February 22, 2019

Explore sustainable development with fun activities at SIU on Feb. 28

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Making planet Earth more sustainable is possible, as an interactive community event at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Feb. 28 will demonstrate.

Everyone is welcome to attend the free event, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center’s Art Gallery, located at the south end of the first floor.

Find out about the United Nations goals with hands-on activities

The United Nations has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals, a blueprint of sorts to enhance the future of the world and the people living on it. SIU’s event, “Exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” is a chance for people to learn more about the UN goals through fun, hands-on activities. Goals run the gamut, from eliminating poverty and hunger to gender equality, quality education and assuring affordable clean energy for all.

Event participants can visit various stations, each hosted by a campus or community facilitator, and focusing on one of the UN goals. The activities will illustrate the connection between global and local issues and needs.


Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover SIU’s “Exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Student Center Art Gallery. The event features interactive activities designed to help people learn about the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and how sustainable development positively impacts people and the planet.


Students, faculty and community involved

Explore various sustainability-related topics with help from students, faculty, staff or community members. Spin the wheel and answer energy-related trivia questions, hosted by a campus engineer from Plant and Service Operations. Learn about the best practices for planting trees by students from The Society of American Foresters registered student organization.

At another station, you can test your climate action awareness with an SIU faculty member. Or, discover the region’s support systems people can tap into for improved physical and mental health, courtesy of a representative from SIU’s Wellness and Health Promotions, part of Student Health Services.

“The goal is to help our community understand that sustainable development transforms lives, economies and our planet,” Geory Kurtzhals, SIU sustainability coordinator, said.

Community and campus working together

The event is collaboratively sponsored by the SIU Sustainability Office, the SIU United Nations Association registered student organization, and the Southern Illinois Chapter of the United Nations Association.

For more information about “Exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” the first in a series of events exploring the UN global goals, call 618/453-2846.