SD-SDG: The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted by 193 member states, the goals represent an important international step in setting humanity on a trajectory towards sustainable development. Within this course, you will get a historical overview of how sustainability has been understood, as well as a thorough introduction to the SDGs – what they are, how progress can be measured, and how the SDGs are relevant for the management of the global systems supporting humanity. The course will examine how various societal actors are responding to and implementing the SDGs.

• Credit value: 2 (US standard) | 5 (ECTS standard)
• Indicative duration (full time): 2-3 weeks
• Indicative duration (part-time): 4-6 week
• Certificate: Yes

This course is based on standard EUCLID methodology. Students may refer to the following resources:

Academic Guidelines (HQ version)
Academic Guidelines (most recent version even if unofficial)
Student Orientation Guidelines (most recent version even if unofficial)
Zotero instructions for EUCLID students

At the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Discuss the SDG background (MDGs)
• List the SDGs
• Discuss policy options
• Explain controversial or criticized aspects of SDGs
• Competently discuss cases in specific regions

Some of the course material is provided in PDF format. Textbooks include:

• Official UN publications
• Official World Bank publications
• Curated videos / lectures