Course Description

This comprehensive and accessible course offers a unique opportunity to delve into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that shape our global social, ecological, and economic agenda until 2030. Unlike other resources that may provide fragmented information about individual SDGs, this course presents a coherent framework that brings all 17 goals together, offering students a holistic understanding of sustainable development.

Led by a highly interdisciplinary team of experts and practitioners, this course provides an in-depth exploration of the SDGs, their origins, interconnections, and implementation challenges. Students will gain valuable insights into how these goals address pressing global issues such as inequality, climate change, poverty, unsustainable consumption and production, and peace and security.

What students will learn from the course

• Understand the emergence, development, and structure of the SDGs within the United Nations context
• Grasp the interrelations between different SDGs and their 169 individual targets
• Acquire evidence-based information about each SDG's background and real-world implications
• Reflect on the challenges facing SDG implementation
• Recognize the interdependence of social, ecological, and economic objectives in the SDG agenda
• Understand the institutional infrastructure supporting SDG realization
• Learn from practitioners about real-world difficulties in achieving the SDGs

Pre-requisites

A secondary school education is the only prerequisite for this introductory-level course. No specific skills are required, making it accessible to a wide range of learners interested in global sustainability and governance.

Course Content

• Origins and development of the SDGs
• SDGs and Society: Ensuring resilience and primary needs
• SDGs and Society: Strengthening Institutions for Sustainability
• SDGs and the Economy: Shaping a Sustainable Economy
• SDGs and the Biosphere: Development within Planetary Boundaries
• Realizing the SDGs: Implementation through Global Partnerships

Who this course is for

• Students interested in global sustainability, social sciences, and international development
• Professionals working in fields related to sustainable development
• Policymakers and government officials involved in SDG implementation
• NGO workers and activists focusing on global challenges
• Anyone passionate about understanding and contributing to a more sustainable future

Real-world applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course can be applied in various real-world scenarios:

1. Informing policy decisions related to sustainable development
2. Developing sustainable business strategies
3. Designing and implementing community-level sustainability projects
4. Advocating for SDG-aligned initiatives in various sectors
5. Conducting research on global sustainability challenges
6. Enhancing cross-sector collaborations for SDG implementation
7. Improving organizational practices to align with SDG targets

Syllabus

• Module 1: The origin, development and idea of the SDGs
• Module 2: SDGs and Society: Ensuring resilience and primary needs in society
• Module 3: SDGs and Society: Strengthening Institutions for Sustainability
• Module 4: SDGs and the Economy: Shaping a Sustainable Economy
• Module 5: SDGs and the Biosphere: Development within Planetary Boundaries
• Module 6: Realizing the SDGs: Implementation through Global Partnerships

This course, supported by VLIR-UOS and the Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies, offers a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By enrolling, you'll join a global community of learners committed to addressing the world's most pressing challenges through sustainable development and inclusive growth.