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Sustainable Development and the SDGs
Introduction
Why sustainable development?
Clean air, decent work, zero poverty, sustainable cities – this is the vision set out by the 2030 Agenda for a peaceful and prosperous future for all. With the 2030 deadline approaching, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demands collective and integrated action. To be effective, this action must be informed by knowledge, grounded in evidence and connected across sectors.
As a trusted catalyst and convener, UNSSC provides a comprehensive learning offer that equips stakeholders with the skills to translate global commitments into transformative results on the ground.
Turning global goals into tangible impact
Our courses help participants move from vision to action – from encouraging sustainable consumption and circular economy approaches, to promoting policy integration and strengthening the political acumen of UN personnel and partners.
Through innovative learning tools, interactive platforms and tailored educational programmes, we foster integrated approaches to sustainable development and build a culture of collaboration and partnership within and beyond the UN system. In doing so, we empower actors at all levels to accelerate progress and ensure that no one is left behind.
Tailored learning solutions
Tailored learning solutions
Sustainable Development Academies
We design Sustainable Development Academies that bring together leaders from governments, the UN, civil society, academia, and the private sector to tackle complex development challenges through systems thinking, foresight, and collaborative innovation. One example is the Africa Sustainable Development Academy (ASDA), a tailored virtual learning initiative that equips African leaders with tools in systems, design and futures thinking to address the interconnected issues of climate, conflict and economic transformation. The 2024 edition convened over 60 participants from across the continent to explore climate-related security, finance, technology, renewable energy and green jobs, linking national action to global frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, and Agenda 2063.
UN Mastermind Groups for Sustainable Development
We design and deliver Mastermind Groups that convene small, high-trust circles of 6-8 senior leaders to tackle real-world sustainable development challenges through collective intelligence, peer coaching, and systems thinking. For example, the Sustainable Development Leaders Mastermind brings cross-sector visionaries and UNSSC alumni together for a focused, three-month journey to co-create solutions and amplify impact. The UNCT Mastermind Groups supports Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams to stress-test strategies, unlock partnerships and accelerate delivery toward the 2030 Agenda.
Policy Dialogue and Learning Series on Sustainable Development
We create spaces for reflection, collaboration and knowledge exchange among UN entities, governments and development partners on pressing sustainable development challenges. One example is the UN Reflection Series, launched by UNSSC’s Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Hertie School of Governance and the United Nations Development Operations Coordination Office (UN DOCO), which brought together experts and practitioners to explore Development Cooperation, Policy Advice, and Middle-Income Countries. Through high-level discussions and learning clinics, the series examined the evolving role of the UN and strategies for implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
Leadership Programme for Sustainable Development
We design tailored programmes that equip UN organizations and governments with the skills to collaborate across sectors, mobilize resources, and translate global commitments into lasting impact.
Through the WHO–UNSSC Health Leadership Programme, we empower health and development leaders to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and SDG 3+ through systems thinking, leadership coaching, and partnership-driven innovation. Similarly, the Sustainable Development Leadership Academy for Brazil, developed in partnership with the Escola Nacional de Administração Pública (ENAP) – equips Brazilian public servants with tools to integrate sustainable development into policymaking, strengthen institutional coordination, and align local action with the 2030 Agenda, turning sustainability commitments into tangible policy outcomes.
Leveraging the UN Inter-Agency Leadership for System-Wide Impact
We design inter-agency strategy and positioning workshops that help UN entities clarify their value proposition, identify the most relevant coordination platforms, and strengthen the skills needed to translate global priorities into tangible country-level results. In November 2023, we co-designed and facilitated a three-day workshop in Turin for the UNFPA on “Leveraging the Inter-agency Space for the Achievement of the Three Transformative Results and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. The workshop enabled senior staff to refine UNFPA’s core narrative, identify entry points across global, regional and country-level platforms, and strengthen the capabilities needed to advance the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda and the Three Transformative Results (3TRs) through the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
Open-enrolment courses
Open-enrolment courses
Testimonials
Testimonials
Resources
Resources
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