Strengthening the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development (IFSD)
Type
Course
Location
Web-based
Date
To be confirmed
Duration
6 Weeks
Programme Area
Environment,
Climate Change,
Environmental Governance and Law,
Governance
Price
$600.00
Event Focal Point Email
envgov@unitar.org
Registration
Public – by registration
Mode of Delivery
E-learning
Language(s)
English
Data Protection and Privacy
The personal data of participants applying for, registering for or participating in UNITAR's training courses and other events is governed by the Data Protection and Privacy Policy. By applying for, registering for or participating in this event, the participant acknowledges that he or she is, (or they are) aware of the policy and agree to its terms.
The course will run in the first half of 2013. The exact dates will be confirmed.
Since the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the institutional framework to address environment and sustainable development challenges has witnessed a steady growth in the number of institutions and agreements, with more than 500 multilateral environmental agreements currently in existence. Yet the continuing deterioration in the natural resource base and ecosystems, global climate change and persistent poverty raise doubts about the capacity of the institutional framework to address these challenges. The 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) reaffirmed the need to strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable development (IFDS) and initiated specific action to foster more effective and coherent institutional responses.
Participants will learn about the current institutional architecture concerned with sustainable development, emerging policy issues requiring an effective institutional response, and political challenges to advance reform as reflected in the negotiations leading up to, and during the Rio+20 Conference.
After completing the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain sustainable development challenges demanding effective international institutions
- Outline key milestones of developing and reforming international institutions concerned with environment and sustainable development
- Chart and analyze the current international IFSD
- Recognize linkages between international, national and sub-national sustainable development governance
- Analyze key policy issues relevant for the Rio+20 negotiations and beyond
- Assess options to strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable development
The course is composed of 5 modules:
- Module 1. Global Context and Emerging Challenges
- Module 2. Current Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development
- Module 3. Interface of International and National Sustainable Development Governance
- Module 4. Policy Issues Emerging From Rio+20
- Module 5. Options for Institutional Reform
The course pedagogy is adapted to professionals in full-time work. Participants are provided with the opportunity to learn through various experiences: absorb (read); do (activity); interact (socialize); and reflect (relate to one’s own reality). The total number of learning hours is 40 over a 6 week period. During weeks 1-5 the reading of an e-book is complemented by a range of learning activities and experiences that include interactive exercises, discussion forums, and an applied case study. Week 6 is reserved for wrap-up and completing course assignments.
The course targets groups and individuals that are interested in obtaining a general understanding about international sustainable development governance and latest developments. They include:
- Civil servants in national Ministries, provincial departments and local authorities
- Diplomats from Permanent Missions and Ministries of Foreign Affairs
- Environmental managers in private sector and civil society organizations
- Faculty, researchers and students
- Interested citizens
Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion will be issued by UNITAR to all participants who complete the course-related assignments and assessments successfully.
Technical Requirements
Access to internet is an essential condition for participation. UNITAR recommends the following as a minimum in hardware and software to take our e-Learning courses. Please consult your Network Administrator or Systems person to ensure that you have the following:
- Platform: Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, ME, XP or superior; MacOS 9 or MacOS X; Linux
- Hardware: 64 MB of RAM, 1 GB of free disk space
- Software:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Adobe Flash Player
- Microsoft Office (Windows or Mac) or Open Office
- Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or higher or Firefox 3.6 or higher
- Modem: 56 K
Note that JavaScript, Cookies and Pop-ups must be enabled
A small number of full/partial fellowships are available for participants from developing countries working in the public sector, academia or non-profit organizations. Priority for fellowships will be given to applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). For details please contact the
UNITAR Environmental Governance Programme at envgov@unitar.org