UOG receives national award for sustainability leadership of Guam Green Growth
The University of Guam is one of 11 universities to win a 2021 Excellence and Innovation Award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The UOG Center for Island Sustainability received the Sustainability and Sustainable Development Award for facilitating climate and sustainability solutions in the community through the island-wide Guam Green Growth (G3) Initiative.
“To receive one of 11 awards among the association’s membership of 400 public colleges and universities is quite telling that we — as a university and as an island — are not only effectively leading our community in sustainability solutions, but we’re setting an example nationwide,” said UOG President Thomas W. Krise.
AASCU President and CEO Mildred García said the UOG Center for Island Sustainability was selected by the awards committee “for its outstanding results and potential to influence and serve as a model for other institutions.”
Guam Green Growth is an island-wide initiative to locally implement the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is the most comprehensive public-private partnership ever created achieve a sustainable future for Guam.
The Center for Island Sustainability has facilitated the initiative, which brought together 99 individuals from all sectors of society appointed through Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s Executive Order 2019-23. The working group members developed an “Action Framework” that was formally adopted by the governor in September 2020 and now guides implementation of the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals in locally and culturally effective ways.
“Guam Green Growth is a remarkable partnership between all sectors of our society to create a sustainable future for our island,” the governor said. “Congratulations to the University of Guam for this distinct and well-deserved honor as the facilitators of this island-wide movement.”
Austin Shelton, director of the Center for Island Sustainability and co-chair of the G3 Steering Committee, said this is an award for the working group members from the community as well, who took a personal interest in the island’s future and dedicated their time and expertise to creating this plan.
“Thanks to all the dedicated G3 Working Group members and supporters,” Shelton said. “Guam is demonstrating that we are a global leader in island sustainability. Through G3, we are taking local action to ensure a sustainable global future.”
The university will be officially recognized among the other awardees during the 2021 AASCU Annual Meeting on Nov. 7 in Florida.