On Saturday morning (November 9, 2024), an impressive group of people gathered at the City’s municipal offices.
Mayor David West welcomed the Rector of the United Nations University (UNU) and the United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala. There was the formal signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support a partnership on sustainability transition and environmental initiatives that benefit the City, Canada and the rest of the world.
Dignitaries were there. Everyone was happy and optimistic.
United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) has been working for nearly three decades on the most pressing water, environmental, and health challenges around the world with particular attention to the countries in the Global South.
Richmond Hill became its headquarters in April 2024. Richmond Hill is regarded as an ideal place for such an educational institute. There has been exemplary leadership in sustainability, it has a highly skilled and educated workforce, and it is in a very good location to other businesses and institution.
There is the expectation that:
- Richmond Hill will be a lead city for sustainability practices. We’ve done a lot but more is expected of us.
- create a sustainability innovation hub through close collaboration and use of technology/environmental solution providers, start-ups, innovators, and entrepreneurs
- enhance environmental and sustainability awareness, including a Speaker Series
- and more
This is a partnership. There will be collaborations. It is meaningful opportunity for Richmond Hill to shine.
“Today’s signing ceremony is not just a formal agreement; it is a pledge to work together towards a common goal. By combining our expertise and resources, we can address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. This partnership will enable us to leverage the strengths of both UNU-INWEH and the City of Richmond Hill to advance research, policy, and practice in water, environment, and health and collectively contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals in Canada and Globally.” - Professor Tshilidzi Marwala
