With only six more years remaining until 2030, the target year for achieving the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, along with Guam Green Growth and other multi-sectoral partners launched Sustainable September, a month-long commemoration promoting awareness of the SDGs. 

Kicking off with a proclamation signing on Friday, August 30, Sustainable September will emphasize the importance of sustainability, increase awareness about environmental issues, and strengthen the collective actions taken to protect Guam’s biodiversity. 

“As a higher education institution, the university plays a crucial role in not only promoting the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals but also in developing programs, conducting research, executing sustainable practices, and fostering discussions to find sustainable solutions to our island-wide problems,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA. “UOG also has a significant role in integrating sustainability principles across all disciplines and inspiring and empowering new sustainability leaders to carry on this important work,” she added.  

Other activities planned for Sustainable September include watershed restoration activities, tree-planting events, unveiling of sustainability-themed murals around the island and educational art installations at the DFS Galleria and the A.B. Won Pat International Airport.  

During the proclamation signing, Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, said Guam was one of the first island communities to sign up for Local2030 Islands Network, a partnership promoting the UN SDGs. 

“Guam is a founding member of Local2030 Islands Network, which signifies our commitment and leadership in advancing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in locally and culturally effective ways,” Shelton said.  

For Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio, becoming part of the network expanded Guam’s role in the global sustainability movement. 

“Embracing sustainability and sustainable development has helped us engage the region and the world. The opportunity to become a charter member of the Local2030 Islands Network meant that we could establish great partnerships with island leaders, island governments and academic institutions around the world.”