Richmond Hill, 18 March 2025 – Hosted by Mayor David West in partnership with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), a community event at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts convened sustainability leaders and residents to explore the role of cities in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The discussion emphasized how cities serve as innovation hubs, where bold ideas translate into real-world solutions to enhance quality of life, protect the environment, and inspire broader action. The SDGs offer a blueprint for peace, prosperity, and planetary well-being, with local implementation playing a key role in their success.
Moderated by Mayor West, the panel discussion featured insights from Dr. Rohit Ramchandani (UNU-INWEH), Ruth Rendon (City of Richmond Hill Sustainability), and Brian Millward (LEAF – Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests). Panelists highlighted the power of partnerships (SDG 17) in accelerating SDG implementation, emphasizing the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices as catalysts for sustainable progress.
Mayor West emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating: "Richmond Hill is excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded groups on environmental matters. Working with global leaders like the staff of the UNU-INWEH, the knowledgeable team at the City of Richmond Hill, and engaged community groups and residents is a recipe for success, in my opinion. True change happens at the local level, and I am thrilled to offer this forum for conversation and collaboration. Thank you to the esteemed panelists, the participants, and the attendees for making the inaugural event a great success.”
UNU-INWEH's work on water, environment and health highlights water’s fundamental role across all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating their interconnected nature. Water is a unifying force within the 2030 Agenda, underpinning health and well-being (SDG 3), food security (SDG 2), clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land and below water (SDGs 14 and 15), among others.
"People sometimes mistakenly assume our work is confined to SDG 6 — clean water and sanitation—but the reality is that water is central to nearly every goal, because it is essential to life itself,” said Dr. Ramchandani. Addressing global water challenges is synonymous with addressing health and wellbeing, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, promoting equity and economic development, and even fostering peace. This requires action at all levels, including cities and communities, where local efforts drive meaningful change."
The event saw strong participation from local community-based organizations, including the York Region Environmental Alliance, Electronics Recycling Association, Richmond Hill Garden and Horticulture Society, City of Richmond Hill “Greening the Hill” and Youth Action Committee, Climate Action Richmond Hill, and the Ice Dragons, an eco-minded youth club. Their involvement underscored the vital role of grassroots initiatives in driving sustainability at the local level.
Discussions also focused on the importance of engaging young people in decision-making processes and ensuring they have space, voice, audience, and influence in shaping a sustainable future. The event further highlighted the significance of World Water Day (22 March) and the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of freshwater resources across the SDGs and the need for collaborative action to safeguard them.
Mayor West and the panelists encouraged continued collaboration between residents, local government, and organizations—both locally and globally—to drive meaningful, community-led impact on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Media Contact:
Sogol Jafarzadeh
UN and Government Relations Coordinator, UNU-INWEH
sogol.jafarzadeh@unu.edu
