Think Global, Act Local: Finding Solutions for Sustainability Challenges

Sustainability is intricately linked to the overall well-being of people and the planet. But what does it mean to be sustainable? This course will help you build a foundational understanding of sustainability on a macro level. You will explore its social, economic, and environmental dimensions using the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This knowledge will then support you on a micro level in defining one specific sustainability challenge in your sphere of influence and developing an impactful solution towards sustainability in your organization or personal live. We will engage peer-support from the group and use Design Thinking as a process for working on your challenge. By the end of the course, you will be able to apply your new sustainability mindset and skills to other projects in your life or career.

For more information and course prerequisites, please see our syllabus (PDF).

Course Dates

Fall Term 2023

Duration:

September 4 – October 16, 2023

Live Sessions:

Monday, September 4, 2023, 2.30 – 4.00 p.m. Berlin Time (CEST)

Monday, September 25, 2023, 2.30 – 4.00 p.m. Berlin Time (CEST)

Monday, October 16, 2023, 2.30 – 4.00 p.m. Berlin Time (CEST)

Registration Deadline:

August 7, 2023 (Register Now!)

Fees

650 € Course Fee

75 € Registration Fee

Receive a discount of 75 € on your registration for a second course! Find out more under Fees & Registration.

What you will gain from this course:

A good understanding of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Knowledge about sustainable decision-making and skills to act sustainably in your daily life as well as your profession
Introduction to Design Thinking as a tool for working on your own sustainablity challenge
A continuing education certificate from Freie Universität Berlin

This is the perfect course for you if you are…

eager to know more about sustainability and sustainable development
looking for insights into multi-stakeholder approaches to solve sustainability challenges
working in or aspiring to work in corporate social responsibility
striving to chart out the sustainability agenda of your own organization or to find solutions for any other projects towards sustainability in your professional and/or private life

What you should bring to the course:

English language abilities in speaking and writing on the Upper Intermediate level (at least B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
The willingness and ability to participate and actively contribute to the three live sessions of this course
An openness to explore and reflect on possibilities for change and sustainable development in your professional and/or private life
A stable internet connection and a quiet work environment

Please also familiarize yourself with our further technical and general requirements and our Program Regulations and Code of Conduct (PDF).