Richmond Hill, 11 February 2024 - The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) welcomed Steven Guilbeault, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, alongside senior officials and key stakeholders from Richmond Hill. The visit reinforced the critical role of science-policy collaboration in addressing pressing environmental challenges and advancing Canada’s leadership in sustainable water management, climate resilience, and innovative solutions by building on UNU-INWEH's expertise in research and policy development, capacity-building and training, and innovative climate solutions and technology.
Minister Guilbeault’s visit provided an opportunity to explore strategic synergies between UNU-INWEH’s research initiatives and Canada’s environmental priorities, including the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the Canada Water Agency, and international commitments such as the UN Water Action Agenda.
As a United Nations entity hosted by the Government of Canada since 1996, UNU-INWEH plays a unique role in generating evidence-based solutions to water and environmental challenges that impact communities worldwide, including in Canada. During the visit, UNU-INWEH researchers highlighted the interlinkage of water security and climate security, showcasing cutting-edge initiatives in climate adaptation, health and ecosystem restoration, including:
- Innovative water and land management approaches that enhance climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.
- Cutting-edge remote sensing tools for monitoring freshwater resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
- Environmental intelligence assessments that integrate AI and big data to support decision-making.
- Transboundary water cooperation frameworks that promote peace, stability, and shared resource management.
"Environmental challenges know no borders. That’s why Canada is working closely with global partners and the United Nations to advance science-based policies and innovative solutions for biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable water management. The researchers at UNU-INWEH are making tremendous contributions in this field, and we look forward to exploring collaboration opportunities that will benefit Canadians, strengthen our leadership in climate change resilience and innovation, and ensure Canada is well positioned in a low-carbon economy." said Minister Guilbeault.
UNU-INWEH was also honored to host high-level elected officials of Richmond Hill including the Members of Parliament Majid Jowhari and Leah Taylor Roy, Mayor David West and the Richmond Hill Council Members whose participation enriched the dialogue and underscored the importance of local-global partnerships in fostering sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship.
“For nearly 30 years, Canada has been a valued host and steadfast supporter of our research and projects tackling water, agriculture, environment, and health challenges worldwide,” said Prof. Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH. “Minister Guilbeault’s visit reaffirms Canada’s commitment to evidence-based environmental policies and strengthening the bridge between research, policy, and real-world impact. Together, we can drive solutions that benefit both Canadian communities and the global environment.”
The visit also highlighted UNU-INWEH’s commitment to bridging the gap between science and policy, ensuring that research findings drive concrete action for governments, communities, and global stakeholders.
Looking ahead, UNU-INWEH and Environment and Climate Change Canada will explore new avenues for collaboration, including joint research initiatives, capacity-building programs, and policy dialogues. These efforts aim to ensure that scientific insights translate into actionable strategies that protect water resources, enhance climate resilience, and foster a more sustainable future for all.
Media Contact
Sogol Jafarzadeh
UN and Government Relations Coordinator, UNU-INWEH
sogol.jafarzadeh@unu.edu
Hermine Landry
Attachée de presse – Press Secretary
Cabinet du Ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique - Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Hermine.landry@ec.gc.ca
