Professor De la Rey joined two panels at the summit, where she spoke on measures of merit and how “equity and inclusion are a mindset, not a trade-off”.
In a recent opinion piece ahead of the event, Professor De la Rey says, “educational institutions’ power to build a more sustainable, resilient and peaceful future depends on purposeful intent to advance public good and social justice. Otherwise, as history shows, educational systems can reproduce inequality, rather than close the gap”.
“As its 150th anniversary approaches in 2023, our institution has sharpened its focus on being a place of learning that values our differences and aspires towards research and tertiary education that’s accessible to all.”
Professor De la Rey says the University of Canterbury’s close and enduring relationships with treaty partners Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu are fundamental to this, and unique initiatives, including the establishment of an Office of Treaty Partnership, Kā Waimaero | the Ngāi Tahu Centre, are among collaborative progress UC is making.
Another focus heading into UC’s sesquicentennial is our commitment to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They provide a roadmap for creating a more equitable and sustainable planet by providing targets for environmental sustainability, climate change action, economic growth, eradicating poverty and improving social equity.
Earlier this year, UC proved a world leader in its work towards the SDGs, placed first in the world for SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and 50th overall in the worldwide THE Impact Rankings. UC’s number one result for SDG 12 reflects robust structural progress at UC with strong policies, consistent measuring, and comprehensive reporting on operational activities. UC also scored 11th in the world for SDG 13 – Climate Action, and 29th for SDG 15 – Life on Land.
