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Draft:UNGP for SDGs

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UNGP for SDGs
Formation2015
TypeInternal NPO
FieldSustainability
Director-GeneralProf. Tak On Chan (Kelvin)
Deputy Director-GeneralProf. Libra Yeung
Websitewww.ungp.org

UNGP for SDGs

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The UN General Protocol for Sustainable Development Goals (UNGP for SDGs) is a Canadian-registered charity and a non-profit organization with special accreditation from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, UNGP for SDGs is dedicated to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through evaluation, expert support, and education. The organization empowers businesses and communities to commit to all 17 SDGs, aiming to advance sustainable development, foster equitable access to opportunities, and create a better world for all.

History

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The UN General Protocol for Sustainable Development Goals (UNGP for SDGs) originated from the GREEN Project, a community-driven sustainability initiative launched by the social enterprise Korean Corner in March 2015. The project focused on environmental education, participatory design, and the use of recyclable materials to promote public awareness of sustainable practices. It gained international attention through large-scale public installations and partnerships with institutions such as UNESCO and Sotheby’s.

In October 2018, the GREEN Project was formally presented at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where Dr. Kelvin Chan was invited to share the initiative’s innovative approach to integrating the SDGs through community engagement and design. His presentation highlighted how the project operationalized five of the SDGs at the grassroots level.

In March 2023, the project formally transitioned into a non-profit organization under the name UNGP for SDGs, establishing its headquarters in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Kelvin Chan was appointed Director-General and Prof. Libra Yeung as Deputy Director-General. The rebranding marked a significant step toward expanding the organization's mandate from community engagement to institutional capacity-building aligned with all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In February and April 2024, UNGP for SDGs received official endorsement by the SDG Accord, recognizing it as a partner within the global framework governed by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

In May 2024, Dr. Chan delivered the organization’s first-ever speech at the United Nations Headquarters, contributing to discussions on synergizing efforts to achieve the SDGs.

Later, in July 2024, UNGP for SDGs received Special Accreditation Status from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), making it eligible to participate in high-level UN conferences and activities. In the same month, the organization also participated in advanced UN training in The Hague, Netherlands, deepening its institutional understanding of global sustainability governance.

In May 2025, UNGP for SDGs achieved another organizational milestone by becoming a registered Canadian charity, further supporting its commitment to transparency, public service, and sustainability leadership.

Mission and Objectives

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The UN General Protocol for Sustainable Development Goals (UNGP for SDGs) is committed to advancing the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, evaluation, and strategic collaboration. Its mission is to promote inclusive and measurable sustainable development, foster equitable access to opportunity, and support local and global efforts to build a more just, resilient, and sustainable world.

As a non-profit organization with special accreditation from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), UNGP for SDGs works to bridge global sustainability frameworks with practical, community-level action. Its work is guided by the belief that meaningful change requires structured support, data-driven evaluation, and a long-term commitment to equity and innovation.

Key Objectives:

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  • SDG Implementation Support: To assist governments, institutions, and businesses in aligning their strategies and operations with the 17 SDGs through structured programs and assessments.
  • Education and Capacity Building: To provide training, workshops, and learning resources that empower individuals and organizations to understand and apply sustainable development principles.
  • Public Engagement: To raise awareness and promote civic participation in sustainability-related issues through events, campaigns, and community partnerships.
  • Certification and Evaluation: To offer a structured SDG Certification Program that assesses the effectiveness and transparency of sustainability practices across sectors.
  • Global and Local Integration: To connect international sustainability agendas with local initiatives, ensuring that SDG progress is relevant, inclusive, and community-responsive.

Program and Initiatives

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The UN General Protocol for Sustainable Development Goals (UNGP for SDGs) delivers a range of structured programs aimed at facilitating the practical implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across different sectors and communities. These programs are designed to bridge policy with practice, promote measurable impact, and cultivate cross-sector collaboration at both the local and global levels.

SDG Certification Program

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The UNGP SDG Certification Program provides institutions, businesses, and governments with a structured evaluation system to assess alignment with the 17 SDGs. The program includes comprehensive assessments, documentation reviews, and capacity-building support. Certified entities demonstrate commitment to sustainable development through transparent practices, impact metrics, and continuous improvement.

SDGs Sector Matrix

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UNGP for SDGs has developed an internal analytical tool known as the SDGs Sector Matrix, which is designed to map the relevance of each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals across different sectors and industries. While the tool has not been publicly released, it has informed internal program design and strategy development by helping to identify priority areas for sustainability engagement.

Capacity Building and Education

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UNGP conducts workshops, training sessions, and study tours for organizations, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their knowledge of sustainable development. These programs include in-person seminars, virtual modules, and curated visits to United Nations agencies and partner institutions. Topics cover SDG implementation strategies, ESG alignment, and social impact evaluation.

Community Engagement

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UNGP for SDGs actively participates in community-level outreach programs, such as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in partnership with local authorities like York Regional Police. These activities foster public awareness and community involvement in promoting equity, inclusion, and the SDGs.

Global Representation and UN Participation

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As a UN-accredited organization, UNGP for SDGs is eligible to participate in high-level UN events. In September 2024, UNGP was invited to the United Nations Summit of the Future at UN Headquarters in New York. This pivotal event brought together global leaders to explore new governance frameworks and commitments to accelerate SDG implementation and future-oriented multilateralism.

References

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