The School of Information's stated mission is,
"We create and share knowledge so that people will use information — with technology — to build a better world."
Perhaps more than anything else, the world needs reliable access to sources of clean, usable water. It's essential for a sustainable future. Unfortunately, this most critical resource often isn't clean or accessible, which causes major issues for families, communities, businesses, and thousands of species of plants and animals. Water issues are everybody's issues.
This academic year, UMSI has decided to apply our skills to understand better and address the water issues facing communities across Michigan. We are proud to partner with state and local organizations, governments, and communities already engaged in this critical work, and we believe that our students, faculty, and staff can make enduring contributions to that work.
The Great Lakes region holds 20% of the world's freshwater, and so Michigan must be a leader in its ongoing stewardship. From regional conservation efforts to clean water projects in small communities, UMSI is acting on our collective mission to use information - with technology - to build a better world.
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Theme Year's Connection to Global Sustainable Development
Announced in 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals that are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
The SDGs are a truly global effort to improve life for ever inhabitant of our planet.
The 2023-2024 UMSI Theme Year focus on Water Conservation & Access directly contributes to that global effort right here in Michigan. Understanding the global goals in our local context allows UMSI and its partners to make meaningful and sustainable contributions across the state.
The Sustainable Development Goals remind us that everything is connected - especially when dealing with something as ubiquitous as water. Across the projects pages on this website, you'll see what SDGs that project addresses.
To learn more about the 2023-2024 theme year's goals, visit the United Nations SDG homepage.
Theme Year Partners
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