Transforming Our World: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals from edX

In this course, learn all about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In September 2015, the world’s leaders signed on to this new agenda, answering the call for a global vision of important social, economic and environmental needs to support the planet and its people in long-term prosperity and survival. The goals include a set of key areas of focus, as well as detailed targets to put our planet on track for this continuing sustainability through 2030 and beyond.

Sustainable development is not just a problem for future generations. It is a shared global responsibility now and forevermore to be thoughtful stewards of our entire world – from developed countries to developing countries, from high-level policymakers to individuals.

This course is for:

Anyone new to the concept of the Sustainable Development Goals who wants to understand what they are, why they’re important and how to achieve them
Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students interested in the key concepts and practices of sustainability
Policymakers and sustainable development practitioners looking for a concise overview of the goals and their targets
Private-sector actors, such as those who work in corporate sustainability and responsibility or at universities – who want their work to be more sustainable and align with global progress

What's inside

Learning objectives

What are the sustainable development goals?
How modern advancements and connectivity can help us achieve the goals

The importance of sustainable development
Why you should care about the sustainable development goals – as a corporation, as a university, as an individual

What are the sustainable development goals?
How modern advancements and connectivity can help us achieve the goals
The importance of sustainable development
Why you should care about the sustainable development goals – as a corporation, as a university, as an individual

Syllabus

Module 1: Getting to Know the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In 2012, during the Rio+20 Summit in Brazil and the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Earth Summit, the world's leaders set in motion the process that would lead to the adoption of the SDGs in September of 2015. In this module we walk through the history of the sustainable development agenda.

Module 2: Sustainable Development Plans

The 17 SDGs provide a collective ambition for the planet. To achieve the SDGs, the next step is to create Sustainable Development Plans at the country level. These strategies are essentially backcasting exercises that use the SDGs as an end point from which to plan backwards to the current day and that carefully contextualize the SDGs for the country in question.

Module 3: Technology, Innovation, and the SDGs

The achievement of the SDGs depends heavily on the application of innovative and modern thinking and technologies. This is particularly critical for challenges such as the decarbonization of the economy to mitigate the effects of climate change. Information and communication technologies also present unique opportunities for a range of sectors.

Module 4: Good Governance and theSDGs

Global cooperation is critical to achieve the SDGs. In particular, cities have a critical role in pioneering Sustainable Development planning in collectively contributing to the ambition of sustainable development. Efficiently disseminating the necessary technologies, knowledge, and best practices and mobilizing financing are foundational for the achievement of the goals. Both rely heavily on global cooperation and the effective deployment of public-private partnerships.

Module 5: Business and theSDGs

The SDGsare not an agenda for policy makers alone. Most of the world's economic activity, knowledge generation, and investment is driven by an efficient private sector. And while you cannot have a strong private sector without an effective and structured public sector, business must play a role in sustainable development.

Module 6: Universities and theSDGs

Universities around the world are fundamental to the Sustainable Development Agenda and share a core responsibility in advancing the agenda in their respective countries. Universities, serving as hubs of innovation, accelerate exponentially the creation and exchange of knowledge and generate an ecosystem in which solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges can collectively be addressed by academia, business, and civil society.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches 17 Sustainable Development Goals in response to UN leaders' 2015 global call for vision

Suitable for various audiences, including newcomers to SDGs, graduate students, policymakers, and sustainability practitioners

Emphasizes shared global responsibility for sustainable development

Highlights the significance of technology and innovation for achieving SDGs

Explores the role of good governance and global cooperation in implementing SDGs

Stresses the importance of business involvement in sustainable development

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 Transforming Our World: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals with these activities:

Review your notes from previous courses related to sustainability

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Refreshing your knowledge from previous courses on sustainability will help you build on your existing foundation and enhance your learning in this course.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Gather your notes and materials from any previous courses that covered topics related to sustainability.
Review the notes and identify key concepts and ideas.
Consider how the concepts from your previous courses relate to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Take practice quizzes on sustainable development

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Test your understanding of sustainable development by taking practice quizzes that cover the key concepts, goals, and targets.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Find practice quizzes on sustainable development online
Take the quizzes and review your answers
Identify areas where you need more practice

Watch videos on the Sustainable Development Goals

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Watching videos on the Sustainable Development Goals will help you visualize the concepts and see them in action.

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Find reputable sources for videos on sustainable development.
Choose videos that cover topics relevant to the course.
Take notes while watching the videos to enhance your understanding.

Eight other activities

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Practice answering questions on the Sustainable Development Goals

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Practicing answering questions on the Sustainable Development Goals will help you prepare for assessments and improve your understanding of the topic.

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Use online quizzes and practice tests to test your knowledge.
Join a study group and discuss the goals with your peers.
Write down key terms and definitions to help you memorize the information.

Revise topics on sustainable development

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Review the key concepts of sustainable development such as the three pillars of sustainability, the SDGs, and the importance of sustainable practices.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Read articles and books on sustainable development
Watch videos and documentaries on sustainable development
Attend webinars or workshops on sustainable development

Review 'The Future We Choose' by Jeffrey Sachs

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals and offers practical solutions for achieving them. Reviewing it will deepen your understanding of the topic.

View The Ages of Globalization on Amazon

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Read the book carefully, taking notes as you go.
Write a concise summary of the book's main arguments and recommendations.

Create a comprehensive study guide for the course

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Creating a comprehensive study guide for the course will help you organize the materials and reinforce your learning.

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Gather all relevant materials from the course, including lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
Summarize the key concepts and ideas from each module.
Include practice questions and exercises to test your understanding.

Contribute to a blog on sustainable development

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Sharing your thoughts and ideas on sustainable development on a blog allows you to connect with others interested in the topic, refine your knowledge, and improve your communication skills.

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Choose a topic related to sustainable development that you are passionate about.
Write a well-researched and informative blog post.
Share your blog post on social media and with friends and colleagues.

Create a presentation on the importance of sustainable development

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Developing a presentation on sustainable development will allow you to synthesize your knowledge and convey the importance of this topic to others.

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Choose a specific aspect of sustainable development to focus on.
Gather information from credible sources.
Develop a clear and concise message.
Design an engaging and visually appealing presentation.

Write a blog post or article on a specific SDG

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Choose a specific SDG that interests you and write a blog post or article that explores the goal in detail, its targets, indicators, and how it can be achieved.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development Goals

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Choose a specific SDG to focus on
Research the SDG and its targets and indicators
Write a blog post or article that explains the SDG and its importance
Publish your blog post or article and share it with others

Design a sustainable development plan for your community

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Creating a sustainable development plan for your community will allow you to apply the principles you learn in the course to a real-world scenario.

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Form a team of people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Identify the key sustainability challenges facing your community.
Develop a set of goals and objectives for your plan.
Create a detailed action plan for achieving your goals.
Implement your plan and monitor its progress.

Career center

Learners who complete Transforming Our World: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. They work to reduce environmental impact and promote social and economic sustainability. This course can help Sustainability Managers understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through business and organizational sustainability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. They work to protect the environment and promote sustainability. This course can help Environmental Scientists understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through scientific research and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Researcher

Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics, including sustainability and international development. They work for a variety of organizations, including universities, think tanks, and research institutes. This course can help Researchers develop the knowledge and skills needed to conduct research on the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They specialize in a particular field of study, such as sustainability or international development. This course can help Professors develop the knowledge and skills needed to teach and research the Sustainable Development Goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

International Development Worker

International Development Workers work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They work in a variety of areas, including education, health care, and economic development. This course can help International Development Workers understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through international cooperation.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Worker

Government Official

Government Officials develop and implement policies that affect the lives of citizens. They work in a variety of areas, including education, health care, and environmental protection. This course can help Government Officials understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through public policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Official

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They make recommendations on how to improve policies and programs. This course can help Policy Analysts understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through policy analysis and advocacy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers lead and manage nonprofit organizations. They work to achieve the organization's mission and goals. This course can help Nonprofit Managers understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through nonprofit work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers plan and implement programs that address social and environmental issues. They work for a variety of organizations, including nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and businesses. This course can help Program Managers understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through program development and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. They work in a variety of areas, including environmental law, human rights law, and international law. This course can help Lawyers understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through legal advocacy and reform.

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Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues. They work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and television. This course can help Journalists understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through public awareness and education.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular area, such as sustainability or international development. This course can help Consultants develop the knowledge and skills needed to advise clients on how to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries in foreign affairs. They work to promote peace, cooperation, and development. This course can help Diplomats understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through international cooperation.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide investment advice to individuals and institutions. They analyze financial data and make recommendations on how to invest money. This course can help Financial Analysts understand the Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be achieved through sustainable investment.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical skills to assess risk and uncertainty. They are employed by insurance companies, pension funds, and other financial institutions. This course can help Actuaries understand the social, economic, and environmental factors that affect risk and uncertainty.

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