Sustainable Development in the 21st Century with Ban Ki-moon

The Sustainable Development in the 21st Century with Ban Ki-moon course, offered by Yonsei University through Coursera, is an engaging online program designed to introduce learners to the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Taught by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the course explores how these goals address global challenges across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, structured around the five pillars of people, prosperity, planet, peace and justice, and partnership. Suitable for beginners interested in international development, it requires about 16 hours over seven modules and emphasizes the interconnected nature of the SDGs for creating integrated policies in both developed and developing countries.

Core Content

The curriculum begins with an overview of the 2030 Agenda, tracing its evolution from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and breaking down the 17 SDGs into the five key pillars. Modules delve into poverty eradication, education, gender equality, and health under the "people" pillar; sustainable economic growth, innovation, and green jobs for "prosperity"; climate change, biodiversity, and planetary boundaries for the "planet" pillar; inclusive societies, justice, and global governance for "peace"; and the role of partnerships, including civil society and youth involvement. Real-world case studies, such as health care reforms in Bahrain, illustrate practical applications, while the final module focuses on implementation strategies and youth empowerment for advancing the SDGs.

Key Skills

Learners acquire the ability to analyze the SDGs' interconnections, evaluate progress on global development agendas, and apply concepts like poverty reduction, environmental stewardship, and inclusive governance to real-world scenarios. The course builds competencies in understanding policy integration, assessing economic and social impacts of sustainability efforts, and advocating for partnerships in development initiatives. Participants also develop skills in critical thinking about global challenges, such as climate mitigation and gender equity, enabling them to contribute to sustainable policy-making and community actions.

Target Learners

This program is ideal for students, professionals, policymakers, and activists interested in global development, sustainability, and international relations. It suits beginners without prior expertise, including those in education, public policy, environmental fields, or non-profits seeking foundational knowledge on the SDGs and their practical implications.

Learning Format

Delivered fully online via Coursera, the course features self-paced video lectures, readings, quizzes, and a final peer-reviewed project, with flexible deadlines to accommodate diverse schedules. It includes subtitles in multiple languages and interactive discussions for global engagement. Learners can audit for free or pay for a certificate (typically around $49) to access graded assignments and a shareable credential upon completion.

Additional Benefits

Graduates receive a certificate from Yonsei University, which can enhance professional profiles and demonstrate commitment to sustainable development. The course fosters connections through global forums and provides insights from Ban Ki-moon's UN experience, empowering participants to engage in SDG advocacy and implementation in their communities or organizations.

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