WALK

The alarm bells have sounded and it’s no longer enough to talk about climate and environmental perils. It’s time to act. From the broad view of Laudato Si’ —Praise be to You, a canticle by Saint Francis of Assisi—and goals for Integrated Ecology to the university’s commitment to CIFAL and bringing international leaders together for a global sustainability conference, Chaminade’s stand on environmental stewardship is aligned with its mission of serving as a community-first institution.

Recently, a concentration in Sustainability Leadership was added to Chaminade’s Ed.D. Organizational Leadership program, further bolstering the university’s business pedagogy of emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendly business practices.

Indeed, the currents of the importance of environmental viability run through Chaminade's programs and practices. It’s primarily the reason why the university was chosen to establish CIFAL-Honolulu, one of 25 United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) centers across the globe. Nikhil Seth, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and executive director for the UNITAR, said Chaminade was “an obvious choice” when they were looking for partners in this part of the world, adding that the center at Chaminade will serve as a “model for collaboration and a place to spotlight those who share a common vision around the need for community-focused climate action.”

And in August of last year, Chaminade was chosen to lead a groundbreaking, five-year National Science Foundation $10 million grant to support the research and development of sustainable practices.

On receiving this grant, Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington shared, “Chaminade University is honored to lead this important initiative charged with empowering STEM leaders for tomorrow from across Hawai'i and the Pacific, equipping them with the cutting-edge data analytics skills they need to drive sustainable development.”

As further proof of its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Chaminade will sponsor The People, Planet and Prosperity for a Sustainable Future Conference (June 11 to 13), which will bring discipline-focused academic and intellectual thought to bear on the systemic issues and challenges faced in the creation of a flourishing, healthy and sustainable future for our societies.