Presidents' Panel on Decent Work and Economic Growth

Acadia University is pleased to present the President's Panel on Decent Work and Economic Growth: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Sustainable Development.

This annual event is a showcase of Acadia research, teaching, and service from the Faculties of Arts, Professional Studies, and Pure and Applied Science with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The event is coordinated by the Acadia Sustainability Office in partnership with the Office of the Acadia University President. The event is open to the public and is accessible.

Date: Tuesday March 31st, 2026
Time: 6:30pm Welcome Reception & 7:00pm-9:00pm Presentations & Panel Discussion
Location: K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Auditorium

Featured Speakers

Dr. Jeff Hennessy (he/him)
Acadia University President and Vice-Chancellor

Yas Jawad (they/them)
Acadia Students' Union President

Faculty of Arts

Dr. Andrew Davis (he/him)
Head/Associate Professor
Department of Economics

Faculty of Professional Studies

Dr. Shelley Price (she/her)
Associate Professor (Management)
F.C. Manning School of Business

Faculty of Pure & Applied Science

Dr. Deanne van Rooyen (she/her)
Assistant Head
Department of Earth & Environmental Science

Moderator

TBD:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 8

UNSDG #8 Targets

Promoting sustained economic growth, productive employment and decent work for all is essential for a sustainable future. Goal 8 focuses on creating quality jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering economic growth while preventing environmental degradation.

8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth and at least 7 percent GDP growth in the least developed countries

8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, innovation, and high-value added sectors

8.3 Support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage growth of micro-medium-sized enterprises

8.4 Improve global resource efficiency and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation

8.5 Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities

8.6 Substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training

8.7 Eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and eliminate the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers

8.8 Protect labour rights and promote safe working environments for all, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment

8.9 Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products

8.10 Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all

8.A Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries

8.B Develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization

Visit UNSDG for full text of targets and other resources

SDG Month Canada

March is national SDG month. Events are planned across the country to raise awareness around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)! Acadia's signature event is the Presidents' Panel on Sustainable Development. Look for other events planned across campus throughout the month of March. Learn more about SDG Canada.