Africa Sustainable Development Academy 2024

The Africa Sustainable Development Academy (ASDA) is a free-of-charge virtual learning experience designed to empower African leaders to address the complex challenges of climate change, conflict, and economic instability. Through interactive modules, case studies, and expert discussions, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable development initiatives and build a resilient future for the continent. ASDA 2024 focuses on climate-related security, finance, renewable energy, and green jobs, emphasizing the integration of global frameworks into national and regional efforts.

Africa's development landscape and the need for sustainable development learning

Africa faces a complex and dynamic development landscape marked by both progress and persistent challenges. While the region has made strides in poverty reduction and access to basic services, the impact of multiple crises have hindered progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063. In 2022, 110 million people on the continent were directly affected by weather, climate and water-related hazards, resulting in more than US$ 8.5 billion in economic damages. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, internal conflicts, and climate change have all contributed to these setbacks.

The recent Africa Sustainable Development Report (ASDR),  underscores the urgent need for sustainable and innovative solutions to address these intertwined issues. It calls for renewed commitment from African governments and international partners to invest in critical areas such as social protection, climate resilience, infrastructure development, and data collection. The report also emphasizes the importance of regional integration, trade, and technology transfer in fostering sustainable development across the continent.

Climate change poses a particularly significant threat to Africa.Despite contributing less than 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is the least equipped to cope with the negative impacts of climate change. The Horn of Africa experienced its worst drought in 40 years, severely affecting Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Although progress has been made in adopting climate action policies, the continent still faces challenges in implementing these strategies and securing sufficient climate finance. Internal and external conflicts continue to disrupt development efforts, leading to economic instability and social unrest. High illicit financial flows further exacerbate the problem by draining resources that could be used for development initiatives. However, Africa holds tremendous potential and diversity. According to the 2024 World Population Prospects report, Africa's population is projected to reach 2.2 billion by 2054. This demographic dividend presents an opportunity for economic growth if matched with adequate investment in education, health, and job creation. This projected population growth underscores Africa's growing importance in the global context and emphasizes the need for targeted policies and investments to support sustainable development on the continent.

In light of these challenges, the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) recognizes the critical need for enhanced capacity building in Africa. The Africa Sustainable Development Academy (ASDA) 2024 aims to equip African leaders and changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to navigate these complex issues and drive sustainable development on the continent.

This inaugural virtual edition of ASDA will be an immersive, interactive, and collaborative learning experience tailored for experienced professionals committed to driving positive change in Africa. Leveraging innovative online platforms and methodologies, ASDA 2024 will provide a dynamic space for knowledge exchange, skill development, and network building among African leaders and change-makers.

The academy will focus on three critical areas:

1. Climate-related security risks and displacement: Examining the complex relationship between climate change and security in Africa, analyzing how climate-related hazards exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and contribute to conflict, displacement, and instability.
2. Climate finance and technology transfer: Examining barriers to access, advocating for increased support from developed countries, and identifying innovative financing mechanisms and technology transfer models tailored for Africa.
3. Renewable energy, just transition, and green jobs: Exploring the transformative potential of renewable energy in Africa, focusing on achieving a just transition that ensures equitable access to energy, creates green jobs, and fosters sustainable development.

The African Sustainable Development Academy 2024 aims to:

• Integrate global frameworks: Provide a deep understanding of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the linkages between climate, biodiversity, and peace and security. This will enhance participants' ability to integrate these frameworks into their strategic and practical sustainability efforts, supporting global frameworks and contributing to Africa’s Agenda 2063.
• Apply a holistic approach to climate action, sustainable development, and peacebuilding in the region . Translate complex concepts into actionable strategies, with a focus on climate action, environmental protection, climate security, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  
• Advance leadership and strategic thinking: Elevate participants' leadership skills and strategic thinking capacity through systems thinking, futures thinking, and design thinking, and focusing on impactful decision-making and agenda-setting in sustainable development.
• Enhance skills through practical learning: Develop advanced practical skills through virtual site visits, Trend Talk, Share Fair and SDG Skills Clinics, enabling participants to apply their learning directly to real-world sustainable development challenges.
• Build global professional networks: Offer opportunities to expand professional networks by connecting participants with global experts, leaders, and peers in sustainable development, fostering a rich environment for collaborative relationships and knowledge exchange.

Participants will:

• Analyze the complex interplay between climate change, sustainable development, and peacebuilding across Africa’s diverse contexts to inform holistic and context-specific solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities within different regions.
• Assess and advocate for effective climate finance and technology transfer mechanisms that are tailored to the varied needs and priorities of African countries, ensuring that solutions are appropriate and impactful across the continent's diverse realities.
• Develop and implement strategies for renewable energy transition and green job creation that promote sustainable economic growth, while recognizing and adapting to the distinct economic, environmental, and social landscapes present in different African regions.
• Integrate conflict-sensitive approaches and community engagement into sustainable development initiatives to ensure inclusivity and resilience, with a deep understanding of the diverse cultural, social, and political dynamics across Africa.
• Build strategic partnerships and networks across sectors and stakeholders that reflect and respect the diverse contexts within Africa, driving collaborative action for sustainable development that is both effective and culturally relevant.

ASDA 2024 will employ a dynamic blend of:

• Interactive online modules and webinars
• Case studies using interactive 360-degree videos
• Virtual peer-to-peer learning and networking events
• Expert-led discussions and Q&A sessions

• Enhanced understanding of the 2030 Agenda, Paris Agreement, and Agenda 2063 within the African context.
• Strengthened capacity for strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making in sustainable development.
• Actionable strategies and solutions for addressing climate change, conflict, and displacement in Africa.
• Expanded professional networks and collaborations among African leaders and changemakers.

ASDA employs a dynamic and experiential learning approach, blending theoretical insights with practical applications. The programme features interactive panel discussions with global experts, hands-on workshops, and collaborative sessions, all designed to resonate with and add value to the experience of seasoned professionals.

The programme duration is 20 hours, consisting of 18 hours of live sessions over 4 days plus 2 hours of pre-course modules.

• Strategic thinking frameworks: Sessions designed to enhance practical skills in advanced futures thinking, design thinking, and systems thinking.
• Virtual site visit: An opportunity for participants to experience innovative sustainable development practices in action through interactive 360-degree videos.
• A trend talk, a share fair and SDG skills clinics : High-level discussions with peers and global leaders on key sustainable development challenges and opportunities.

The ASDA 2024 virtual edition will invite 100 to 150 leaders, managers, and decision-makers from diverse sectors across Africa, including the UN, civil society, academia, government, NGOs, and the private sector. The programme is ideal for professionals with 5-15 years of experience seeking to advance their knowledge, skills, and networks in sustainable development.

Their functions could include, but are not limited to, roles such as policymaking, policy analysis, strategic planning, project management, advocacy, migration policy, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, urban development, corporate sustainability, environmental education, renewable energy entrepreneurship, and water resource management.

UNSSC invites Resident Coordinators in the African region to nominate up to three representatives from civil society, academia, and the private sector to attend the virtual ASDA. Additionally, there is one slot available specifically for a UN staff member from each office.

Thanks to the generous support of the Italian government, the USD $1,500 tuition fee per participant will be waived, allowing nominated participants to attend the virtual Africa Sustainable Development Academy free of charge.

Thanks to the generous support of the Italian government, UNSSC will be able to support 150 (maximum) ASDA participants who are working for Africa.

After receiving your official nomination from a Resident Coordinator, kindly click the sign up button at the top of this programme page and complete the registration process.

Deadline to nominate and to register is 4 October 2024 (Extended).

For more information and questions, please contact us at africa-sdacademy@unssc.org. 

We look forward to your participation!