SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Learn more about UN SDG 16 and take action
Our objective is to accelerate Dalhousie on the path to global distinction while further deepening our commitment as a civic university dedicated to uplifting our communities. Dalhousie supports and works toward inclusive societies by improving access to justice for all. In addition to contributing to the development of effective institutions at all levels, Dalhousie strives to be accountable and inclusive through the independent external review of our governance and administrative structures.
High-impact research
Thoughtful and informed
The MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance at Dalhousie University is a nationally focused, non-partisan, interdisciplinary institute designed to support the development of progressive public policy and to encourage greater citizen engagement.
Exploring complex intersections
The Centre for the Study of Security and Development (CSSD) is a multi-disciplinary hub for collaborative research and public outreach, housed within the Department of Political Science at Dalhousie University. The CSSD facilitates research, organizes events, and supports teaching on topics related to its core themes.
Realizing a more just and inclusive world by transforming society through a restorative approach
The Restorative Research, Innovation, and Education Lab at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law was founded in the spring of 2020. The Lab aims to help organizations, systems, and communities take a restorative approach to secure justice and improve quality of life for people. The Lab recently received funding from the federal government to accelerate the development of restorative justice across Canada.
Envisioning a world where children are at the heart of peace and security
The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security was founded by General Roméo Dallaire in 2007. The Dallaire Institute wants to bring the perspective of the security sector to the issue of child soldiery, while equipping them with the training and tools to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers worldwide.
Exceptional student experience
Promoting an understanding of Indigenous law
The Abajignmuen (which means "giving back" in Mìgmaq) website contains a repository of Schulich Law students' access to justice (A2J) projects and papers – A2J Projects & Papers. These are intended as helpful resources to assist the public achieve a better understanding of issues related to Aboriginal and Indigenous law.
Study power structures in distant lands and in your own backyard
In the Political Science program you'll have the opportunity to discover and pursue the aspect of political science that most interests you. Whether you’re passionate about local politics, foreign relations, or the politicization of social issues, there is a course for you.
Discover how the law shapes society and society shapes the law
Explore your interests in the interdisciplinary Law, Justice, and Society program that provides an introduction to the study of law, an overview of the Canadian legal system, an opportunity to examine the role of law in society and a path to investigate law as a potential career.
Receive a first-class legal education that opens doors to many careers
The JD program at the Schulich School of Law is a first degree in law that gives you a solid preparation for the practice of law as well as a respect for and participation in public life. Recognized around the world, it symbolizes hard work, an analytical mind, and a comprehensive understanding of legal foundations.
Student leadership
The Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) represents students on campus and ensures that students have a voice in university decision-making.
Civic university with global impact
Slavery, Reparations and Education: African Nova Scotia, Canada and Beyond
Together, Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College, in partnership with the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, will host the Universities Studying Slavery (USS) conference in the fall of 2023. This will be the first USS conference held outside of the United States and the first to foreground the history of slavery in Nova Scotia and Canada and the experience of African Nova Scotians particularly.
International human rights and Canada's role in a polarized world
As part of the Shaar Shalom Lecture Series, UN Ambassador to the United Nations, The Honorable Bob Rae and The Honorable Lieutenant-General (ret) Roméo Dallaire, Founder of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security recently discussed Canada's current role at the United Nations and the need for Canada's role to be reassessed if we are to achieve new approaches to global peace and security.
Toward healthy and just communities
The Restorative Lab hosts and supports the Restorative International Learning Community. A group of leading experts, policymakers, community leaders, practitioners supporting jurisdictions around the world that are committed to exploring and realizing the potential of a restorative approach to create and sustain healthy and just communities. In November 2022, Professor Llewellyn planned and hosted, in collaboration with the Zehr Institute, a conversation with members of the International Learning Community to share their vision and experience of building restorative communities.
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Democracy, disrupted: How digital technologies are being exploited to fuel distrust and disinformation
The Stanfield Conversations: Talking Democracy series features an annual public panel discussion on the state of democracy, focusing on urgent issues regarding the health of democratic institutions and other critical issues facing society. This past year, three of North America's top experts in the intersection of technology, politics, and society explored digital disruptions to democracy.
Read more in Dal News
Foundation for inclusion and distinction
Connecting the dots: Dal’s new head of planning and analytics on scaling university priorities
Institutions that have a culture of strategic planning tend to do a better job of adapting to changing conditions, while also ensuring that they are meeting the key outcomes and objectives set forth in their missions and strategies. Institutions are also beginning to realize the value of the vast amount of information at their fingertips in informing decision making.
Read more in Dal News
Dalhousie releases public sector compensation report for 2021‑2022
Each year according to the Nova Scotia Public Sector Compensation Act, all public sector organizations in Nova Scotia are required to publicly report the names and salaries of all employees whose compensation (salary, benefits and pension) exceeds $100,000. This includes all universities.
Read more in Dal News
Connecting with community leaders across Canada and around the world
The Dalhousie Advisory Council was formed in 2010 from a desire to provide the university president with international strategic counsel to complement the Board of Governors. DAC meets semi-annually with the president and the VP advancement. Other members of senior administration are often invited to attend as determined by the chair of the council and the president.
Community Engagement at Dal
At Dalhousie, we embrace our role as a civic university, invested in holistic social and intellectual partnerships designed to support our communities, province, and the region. We offer several ways to keep our community engaged.
Supporting strong institutions
The Canadian Criminal Code addresses domestic bribery and corruption. Foreign bribery is governed by the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. Dalhousie University is committed to conducting its business in an honest and ethical manner that is in compliance with all applicable laws governing bribery and corruption.