Type
Fellowship Programme
LEAP-FAST Edition III Certificate Programme
Location
Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
Date
-
Duration
3 Months
Thematic Area
Cross Cutting: Learning, Capacity Development and Leadership
Registration
Invitation-only event
Mode of Delivery
Blended
Language(s)
English
Pillar
People
Partnership
Majmaah University (3331)
Event Objectives
The LEAP-FAST Certificate Programme aims to support higher education institutions in transforming institutional practices, educational programmes, course plans and teaching methods. It provides a collaborative space for faculty teams to connect the SDGs and the Whole-Institution Approach with sustainability competencies, transdisciplinarity, diverse ways of knowing, inclusion and global citizenship. The event also links faculty-level work with institutional leadership, enabling teams to co-create revised curricula, course plans and practical actions and to share feedback that can inform wider HEI transformation.
Background
Universities face urgent pressure to move beyond isolated sustainability initiatives and respond to global challenges, inequalities and the approaching 2030 Agenda deadline. LEAP-FAST, developed by UNITAR, UNESCO and higher education institutions, supports deep sustainability transformation across governance, education and engagement. It applies the Whole-Institution Approach to help HEIs embed sustainability, inclusion and accountability in institutional practice and strengthen their contribution to the SDGs. Participating institutions are expected to develop practical models, revised curricula and action plans that can support wider regional and global change.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Assess how their HEI can align institutional practice with the SDGs and a Whole-Institution Approach;
- Design programmes and courses using sustainability competencies and transdisciplinary learning;
- Apply active pedagogies and assessment methods that support inclusion, global citizenship and student engagement.
Content and Structure
Three modules move from institutional transformation to faculty and programme design, then to course and pedagogy. Topics include HEIs and the SDGs; the Whole-Institution Approach; sustainability leadership; competency-based outcomes; interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary design; diverse perspectives; active learning, student participation, assessment and co-creation.
Methodology
The programme combines self-paced e-learning on UNITAR’s online platform, online workshops, peer learning and an in-person co-creation workshop. Participants work in faculty teams, exchange experience with peers from other HEIs, complete assignments and apply concepts to their own programmes and courses. During co-creation, teams develop or revise curricula, course plans, learning outcomes, pedagogical approaches and institutional actions, with student involvement where appropriate. The blended process supports reflection, feedback to institutional leaders and practical implementation after the programme.
Targeted Audience
The programme is intended for nominated faculty teams from higher education institutions. A typical team includes one programme director and one or two faculty members who teach in the same educational programme. Participation is designed to include HEIs from diverse regions and contexts, including institutions in low- and lower-middle-income countries and small island developing states.
Additional Information
LEAP-FAST is a UNITAR-UNESCO initiative developed with higher education partners. Its community site on the UN SDG:Learn platform shares learning materials, success stories and communities of practice, and provides access to e-learning. Graduates may implement planned actions, mentor colleagues through self-paced learning and qualify for SDG Ambassadors’ certificates following a later review.
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