How to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals from edX

On September 25, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with a new set of goals collectively called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This ambitious agenda is a call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

This course on How to Achieve the SDGs provides an in-depth look at planning for SDG implementation. The range of topics covers financing, policy development, roles of stakeholders, and more. A comprehensive understanding of the societal transformations needed to achieve the SDGs is conveyed.

This course is for:

Policy professionals who want to understand frameworks for SDG planning.
Sustainable development practitioners seeking knowledge on goals-based development.
Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in key concepts related to the SDGs

What you'll learn

The scale, scope, and establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals
The societal transformations required to meet the SDGs
The governance, planning, and financing essential for progress
The role of civil society and the business sector in advancing global development
The types of transboundary cooperation needed to achieve global goals

What's inside

Learning objectives

The scale, scope, and establishment of the sustainable development goals
The societal transformations required to meet the sdgs
The governance, planning, and financing essential for progress

The role of civil society and the business sector in advancing global development
The types of transboundary cooperation needed to achieve global goals

The scale, scope, and establishment of the sustainable development goals
The societal transformations required to meet the sdgs
The governance, planning, and financing essential for progress
The role of civil society and the business sector in advancing global development
The types of transboundary cooperation needed to achieve global goals

Syllabus

Module 1: The SDG framework and Agenda 2030

Chapter 1: Scale and Scope of the SDGs

Chapter 2: A Brief History of the SDGs

Chapter 3: Transformation Challenges

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the core ideas and philosophies behind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative

Provides a framework for learners to understand and engage with SDG implementation

Covers a wide range of topics relevant to SDG implementation, including financing, policy development, stakeholder roles, and more

Offers a comprehensive understanding of the societal transformations needed to achieve the SDGs

Taught by Jeffrey D. Sachs, a renowned expert in sustainable development

Backed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a leading advocate and implementer of the SDGs

Reviews summary

Comprehensive guide to sdg implementation

According to students, this course offers an incredibly comprehensive and insightful look into the Sustainable Development Goals, praised for its holistic perspective on SDG implementation and the interdisciplinary approach involving government, civil society, and business sectors. Many found the lectures delivered by experts to be valuable, providing a foundational understanding of challenges and pathways. While some learners appreciated the well-structured content and found complex topics digestible, a few noted it can be dense and theoretical, desiring more practical examples and case studies. The course is considered essential for policy professionals and those in development, though it may assume a certain level of prior familiarity.

One older review noted some content might be outdated.

"While the topic is crucial, the course felt outdated in some areas, especially concerning digital technologies. Some data presented seemed old."

"I felt the course could benefit from updates to reflect current realities and challenges in sustainable development."

"I noticed that certain sections, particularly those on digital technologies, did not seem to reflect the most current information."

Delivered by true thought leaders and experts in the field.

"The lectures are delivered by experts and provide a foundational understanding of the challenges and pathways."

"Absolutely brilliant! The professors are true thought leaders in the field."

"I learned a tremendous amount about the interconnectedness of the SDGs and the global efforts required from the instructors."

Offers a wide-ranging, insightful look at SDG implementation.

"This course offers an incredibly comprehensive and insightful look into the Sustainable Development Goals."

"Excellent course for gaining a holistic perspective on the SDGs. The interdisciplinary approach... is highly valuable."

"Comprehensive and detailed, this course is valuable for understanding the broad landscape of SDG implementation."

Content is dense and moves quickly, requiring significant commitment.

"The content is dense but well-structured. I found some chapters... a bit abstract for practical application."

"I sometimes found it hard to follow the rapid pace of some lectures. It assumes a certain level of familiarity with development concepts."

"However, it is quite dense and requires significant time commitment. Not for casual learners."

Strong in theory, but some desire more real-world applications.

"The course provides a good overview, but sometimes it felt a bit too theoretical for my needs. I was hoping for more practical examples or case studies..."

"It's great for policy conceptualization, but less so for hands-on practitioners without prior context."

"The course is very broad, perhaps too broad. I wanted more practical applications relevant to NGOs."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals with these activities:

Read The End of Poverty

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals and their importance in global development.

View A New Foreign Policy: Beyond American... on Amazon

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Identify the obstacles to ending poverty.
Read Chapter 1: The Moral Case for Ending Poverty.
Summarize the key arguments for ending poverty.

Explore the UN SDG Knowledge Platform

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Provides access to a wealth of resources on the SDGs, enhancing understanding of their implementation.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development Goals

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Visit the UN SDG Knowledge Platform.
Explore the different sections of the platform.
Identify the resources that are most relevant to your interests.

Review related SDG materials

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Familiarize yourself with the key concepts and frameworks related to the SDGs

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Read the UN website on the SDGs
Review the SDSN Knowledge Platform
Explore the website of your local SDG network

Ten other activities

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Show all 13 activities

Complete SDG Simulations

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Provides an interactive way to apply the principles of sustainable development to real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development Goals

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Find a relevant SDG simulation.
Play the simulation.
Reflect on the outcomes of the simulation.

Write an Essay on the Role of Education in Achieving the SDGs

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Encourages critical thinking and analysis of the role of education in global development.

Browse courses on Education

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Research the link between education and the SDGs.
Develop a thesis statement.
Write an outline.
Draft the essay.
Revise and edit the essay.

Design a local SDG action plan

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Apply the principles of SDG planning to a real-world context

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Identify a local community or organization to work with
Conduct a needs assessment and identify local priorities
Develop a plan of action that outlines specific goals, targets, and indicators
Present your plan to stakeholders and seek feedback

Create a social media campaign to raise awareness about the SDGs

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Use social media to engage the public and promote the SDGs

Browse courses on Social Media

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Choose a specific SDG or set of SDGs to focus on
Develop a creative and engaging campaign message
Create and share content on social media using relevant hashtags
Monitor and evaluate the impact of your campaign

Develop a Sustainability Plan for Your Community

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Applies the principles of sustainable development to a practical project, fostering understanding of their implementation.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Identify the key sustainability challenges in your community.
Research best practices for addressing these challenges.
Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan.
Present your plan to stakeholders.

Follow a series of tutorials on SDG financing

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Enhance your knowledge on the various mechanisms and strategies for financing the SDGs

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Search and enroll in reputable tutorials on SDG financing
Follow the tutorials diligently, taking notes and completing exercises
Apply what you've learned to analyze real-world case studies

Attend a Conference on Sustainable Development

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Facilitates networking and exposure to experts in the field, broadening perspectives on sustainable development.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Identify a relevant conference.
Register for the conference.
Attend the conference sessions.
Network with other attendees.

Volunteer with an organization working on the SDGs

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the implementation of the SDGs

Browse courses on SDGs

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Research and identify organizations aligned with your interests
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate in volunteer activities and support the organization's mission

Develop a Policy Brief on a Key SDG Issue

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Enhances analytical and communication skills while exploring the policy implications of the SDGs.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development Goals

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Identify a key SDG issue.
Research the issue thoroughly.
Develop a policy brief that outlines the issue, analyzes the evidence, and proposes solutions.

Mentor a Student on a Sustainability Project

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Strengthens understanding and solidifies skills by sharing knowledge and guiding others.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Identify a student who is working on a sustainability project.
Offer to mentor the student.
Meet with the student regularly to provide guidance.
Help the student to develop their project.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainable Finance Analyst

Sustainable Finance Analysts specialize in the analysis of environmental, social, and governance risks and opportunities. They work to assess the sustainability performance of companies and help investors make informed investment decisions. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Finance Analyst

ESG Analyst

ESG Analysts are responsible for researching and assessing the environmental, social, and governance performance of companies. They work to provide investors with insights into the sustainability of different investment opportunities. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst

Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

Sustainable Supply Chain Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainable supply chain practices for businesses. They work to ensure that businesses are sourcing their materials and products in a way that minimizes environmental and social impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

Renewable Energy Project Developer

Renewable Energy Project Developers are responsible for developing and implementing renewable energy projects. They work to identify potential project sites, secure financing, and obtain permits. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Developer

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations develop and implement sustainability strategies. They work with businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations to reduce their environmental impact and improve their social and economic performance. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers are responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility programs for businesses. They work to ensure that businesses are operating in a sustainable and ethical manner. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts are responsible for researching and analyzing the impacts of climate change. They work to develop policies and strategies to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research to understand the impact of human activities on the environment. They work to develop solutions to environmental problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Environmental Economist

Environmental Economists use economic principles to analyze environmental issues and develop policies to protect the environment. They work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses. This course can help you build a foundation in environmental economics and help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work with governments, non-profit organizations, and businesses to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They work on a variety of projects, such as poverty reduction, education, and health care. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. They work to ensure that the organization is meeting its mission and achieving its goals. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts are responsible for developing and analyzing policies for government agencies and non-profit organizations. They use their knowledge of policy and research to help decision-makers understand the potential impact of different policy options. This course can help you build a foundation in policy analysis and help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Philanthropy Advisor

Philanthropy Advisors help individuals, families, and foundations develop and implement philanthropic giving strategies. They work to ensure that philanthropic giving is effective and has a positive impact on the world. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Philanthropy Advisor

Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to solve social and environmental problems. They start businesses and non-profit organizations that aim to make a positive impact on the world. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and how to achieve them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur

Government Affairs Manager

Government Affairs Managers represent the interests of businesses and organizations before government agencies. They work to influence public policy and ensure that the interests of their clients are represented in the political process. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Affairs Manager