The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future

The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future course, offered by the University of Copenhagen through Coursera, is a comprehensive online program designed to provide learners with a historical and practical understanding of sustainability and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This beginner-level course explores how the SDGs address global challenges in social, economic, and environmental spheres, emphasizing their interconnections and relevance to managing Earth's systems. Accessible to a wide audience without prerequisites, it requires about 10 hours of study and is taught in English by Professor Katherine Richardson, a leading expert in sustainability.

Core Content

The curriculum is divided into three modules that build a foundational knowledge of sustainability and the SDGs. It begins with the history and evolution of sustainable development, including the Brundtland Report's three pillars (social, economic, and environmental) and the SDGs' framework of 17 goals and 169 targets adopted in 2015. Learners examine progress measurement through indicators, SDG interactions, and examples like food systems to illustrate international cooperation. The second module delves into human impacts on the planet, introducing concepts such as the Anthropocene, planetary boundaries, and biodiversity's role alongside climate change, with a focus on potential consequences if SDGs related to these areas are unmet. The final module addresses social sustainability, including inequality, human well-being, and the "Doughnut Economics" model, while discussing implementation status, actor responses, and pathways forward for achieving the goals by 2030.

Key Skills

Participants gain the ability to analyze the historical context of sustainability, measure SDG progress using indicators, and understand interconnections among goals for holistic problem-solving. The course develops skills in evaluating human impacts on global systems, such as climate and biodiversity, and applying concepts like resilience and planetary boundaries to real-world scenarios. Learners also build competencies in assessing social and economic dimensions of sustainability, including inequality reduction and equitable resource distribution, enabling them to advocate for and implement SDG-aligned strategies in various contexts.

Target Learners

This course is suited for students, professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in global sustainability issues, particularly those new to the field or seeking an interdisciplinary perspective on the SDGs. It appeals to individuals in environmental policy, international relations, economic development, and related areas who aim to integrate sustainability into their work or studies. The accessible format makes it ideal for a global audience committed to understanding and contributing to the UN's 2030 Agenda.

Learning Format

Delivered fully online via Coursera, the course spans approximately 10 hours across three modules, with flexible deadlines for self-paced learning. It includes video lectures, readings, quizzes, assignments, and discussion prompts to encourage engagement and reflection. Subtitles are available in multiple languages, and learners can audit for free or pay for a certificate (typically around $49) to access graded assessments and a shareable credential upon completion.

Additional Benefits

Graduates receive a certificate from the University of Copenhagen, enhancing professional profiles and demonstrating expertise in sustainable development. The course fosters a global network through discussion forums and provides up-to-date insights from experts, including interviews on SDG implementation. It aligns with real-world applications, empowering participants to contribute to climate action, inequality reduction, and systemic change in their communities or organizations.

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