United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 1 through 16

Through the creation of audiovisual works, in 2023–2024 the NFB will continue to showcase the principles laid out in the United Nations Sustainable Development program. The production of documentaries, animated films and interactive projects dealing with global and national issues such as social justice, environmental protection, and discrimination against specific groups of people will contribute to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to bringing themes related to the SDGs to the screen, the NFB will continue to cultivate these same principles of equality and inclusion within the organization, so that it remains an active catalyst for sustainable development across Canada (specifically, SDGs 1 through 16).

This Strategy contributes to an increased awareness by Canadians of the social, economic, and environmental challenges of today and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, including gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity.

SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

In 2023–2024, the NFB will remain a trustworthy source for education professionals by supplying high-quality audiovisual content and accompanying educational support in both official languages. The institution will continue to develop and produce current and relevant educational materials, such as the Ocean School project.

The NFB will also continue to support emerging Canadian filmmakers by offering them a practical and professional creative experience.

This Strategy contributes to:

Global target 4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

Indicator 4.7.1 Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment.

SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

In terms of audiovisual production, in 2023–2024 the NFB will continue to meet its gender-parity objectives both for number of productions and production budgets.

Within the organization, the NFB will also implement its equity, diversity and inclusion commitments and objectives, which seek to create an equitable and inclusive workplace.

This Strategy contributes to:

Global target 5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.

Indicator 5.5.2 Proportion of women in managerial positions.

SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

As a public producer and distributor, in 2023–2024 the NFB will continue to help advance sustainable development goals. The institution aims to increase the visibility of historically marginalized communities in the media landscape, both by producing works that deal with major global issues and by ensuring its productions are distributed to under-represented or poorly served communities, or communities located far from large urban centres. As part of its marketing strategy, the NFB will pursue new partnerships and highlight its works to organizations promoting and defending the rights of marginalized people. These collaborations will further shine a light on the realities of marginalized people and will represent the NFB’s contribution to reducing inequality and ushering in a more inclusive society.

This Strategy contributes to:

Global target 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

In 2023–2024, to support the implementation of the new Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), the NFB will develop its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy. This will provide the NFB with a framework of specific sustainability measures and commitments aimed at achieving the FSDS targets. Specifically, the organization will set climate change targets.

This Strategy contributes to:

Global target 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Projects like Ocean school (mentioned above) encourage youth to take positive actions to improve Canadian oceans and their interconnected systems in order to bring about environmental and social change.

This Strategy contributes to:

Global target 14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

In 2023–2024, the NFB’s internal services will continue working on several fronts to realize the institution’s equity, diversity and inclusion goals.

The organization will also continue to pursue its efforts to achieve and maintain gender parity and continue to collaborate with official-language minority communities, with the goal of helping them thrive while promoting the country’s linguistic duality.

Finally, another noteworthy area of action in 2023–2024 will be the implementation of the Indigenous Action Plan and its commitments, in the context of the Indigenous Advisory Committee’s renewed governance. In addition, ongoing Indigenous professional learning opportunities will be offered to staff, to help create a positive and respectful workplace.

This Strategy contributes to:

Global target 16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

Global target 16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.