Youth Sustainable Development Leadership Program

Program Description:

In 2015, 193 United Nations (UN) Member States adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), which these goals came into effect on January 1st, 2016. Although the Member States are not legally bound to these goals, there have been some noticeable efforts toward achieving these goals. 

Sustainable Development is the central challenge of our times. It is a way of looking at the world, focusing on the interlinkages of economic, social, and environmental change and describing our shared aspirations for a decent life. Our world is under strain. Poverty continues to plague communities and families. Climate change threatens livelihoods. Conflicts are raging. Inequalities are deepening. These crises will only worsen unless we change course.

In this program, we will understand that Sustainable Development Leadership is not about occupying job titles or having the pleasure of spending the budget, being superior to others, and assigning and relocating employees. Nevertheless, it is a responsibility that is ethically bound, and the decisions taken as Sustainable Development Leader will impact everyone now and in the future, either directly or indirectly, in the short-term or long-term, positively or negatively.

We must understand how sustainable development can be achieved in practice and in all parts of the world. 

This program will also address Case Studies.

Program Accreditation:

This program is accredited by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The program has also received the UAE’s Ministry of Economy’s Intellectual Property Registration.

Program Outcomes

• Leadership in Sustainable Development: Participants will gain knowledge about essential leadership principles and practices specific to sustainable development contexts.
• Strategic Planning Skills: Develop skills in creating strategic plans that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and local development priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Learn methods for effectively engaging and collaborating with stakeholders, including community members, policymakers, and businesses, to drive sustainable development initiatives.
• Project Management for Sustainability: This course will help you understand project management fundamentals, including resource allocation, timeline planning, and impact assessment, as they apply to sustainable development projects.
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: Acquire the ability to assess the environmental and social impacts of projects, ensuring alignment with sustainable development goals.
• Policy and Advocacy Skills: Gain knowledge on policy-making processes and advocacy strategies that support sustainable development, preparing participants to influence decision-makers.
• Communication and Public Speaking: Improve communication skills, with a focus on effectively conveying the importance and urgency of sustainable development to diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Enhance problem-solving skills to address complex sustainability challenges through innovative and analytical approaches.
• Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Learn how to develop and implement sustainable innovations and entrepreneurial initiatives that contribute to social and environmental well-being.
• Building Resilience and Adaptability: Cultivate resilience and adaptability skills to navigate challenges and uncertainties in sustainable development fields.
• Ethical Leadership and Responsibility: Understand the ethical responsibilities of leaders in sustainability, promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency.
• Networking and Global Awareness: Build a network with like-minded peers and experts, and develop a global perspective on sustainable development challenges and solutions.
• These outcomes prepare participants to lead, innovate, and advocate for sustainable development within their communities and careers.

Who can benefit from this program: 

The target audience for the “Sustainable Development Leadership Program” includes:

• Young Professionals: Early-career individuals working in fields related to sustainability, environment, social development, or policy who want to advance their leadership skills.
• University Students and Graduates: Individuals studying or recently graduated from programs in environmental sciences, business, public policy, social sciences, or engineering who have a passion for sustainable development.
• Community Leaders and Activists: Youth engaged in community projects or advocacy, particularly those focusing on environmental protection, social equity, and economic sustainability.
• Entrepreneurs and Innovators: Young entrepreneurs interested in creating sustainable businesses or innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges.
• Policy and Government Enthusiasts: Youth who aspire to work in government, policy-making, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to drive sustainable policy changes.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Professionals: Young professionals working in CSR who wish to deepen their understanding of sustainable development and strengthen their leadership abilities.
• Non-Profit and NGO Members: Young individuals affiliated with NGOs or non-profit organizations who are involved in sustainability projects and want to enhance their impact.
• International Development Practitioners: Youth working or aspiring to work in international development, especially within the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
• Environmental Enthusiasts and Volunteers: Passionate youth volunteers who actively participate in environmental protection efforts or sustainability-focused community work.
• Young Policy Advocates: Individuals interested in shaping or influencing public policies for a more sustainable future at the local, national, or global level.
• Young Corporate Executives and Managers: Business leaders and managers who are responsible for integrating sustainability into their corporate strategy and operations and who want to drive sustainable growth within their organizations.
• Young Government Officials and Policymakers: Individuals involved in creating, implementing, and overseeing policies and regulations related to sustainable development at local, regional, national, or international levels.
• Human Resources and Organizational Development Professionals: HR and OD practitioners who are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives within organizations and fostering a culture of sustainability.

This diverse audience will benefit from the leadership program’s comprehensive approach, gaining the skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to effectively lead and implement sustainable development initiatives across various sectors and contexts.

Program Outlines

All participants will receive a hard copy of the book “Sustainable Development Leaders – What It Takes To Be One”.