The SDG Idea Factory has its grand opening

The ribbon has been cut for the SDG Idea Factory in downtown Kitchener.

The grand opening event was held in its large event space, and many special guests were in attendance, including Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

The United Nations provided 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 as a part of their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the factory celebrates one in particular: Number 17. That goal is called Partnerships for the Goals which encourages collaboration to complete all the goals that precede it.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic told the crowd about his passion for the SDG’s and Kitchener’s innovation and startup ecosystem.

“To see us open a new space that brings these two elements together is an incredible accomplishment by our City of Kitchener team.”

Vrbanovic called the 20,000 square feet of space “magic” with its five bookable meeting rooms, 24 hot desks, training/boardroom, 17 co-working offices, large event space and common area meeting space.

Minister Karina Gould is responsible for the national implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. She explained why she was thrilled to get an invite to the event.

“Because you have taken on and embraced the SDG’s and thought about how you can apply all 17 of these goals to the work that you are doing here in your city, in your community, but also how you can work in partnership both at home and around the world.”

Gould added that the factory is the embodiment of the recognition that we have to work together to solve the “pernicious problems our world is facing.”

When Dowdeswell took to the stand, she congratulated the City of Kitchener, its mayor, and its local entrepreneurs on behalf of His Majesty the King.

“It comes as no surpise at all, to me, that the factory came to life right here. Its existence is a testament to your community spirit and your devotion to thinking globally while acting locally.”

She added that everything about the SDG Idea Factory embodies sustainability.

Anyone interested in engaging with the space or finding more information, you can visit the SDG Idea Factory website.