Driving business towards the Sustainable Development Goals
Extreme weather events, wars, famine and environmental destruction are just a few of the wicked problems faced by humanity. That’s why in 2015 the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that target the big challenges such as how to eliminate poverty, how to protect the environment and how to bring about peace. Every member state committed to achieving these goals by 2030.
What can businesses do to counter climate change and create a sustainable business culture? Why is this relevant for business anyway? Explore how business can contribute to a better future for people AND the planet without giving up profits.
This course has been developed by Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University (RSM). It focuses on the role of businesses in achieving the SDGs. You will gain insights from leaders of international companies and academics in business and management who will guide you through the issue of how businesses can contribute to the SDGs.
The course received a ‘MOOC Award of Excellence’ by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the SDG Academy in September 2019 (https://www.unsdsn.org/2019-sdsn-awards-of-excellence-winners-announced
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After completing this course you will:
• know what the SDGs are, why they are important and how each individual can be an agent for positive change in the world;
• understand the role of business in the transition to sustainable development to create a prosperous future for all;
• be able to identify interconnectedness of the SDGs and the challenges behind solving them;
• know how management insights can contribute to the SDGs;
• be able to evaluate the effectiveness of current business strategies in contributing to the SDGs;
• develop a positive, critical, aware and courageous attitude towards the SDGs.
The course consists of seven units, each focusing on several aspects of sustainable development and taking one week to complete.
You will study by watching videos, reading literature and by engaging in other activities such as weekly challenges.
Assignments will consist of quizzes, discussions with your fellow students, and challenges to implement in your daily life.
Are you ready to find out how you can be an agent for positive change? Register now!
Know what the SDGs are, why they are important and how each individual can be an agent for positive change in the world
Develop a positive, critical, aware and courageous attitude towards the SDGs
Be able to identify interconnectedness of the SDGs and the challenges behind solving them
Understand the role of business in the transition to sustainable development to create a prosperous future for all
Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Week 1: Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals
Week 2
Week 2: The Biosphere
Week 3
Week 3: Society I
Week 4
Week 4: Society II
Week 5
Week 5: Economy
Week 6
Week 6: Partnerships
Week 7
Week 7: Systems thinking
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Reviews
Extremely inspiring and down to earth MOOC with practical tipps and engagement throughout all seven weeks! Really happy to have participated!
Very good course on providing the overview and establishing the challenges and the opportunities to move forward in the journey to achieve SDG 2030.
I enjoyed this course. It's been a great source of knowledge and got me stretching my thoughts and daring a few new things. It would help my career shift into development projects. Thank you!
The MOOC is a collections of lessons and learnings from multiple experts, businesses. The videos are very diverse. I felt some case studies were not enough relevant to the SDGs discussed.
