Tailored learning on Sustainable Development

Between November 2018 and February 2019, the UNSSC Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development delivered a series of eight (8) tailored programmes for UN agencies at the country level, government counterparts, and representatives from other sectors both in Iraq and Iran. We also developed a Training of Trainers (ToT) on the 2030 Agenda in Iraq. In January 2019, we developed and organised an executive workshop for the Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and another one for IMO staff.

In Iraq, a tailored training on UN programming was delivered, followed by two multi-stakeholder trainings on SDGs in Baghdad and Erbil as well as a Training of Trainers programme on the 2030 Agenda for multiple stakeholders. The trainings contextualised the concept of sustainable development and the vision and principles of the 2030 Agenda to enhance the understanding of the ongoing UN reform process and its implications for country-level work.

In Iran, two workshops were conducted for UN staff and government counterparts. They focused on developing national capacities in results-based management to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, while leaving no one behind. It also strengthened capacities and skills of UN staff in utilising results-based management tools to enhance their country programming for the new generations of the United Nations development assistance framework (UNDAFs).

Participants from the 8 tailored trainings gave an average of 98% recommendation rate and reported a 96% overall satisfaction from the courses, and had the following to say:

“The workshop was conducted in a very professional and interactive manner. Thanks to the instructors for all information provided, it was meaningful spent of two days. I'll recommend to all my colleagues.”

I would recommend this workshop “to all [IMO] colleagues, very relevant for all to know the importance and relevance of SDG and the 2030 Agenda in their role and work of IMO.”

“The feedback of trainers to the group during the ToT was very good and very comprehensive.”

“Thank you for the excellent training, and for instilling your passion about RBM!”

Lastly, we delivered a tailored workshop for IMO’s Member States which facilitated discussions with IMO leaders and staff on topics including institutionalising political leadership and engagement for the 2030 Agenda, creating spaces for dialogue for improving internal coordination for SDGs, and developing a communication and advocacy strategy for the IMO Secretariat which promotes a clear roadmap that effectively and systematically positions the SDGs within IMO’s mandate and operations.

UNSSC’s series of tailored learning programmes provided additional spaces for government representatives, civil society, academia and the United Nations to discuss collective approaches to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs. More importantly, it strengthened collaboration between the various UN entities as well as national partners at the country level.  

The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) stands ready to design and deliver tailor-made learning programmes to meet the specific needs of UN agencies, governments, and sustainable development networks. The UNSSC promotes a multi-stakeholder approach to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its sustainable development goals (SDGs) that fosters collaborative learning among all actors and stakeholders. We offer agency-specific learning programmes tailored to national development plans, strategies and budget.

UNSSC’s Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development, which was established in Bonn in 2016, focuses on developing comprehensive training programmes on sustainable development for the UN system and its national partners. The Knowledge Centre works closely with UN entities to identify their specific learning needs and deliver unique training solutions that are tailored to their respective realities and challenges.

The Knowledge Centre is likewise working with UN agencies to articulate and position their mandates in the context of the UN Secretary-General’s call for renewed country programming processes. This aims to enhance and expand their capacities as sustainable development professionals and advocates in addressing national priorities and challenges and in demonstrating common and consistent results.

A Suite of Tailored Offerings on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

UNSSC offers tailored learning programmes for UN agencies, government counterparts, and other stakeholders related to the 2030 Agenda, based on the specific need identified. Topics can relate to below areas or a combination of issues, depending on the specific context.

• UN Country Programming: Enabling UN agencies to mainstream SDG achievement in UN country programming processes, as well as provide contextualised expertise tailored to national priorities and challenges
• Results-Based Management: Equipping UN and government personnel with the knowledge and skills to utilise results-based management tools to enhance results-focused programming at the country level
• Partnerships: Enhancing capacities to cultivate and build substantive and sustainable partnerships across the UN system and other stakeholders to implement the 2030 Agenda
• Substantive knowledge on sustainable development and SDGs: Strengthening understanding of the conceptual paradigm shift in approaching development challenges within the context of the 2030 Agenda as well as an understanding of the interlinkages and interdependencies between the SDGs
• Leadership skills: Strengthening skills and capabilities required for UN leaders and senior government officials to drive the nationally owned and transformative 2030 Agenda, particularly in the areas of policy coherence, systems-thinking, strategic communications, and collaborative leadership
• Training of Trainers: Building knowledge of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs as well as developing skills and competencies needed to further promote and advocate for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs at the national and local level

For more information about tailored sustainable development learning programmes, please contact us at sustainable-development@unssc.org.