The UN Sustainable Development Goals: an Interdisciplinary Academic Introduction

Overview

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which were adopted in 2015, will determine the course of the global social, ecological and economic agenda until 2030.

Information about the different SDGs is abundantly available but a comprehensive framework that brings them all together coherently is often lacking. This course provides a general and accessible academic introduction to SDGs in all its facets.

A highly interdisciplinary team of experts will offer their insight into the intricacies of the matter, while practitioners in the domain of the SDGs are closely engaged in the discussion.

Syllabus

Module 1: The origin, development and idea of the SDGs
History and origins of the Sustainable Development Goals. What are the SDGs? What are their aims, methodology and perspectives? How are they related to the Millennium Development Goals?

Module 2: SDGs and Society: Ensuring resilience and primary needs in society
In-depth discussion and analysis of goals related to poverty, hunger, health & well-being and education

Module 3: SDGs and Society: Strengthening Institutions for Sustainability
In-depth discussion and analysis of goals related to gender equality, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities & communities, and peace, justice & strong institutions

Module 4: SDGs and the Economy: Shaping a Sustainable Economy
In-depth discussion and analysis of goals related to work & economic growth, industry, innovation & infrastructure, inequalities, responsible production & consumption

Module 5: SDGs and the Biosphere: Development within Planetary Boundaries
In-depth discussion and analysis of goals related to clean water, climate, life below water and life on land

Module 6: Realizing the SDGs: Implementation through Global Partnerships
In-depth discussion and analysis of SDG 17 which aims to implement the SDGs through partnerships, finance, technology and the development of coherence between policies

Taught by

Katja Biedenkopf, André Decoster, Hilde Heynen, Bart Kerremans, Miet Maertens, Axel Marx, Bart Muys, Constanza Parra, Kolja Raube, Luc Sels, Ilse Smets, Karel Van Acker, Chris Van Geet, Kurt Willems and Jan Wouters