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Introduction to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Shape a rewarding environmental career by gaining expertise of the UN SDGs and how to use them to tackle global problems.

656 enrolled on this course

Incorporate the United Nations' concepts, icons, and colors from the SDGs into the term 'SDG.'

Introduction to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

656 enrolled on this course

  • 6 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Gain knowledge of the UN SDGs to help make a positive impact

It is unequivocal that human actions are causing widespread environmental damage. To help combat this, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a blueprint to address environmental challenges and achieve a brighter future for both people and the planet.

On this six-week course, you’ll gain a solid introduction to the UN SDGs to understand their importance to your professional and personal life.

You’ll cover three main topics; sustainable human rights and society, sustainable economy, and sustainable environment to help you systematically explore the SDGs.

Explore human rights and the sustainable economy

You’ll delve into the different SDGs that relate to human rights and a sustainable economy.

This includes sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7).

Unpack the SDGs from the perspective of a sustainable environment

Next, you’ll uncover the ways SDGs can contribute to a sustainable environment.

Delving into climate action (SDG 13), life below water (SDG 14), life on land (SDG 15), and more, you’ll gain insights into how to protect our planet effectively.

Learn from the experts at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU)

On the final weeks of the course, you’ll explore the importance of international collaboration and partnerships in the battle against the climate crisis.

Learning from the experts at CYCU, you’ll finish the course with a sound understanding of the UN SDGs and how they can help both people and the planet prosper.

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Syllabus

  • Week 1

    The Background of the SDGs and the Three Axes of Human Development: Human Rights, Economy, and Environment

    • Welcome to the Introduction to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

      Here we will get to know the historic background of SDGs through environmental issues and sustainable development in the 19-20th century.

    • The Goals of SDGs from Human Rights Perspectives

      We will talk about the eight goals regarding human rights.

    • Sustainable Economy

      In this part, we will talk about sustainable economy, responsible consumption and reducing inequality.

    • Environmental Sustainability

      Here we will know about environmental sustainability through climate action, recycled energy, and protection of marine life.

  • Week 2

    The SDGs From the Perspective of Sustainable Human Rights

    • People's Livelihood Issues: Goals 1 and 2

      We will start with the situation of global poverty and discuss why there is so much poverty all over the world.

    • Health and Sanitation Issues: Goals 3 and 6

      In this unit, we will start with The Universal Declaration of Human Rights with everyone's standard of living, proceed to the impacts on Health and Well-Being by COVID-19, and then delve into improving strategies.

    • Education and Gender Equality Development: Goals 4 and 5

      In this unit, we will talk about Education and Gender Equality with Dr Kakenya Ntaiya's Story and the case of Kerala State of India.

    • Establishment of Justice and Institutions: Goal 11 & Goal 16

      In this unit, we will look at sustainable cities and communities along with strong institutions.

  • Week 3

    The SDGs From the Perspective of a Sustainable Economy

    • Workplace and Economy: Goal 8

      In this unit, we will introduce Goal 8 and explore the impact of pandemics and wars on it.

    • Industry and Construction: Goal 9

      In this unit, we will explore Goal 9, which is about "industry, innovation and infrastructure".

    • Balanced Regional Development: Goal 10

      In this unit, we will continue exploring the issues regarding sustainable economy, specifically focusing on the theme of reduced inequalities.

    • Consumption and Production: Goal 12

      In this unit, we will delve into the foundational aspects of Goal 12 and explore the social changes and transformations driven by it.

  • Week 4

    The SDGs From the Perspective of a Sustainable Environment

    • Climate Action: Goal 13

      In this unit, we will discuss climate change and the actions taken to address it.

    • Life Below Water: Goal 14

      Goal 14: Life Below Water conserves and sustainably uses the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

    • Life on Land: Goal 15

      Goal 15 is the third issue of Sustainable Environment. Goal 15 is to manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

  • Week 5

    An Overview of the Development of International Collaboration and Partnerships for the SDGs

    • The Current Status of Sustainable Human Rights in Global Cooperation and Partnership

      In this unit, we will review the concept of sustainable human rights, examine the United Nations' efforts in human rights, and explore the responsibilities of national governments in achieving SDGs related to human rights.

    • The Current Status of Sustainable Economy in the Global Partnership

      In this unit, we will delve into the present state of the sustainable economy within the context of international collaborations.

    • The Current Status of Sustainable Environment in the Global Partnership

      In this unit, we will have an overview of the current status of sustainable environment within the context of international collaborations.

  • Week 6

    The Outlook for SDGs Partnerships

    • What Factors Help People Take Actions in Our Daily Life: Putting Good Habits into Practice

      In this unit, we will explore what factors help people take action in their daily lives.

    • SDGs and Our Future: Issues and Policy Systems in Current Global System

      In this unit, we will focus on the role of government, private sectors, and international organizations.

    • Sustainable Development and People's Life: A Well-Established and Sound Policy Network

      In this unit, we will focus on a well-established and sound policy network as we mentioned in the previous unit.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Develop background knowledge of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Explore the connection of SDGs and human rights, economy, and the environment
  • Develop the ability to analyze the national and foreign policy on the SDGs-related agenda
  • Engage in shaping our common future and contributing to the betterment of society as a global citizen
  • Explore more interdisciplinary talks and discussion on the SDGs issues

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in the SDGs and the relevant climate issues they aim to tackle.

It will be particularly useful for those who want to build a foundation for further studies in fields related to public policies.

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU)

Chung Yuan Christian University is a private university in Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan. The university was established as Chung Yuan Christian College of Science and Engineering in 1955 by a group of Taiwanese and American Christian educators to train science and engineering talent in the Christian spirit.

  • Established

    1955
  • Location

    Zhongli, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
  • World ranking

    Top 1000Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$19.99

For months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$79/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 14 Jan 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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