A formal launch of a community-engaged initiative hosted jointly by the University of Windsor and Wayne State University focused on urban sustainability in the border cities region, Sept. 20.

The United Nations Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on Education for Sustainable Development will anchor exchange and research on urban sustainability and connect ongoing community initiatives in the greater Detroit-Windsor region.

“We want to address the challenges our region faces as a transnational metropolitan area where water is one of the most vital resources, where we share an automotive industry in need of transformation, and where familial and cultural ties transcend our border,” says law professor Anneke Smit, the centre’s co-director with Donna Kashian of Wayne State.

Provosts from both institutions addressed the Sept. 20 gathering; following the formal program a consultation exercise engaged community and campus members to help frame the next steps for the centre and how it can be of most impact in the community.

Jana Jandal Alrifai, a UWindsor environmental studies major, a climate justice organizer, and a research assistant at the Centre for Cities, joined the participants.

“The UN-RCE presents an exciting opportunity for cross-border collaboration, which will elevate both institutions and our cities,” she said. “It was wonderful to witness interdisciplinary collaboration at the highest level, all working toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Along with Dr. Smit, planning at the Windsor end of the centre has been led by professors Edwin Tam of civil and environmental engineering and Lee Rodney of the School of Creative Arts, and sustainability officer Nadia Harduar.