SDGs Action Days in Apeldoorn: Realising Our Inclusive and Sustainable Community Goals

On 24 September, Wittenborg's Admissions Managers, Mykhailo Huba and Eunice Cheung, took part in Gelre Regio Partners' first SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Action Days in Apeldoorn to explore the United Nations' 17 SDGs, with focus on a range of questions, including: 'The climate is changing, why aren't we?'

The event, hosted at Stichting de Kap, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and collaborate on the implementation of these 17 goals.

Simon Boon, Social Entrepreneur and the driving force behind Gelre Regio Partners and SDG Action Days Apeldoorn, emphasised the importance of taking action and citizen participation in the transition from a linear to a circular economy.For Gelre Regio Partners, preventing further global warming and adapting to climate change represents the greatest collective challenge for the international community.

"During the SDG Action Days, our existence, our life on Earth now and that of our children, grandchildren and the lives of future generations take centre stage," the group wrote. "It's an opportunity and a chance to respect nature and one another and collaborate to ensure a sustainable future."

Wittenborg's sustainable development journey

Huba shared his insights from the event, stating, "It is important to talk about SDGs, and how various industries and higher education are implementing them in their policies. Wittenborg has always been committed to sustainability, and events like these allow us to learn from others and strengthen our resolve to integrate these goals into our institution's core values."

Cheung emphasised, "The event reminded us of our collective responsibility to create a more sustainable and inclusive world. It was inspiring to witness how various industries and higher education institutions are actively working toward these shared goals."

In 2015, Wittenborg embarked on a sustainable development journey in terms of mapping, learning and teaching activities and infusing aspects of the United Nations' 17 SDGs into its curriculum. Acknowledging its pivotal role in achieving the SDGs, Wittenborg persistently integrates not just sustainability but also addresses climate change within its core operations, fostering a culture where students and staff lead by example.

SDG Action Days in Apeldoorn

Gelre Regio Partners organised a second SDG Action Day on 23 September in Apeldoorn, inviting residents of the city and region as well as other stakeholders to continue these discussions and answer the following: 'How do we achieve these goals for an inclusive and sustainable community?'

WUP 10/10/2023
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press