Can global development goals really solve the world’s most complex sustainability challenges?

This course explores the evolution from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and examines how global efforts to address poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation have developed over time. Participants will learn about the origins, structure, and ambitions of these global frameworks and reflect on key tensions within sustainable development, including the balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and political realities.

Learning outcomes:
After completing this learning pathway, you will be able to:

• distinguish between the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• explain how global development priorities have evolved over time
• understand the key principles of the SDGs, including their universal scope and interconnected nature
• interpret how these frameworks relate to real-world policies and decision-making

Photo credit: Alexander Schimmeck, Unsplash.