In support of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Canada launched a program called Moving Forward Together – Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy to support the U. N’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)are intended to eliminate poverty, protect the environment, and ensure that people live in peace and prosperity. One of the goals is to ‘Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.’ Canada is working towards this by taking measures to create sustainable infrastructure and industries and promote innovation.
The development of infrastructure and manufacturing have determined jobs, economic growth, and well-being since the industrial revolution. Despite considerable progress in this region, approximately 2.6 billion people in the developing world still lack access to electricity, and 2.5 billion people lack access to basic sanitation.
Jobs and income can be generated by inclusive and sustainable industrialization, as well as innovation and infrastructure. They are crucial in developing and fostering emerging innovations, as well as encouraging foreign trade and enabling resource efficiency. Sustaining long-term solutions to both economic and environmental problems requires innovation and technical advancement.
Role of the government
In order to achieve this goal, the local government in Canada should help in:
Managing dynamic, interconnected urban networks, utilities, and flows associated with local development and consumption (e.g., waste management, energy supply, water and sanitation, transportation)
Considering local capital, needs, and markets when integrating small-scale manufacturing and start-ups into local economic development strategies
Improving resilience through a well-balanced combination of green, blue, and grey infrastructure, as well as versatile architecture that anticipates future shocks and stresses
Developing and enforcing disaster risk reduction measures at the local level
Promoting sustainable business practices through education, information sharing, and scientific research
Multiple objectives
In order to achieve this goal, the Canadian government has a list of objectives it seeks to achieve by 2030, this includes:
- Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
- Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
- Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
- Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
- Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries
- Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support
- Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment
- Significantly increase access to information and communications technology
Canada’s determination to build sustainable infrastructure for its residents is a testimony of its desire to meet the U. N’s agenda will ensure a better quality of life for everyone living in Canada including immigrants.