The course invites participants to explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) can support meaningful action towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It presents sustainable development not only as an environmental, economic, or technological issue, but also as a human challenge that requires empathy, responsible decision-making, collaboration, and the ability to engage with different perspectives.

Participants will explore the origins and global importance of the SDGs and examine why knowledge and awareness alone are often insufficient to achieve sustainable change. The course introduces key concepts of emotional intelligence and considers how self-awareness, empathy, emotions, personal values, and motivation influence behaviour, decision-making, and responses to complex sustainability challenges.

The course places strong emphasis on the transition from awareness to agency and action. Participants will explore how emotional intelligence can support more responsible and inclusive approaches to sustainability, including understanding diverse perspectives, working collaboratively, responding to ethical dilemmas, and developing creative, human-centred solutions to real-world challenges. The course also encourages learners to connect global sustainability issues with their own experiences and everyday choices.

Learning is based on a combination of short lectures, readings, case studies, multimedia materials, reflective activities, and practical exercises.