The SDG academy was formulated to create a better understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for the better translation of this knowledge into action. Using key concepts from design thinking in combination with peer-to-peer learning across disciplines, the academy enables cutting edge-knowledge across SDGs into action.
SDG Academy
The three weeks of the academy has many initiatives, lectures, skill training and discussions across disciplines. A conscious decision is taken to involve skill trainers across disciplines to give the participants a diverse understanding of how different tools can be utilised to create an impact in their area of work and research.
The programme has design thinking and futures foresight sessions to introduce participants to various innovative tools which have their uses across disciplines. We introduced unique initiatives from South Asia and Switzerland which the participants can use for inspiration for their projects.
All of these sessions, workshops and mentor sessions are curated to better equip the participants to employ actionable steps in their area of research. During the three weeks participants forge new friendships with peers, facilitators, resource persons and trainers which is expected to become an important network of support for them in the years to come.
SDG Academy 2021
SDG Academy 2022
SDG Academy 2023
Open call for applications. Click here for details.
Here are a few participants recalling their experience being a part of the 3-week academy.
Suparna Chatterjee, India
From getting to know what the challenges relating to biodiversity conservation, climate change and waste management in various South Asian nations and Switzerland are, to exploring unique new initiatives to solve these problems from various parts of the world, I have immensely enjoyed each session. Learning the Design Thinking principles and working towards solving the issue of Savanna conservation through the Design Thinking Approach, and working in teams with members from different countries with varied backgrounds, has been a very enriching experience for me! The programme is extremely useful to young professionals.
David Spoerlé, Switzerland
When developing solutions for the high complexity of global thematics like waste management and sustainability, they all share one thing in common, i.e they need to be developed with a human-centered perspective to really trigger change. That was my biggest takeaway here.
Dulki Seethawaka, Sri Lanka
I have found every session that I participated in interesting and valuable. Specially, learning new skills such as making podcasts and videos, was never something I would have tried unless for this course. I am very fortunate that I could be a part of this Academy and meet such diverse international panelists and participants.
Ahmed Nayyar, Pakistan
For me, the major learnings from the academy is that the sustainable development goals are inter-linked, it is important to work on the cross cutting themes rather than working on each theme separately. The design thinking process was new to me. The academy also showcased the significance of podcasts, videos etc in impacting research and development initiatives. I will definitely utilize these new learning skills to bring a positive change in my community. Such small steps will definitely help in achieving sustainable development goals at a local level.
Taha Aawar, Afghanistan
To be initiative through using the design thinking technique in terms of sustainable development aspects such as climate action, biodiversity, and waste management was the most important lesson I learned during the
great three weeks. I want to highlight that the program was very informative, new and helpful.
Drishti Upreti, Nepal
This program helped me to understand SDGs from different perspectives. I was able to take a closer look at the unique initiatives and the effort it took to achieve SDGs. This was my first ever experience of attending an online academic course. It was conducted smoothly with wide varieties of perspectives and expert-opinions.
Knowledge2Action 