As a true testament to the region’s ongoing leadership and commitment to sustainability, UNESCO has named Peterborough-Kawarthas-Haliburton, home of Trent University, a Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on Education for Sustainable Development.

This prestigious designation recognizes communities across the globe that are frontrunners in tackling the challenges of sustainability and places them among an international network for collaboration and continued innovation.

In celebration of the designation, the new Peterborough-Kawartha-Haliburton RCE for Sustainability Education hosted a public launch event on June 9 at Trent University. At the event, Trent President Leo Groarke celebrated the milestone alongside Dr. Charles Hopkins, UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Teacher Education, Minister Maryam Monsef, member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, Professor Dan Longboat of Trent’s Indigenous Environmental Studies program, Curve Lake Elder Dorothy Taylor, and Fleming College president Dr. Tony Tilly.  During the launch, local youth and educators shared their innovative projects and programs in sustainability education and outdoor learning to inspire all as the group moves forward.

“We’re very pleased that the Peterborough-Kawartha RCE has been recognized in this way,” said Trent University president, Dr. Leo Groarke. “It is another sign that we live and work in an area that is increasingly known for its expertise and its interest in sustainability.”

The development of the region’s application brought together a diverse fellowship of governments and government agencies, private sector partnerships, NGOs, and academic institutions, including Trent University. The application, which involved the work of numerous Trent alumni, faculty and staff, was submitted to the Ubuntu Committee of Peers for a juried review process. The selection of Peterborough-Kawarthas-Haliburton marks the third RCE designation in Ontario and one of eight across the country.

This designation also marks an exciting and meaningful start to a new year of environmental projects and initiatives within the Peterborough-Kawarthas-Haliburton region.

“The United Nations awarding of the RCE recognizes the region's accomplishments, and gives us the opportunity to celebrate as we look forward to continuing Trent University's long standing contribution to education for sustainable development,” remarked Dan Longboat, director of the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences program at Trent University.