize that sustainability literacy is essential for preparing students to meet future challenges.  Currently, Lakehead University measures sustainability literacy of students through the following approaches.

  1. Integration of Coursework and Examinations: Sustainability topics are increasingly integrated into various disciplines, allowing students to engage with sustainability concepts within their fields of study.  Curriculum is regularly reviewed and modified to reflect evolving knowledge, research and industry standards.
  2. Practical Projects and Experiential Learning: 100% of Lakehead University students participate in hands-on experiential learning activities throughout their degree.  Students also participate in sustainability-related projects, workshops and community initiatives.  These opportunities provide practical experience and help deepen students’ understanding of sustainability in real-world contexts.
  3. Awareness Events: In 2023 - 2024, Lakehead University organized an SDG week, which included workshops, lectures and hands-on activities.  The week also included a Sustainability Literacy Quiz Game leveraging Sulitest.  The Sulitest (Sustainability Literacy Test) is an assessment tool designed to measure and improve student understanding of sustainability topics, including environmental, social and economic issues.  Through gamification, Lakehead evaluated sustainability literacy, guiding education and action toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Through these efforts, the university continues to support sustainability literacy while fostering a community where students actively contribute to and engage with sustainability initiatives on campus and beyond.  This approach reflects our institution’s commitment to developing informed, responsible and global citizens.