Business professor represents Lang School and Canada at United Nations forum

Rumina Dhalla, professor of organization studies and director of the Institute for Sustainable Commerce was selected by Employment and Social Development Canada to be part of the Canadian delegation for the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.

Competition to be a delegate to the United Nations is rigorous, but Dhalla attributes her appointment in part to “the external recognition of Lang’s reputation for engagement and accomplishment on the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).”

The topics covered at the 2025 HLPF are among the most pressing of today’s world, including:

• Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at ages.
• Sustainable Development Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• Sustainable Development Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
• Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
• Sustainable Development Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

With only five years remaining until the 2030 implementation date target, the HLPF delegates gathered in New York City in July to identify what can be done to radically accelerate progress on implementing the sustainable development goals.

“The Lang School’s commitment to making a world where business is a force for good and business leaders choose purpose alongside performance is demonstrated by Professor Dhalla’s incredible contribution to the forum,” says Lang School Dean, Sara Mann.

“This appointment also provides a valuable opportunity for the Institute for Sustainable Commerce to get a seat at the table,” says Dhalla. “I was sitting in the room, looking around and thinking about how lucky and privileged I am to be part of the Canadian delegation. Canada was so visible and engaged and I am inspired to find ways of collaborating through new opportunities for the Lang School, University of Guelph, and our outstanding faculty and students.”

For more information about the work of the Institute for Sustainable Commerce at Guelph, visit us online.