UNSSC gives free access to online learning opportunities and courses on sustainable development

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the loss of millions of lives and unprecedented human and economic toll that continue to threaten decades of development gains. And in 2020, the global community was at a critical moment in its pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Recognizing learning as  an essential tool for achieving the sustainable development goals, UNSSC, backed by generous support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development started offering free access to its entire portfolio of highly-facilitated 5–6-week online courses in 2020. The initiative is geared towards promoting the development of the skills, knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and actions that are required to create a more sustainable world.  

Thousands of participants representing a broad swathe of sectors, based in virtually every corner of the world have benefited from this opportunity to deepen their understanding of the core issues of sustainable development through diverse course offerings that focus on policy coherence, private sector engagement, climate change, the circular economy, and anti-corruption as a driver of sustainable development and social protection. The courses have registered unparalleled satisfaction and completion rates, and cultivated a strong cadre of returning learners.  

UNSSC is guided by the conviction that there remains boundless untapped potential to truly make the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development one where everyone feels ownership. To this end it will continue developing learning to catalyse the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, facilitate behavioural change, and support transformative action for sustainable development at national, regional, and global level.