Rethinking capability: unlocking sustainable development impact with contextualized learning

What if learning wasn't just a transfer of knowledge—but the key that unlocks regional transformation? What if we stopped treating capability development as a checklist, and started seeing it as a driver of systemic change?

As the African continent confronts a pivotal moment in its journey toward the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063, the limitations of conventional capacity development (focused on resources, infrastructure, and scaling) are increasingly clear. The continent's leaders must navigate a landscape shaped by converging crises—from climate shocks and economic volatility to entrenched inequalities and governance pressures. Yet Amartya Sen’s capability approach reminded me that sustainable change requires more than just "more"—it demands better. It requires equipping people with strengthened capability (or the ability to use resources to realize their full potential) to convert knowledge into meaningful action—the skill, confidence, and strategic insight to lead under uncertainty.

 The Africa Sustainable Development Academy (ASDA), delivered by the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), aimed to answer this call through immersive, applied learning tailored to Africa’s complex realities.  It moved beyond traditional capacity-building (which expands how much organizations can deliver), ASDA embraced capability development—enhancing how effectively the ASDA participants navigate complexity, design inclusive policies, and empower communities.

Four months after completing the Academy, ASDA participants—nominated by UN Resident Coordinators in the region —are not simply reflecting on what they learned. They are transforming how they lead, how their institutions respond, and how development takes shape at the local level. From grassroots climate initiatives in South Africa to systems-focused governance reforms in Eswatini, the ripple effect is real, and it’s growing.

A transformative learning experience 

The UNSSC team set out to rethink conventional training approaches. Their goal was to design a catalytic learning experience that would move beyond passive knowledge transfer and instead build deep, context-specific capability—equipping African changemakers with practical skills, strategic foresight, and the confidence to lead in volatile environments. Grounded in systems thinking (to address complexity), futures thinking (to anticipate and prepare), and design thinking (to co-create practical solutions), the programme is intentionally designed to support learners in navigating uncertainty and moving from awareness to impact. Delivered virtually and inclusively, ASDA redefines capacity development through a lens of contextual relevance, accessibility, and shared leadership—supporting not just knowledge, but the capability to act effectively in real-world scenarios.

But more than this, ASDA aimed to strengthen capability—the skill, knowledge, and competence needed to perform tasks effectively. This means going beyond awareness to ensure that leaders have the tools and confidence to act decisively. When a civil servant can apply systems thinking to policy planning, or a development professional knows how to use emerging technologies such as AI for climate resilience, we witness capability in action. That is where transformation begins.

This commitment to real-world capability extended to addressing diverse learner needs. ASDA welcomed participants who had limited access to stable internet, relied solely on mobile phones, or required assistive technologies due to visual impairments. Custom-designed audio modules, flexible mobile-friendly platforms and learning formats, and one-on-one technical support ensured that every voice was heard, and every learner could meaningfully participate. We learned that it is not only about inclusion but about creating the conditions for full, meaningful contribution.

Tebogo Suping, Executive Director of Activate Change Drivers in South Africa, shared: “The Academy showed me how global advocacy can connect with local action. It gave me hope that we can experiment, collaborate, and act.” Since ASDA, she has registered a nonprofit focused on food security and civic engagement and is now advocating for sustainability policies at the national level.

Commitments that lead to action

What distinguishes ASDA is its culture of follow-through. Participants are invited to revisit their commitments after four months—and their updates are proof of the Academy’s potential long-term value.

In Rwanda, Protais Habanabakize implemented a clean cooking initiative that distributed over 2,300 cookstoves to rural communities, in order to contribute to climate resilience and improved livelihoods. He credits the Iceberg Model[MN1]  he learned from ASDA for helping him tackle root causes, not just symptoms​.

In Cameroon, Hasina Rakotondrazafy is leading training on systems thinking with national stakeholders and co-developing a green economy financing initiative​.

In Eswatini, Jack Jones Zulu, originally based in Eritrea, applied ASDA learnings while supporting the development of a new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. He described the training as “extremely useful and invaluable” in shaping sustainable development priorities​.

These stories reflect the urgent call by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who recently reminded us that "global solidarity and solutions are needed more than ever." He underscored that "multilateral cooperation is the beating heart of the United Nations," a sentiment embodied by the collective impact of ASDA’s alumni working across Africa. ASDA exemplifies this solidarity in action.

A culture of inclusion and peer leadership

As one of the most inclusive learning experiences participants have ever encountered, ASDA unites youth leaders, civil servants, activists, and individuals with disabilities through adaptive technology, and inclusive learning design, creating a vibrant space for collaboration and shared growth.

Jeremiah Phiri, a teacher and disability advocate in Zambia, is now developing an inclusive arts and sustainability center—his vision strengthened by the accessibility and support he experienced during the programme.

Hayad Robleh, from Djibouti, highlights how peer exchange transformed his perspective. He now applies design thinking to waste management initiatives in his region, driven by ideas sparked through interaction with fellow ASDA participants.

Learning grounded in local contexts

The power of ASDA lies in its relevance. The curriculum tackled regional themes—climate-related security risks and displacement, climate finance, renewable energy and gender equality—all while anchoring them in participants’ national realities.

Ahmed Malidé from Comoros spoke of political instability and underfunding as barriers, but ASDA deepened his resolve to support women and girls in rural communities. It gave him the tools—and the confidence—to act despite constraints.

From ideas to systemic transformation 

ASDA does not culminate in a certificate. It hopes to catalyze a transformation in how leaders think and act. Participants are now shaping UN Cooperation Frameworks, reorienting institutional strategies, and informing national policy reforms by applying the adaptive frameworks introduced through the programme. Futures thinking has evolved from a theoretical exercise into a practical methodology for scenario planning and systems-level decision-making. It is enabling leaders to anticipate emerging disruptions, align responses to long-term goals, and build institutional agility in the face of complexity. 

This aligns with the UNSSC’s broader mission: to empower sustainable development actors with the learning frameworks and leadership capabilities needed to tackle 21st-century challenges.  

“Learning is not an end—it’s a   catalyst for institutional, national, and regional transformation.” -Patrick van Weerelt, Head of the UNSSC Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development 

A call to action 

ASDA has shown that capability-led learning—when contextualized and inclusive—has the power to catalyze transformation. By creating environments that nurture competence, strategic foresight, and collaboration across diverse realities, the academy is equipping leaders to not only understand sustainable development, but to implement it with confidence, clarity, and impact. 

Now, the question is: How can we expand this impact? 

Are you ready to bring a Sustainable Development Academy to your country or region? Reach out to UNSSC at sustainable-development@unssc.org and explore how this immersive learning experience can strengthen your leadership, your institutions, and your community’s path to sustainable development. Our team can work with you to tailor the Academy around any sustainable development topic, ensuring it meets the specific needs and priorities of your target audience.