Driving business towards the Sustainable Development Goals

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sdgbusiness

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: Driving Business Towards the Sustainable Development Goals In an increasingly complex world fraught with challenges like climate change, social inequality, and political instability, businesses are under immense pressure to not only survive but also thrive while contributing positively to society. The "Driving Business Towards the Sustainable Development Goals" MOOC on Coursera offers a robust educational pathway for professionals looking to align their business strategies with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. #### Course Overview The course is meticulously designed around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015. The agenda seeks to eradicate poverty, promote peace, and protect the planet. The online course recognizes that businesses play a vital role in these pursuits and aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to make a significant impact. #### Detailed Syllabus Breakdown - **Week 1: Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals** This introductory week sets the stage for participants, providing a comprehensive overview of the course objectives and resources. It emphasizes the importance of businesses taking an active role in contributing towards the SDGs and invites participants to reflect on their potential impact. - **Week 2: The Biosphere** Focusing on environmental concerns, this week delves into business strategies to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity. Participants will gain insights into actionable steps companies can take to be stewards of the planet, addressing some of the most pressing ecological challenges. - **Week 3: Society I** In this segment, the course shifts its focus to societal issues, examining topics such as hunger and poverty. It introduces innovative business models centered on healthcare and sustainable energy. This is an essential week for understanding the role of businesses in fostering a more equitable society. - **Week 4: Society II** Continuing with societal issues, this week looks at urbanization, education, and inequality. It showcases examples of sustainable transportation solutions and the importance of social entrepreneurship in promoting educational opportunities, highlighting the interconnectedness of these goals. - **Week 5: Economy** The focus moves to economic sustainability, analyzing how businesses can achieve profitability while adhering to ethical standards. The discussions around decent work conditions, innovation, and sustainable consumption are crucial for anyone looking to operate in a responsible manner that respects planetary boundaries and human rights. - **Week 6: Partnerships** This week emphasizes collaboration, recognizing that the SDGs require a united front. Participants will explore how various stakeholders—businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations—can forge effective partnerships to foster peace and prosperity globally. - **Week 7: Systems Thinking** Closing the course, this week illustrates the interrelatedness of all 17 SDGs. This systemic approach is crucial for comprehending the complex dynamics at play and how businesses can adopt holistic strategies that leverage synergies while mitigating trade-offs. #### Course Format and Learning Experience The course is presented in an engaging format, featuring a blend of videos, readings, quizzes, and discussion forums. This approach not only allows for flexibility in learning but also promotes interaction and collaboration among participants. The materials are well-curated, drawing on real-world case studies, expert insights, and practical tools that learners can implement within their own organizations. #### Recommendation I highly recommend "Driving Business Towards the Sustainable Development Goals" for professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in integrating sustainable practices into their business strategy. This course is particularly beneficial for those in roles related to corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, or operations management, as it equips them with essential skills to drive meaningful change in their organizations. By the end of the course, participants will not only understand the global sustainability landscape better but will also be prepared to lead initiatives that contribute to achieving the SDGs, making a profound impact on their communities and the world at large. This course is an imperative step for any business professional committed to forging a sustainable future.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals

Welcome to this MOOC 'Driving business towards the Sustainable Development Goals'. We are excited that you are joining us to explore how business can contribute to a better future for people and planet, and how you can start contributing today. First, explore the course overview so you have a better understanding of the resources, materials and assessments that lie ahead. We hope you enjoy the course. Let’s get started!

This week focuses on the SDGs that are most related to our planet and the biosphere. We will explore what companies can do to halt, reverse or mitigate climate change, and protect life on land and below water.

This week is the first of two weeks dedicated to those SDGs that relate to Society. We introduce societal challenges such as hunger and poverty, and we look at new business models for healthcare and the transition to sustainable energy.

This week is about the remaining SDGs related to society. We look at cities, education, and tackling inequality. We examine sustainable city transportation networks and how social entrepreneurship can support education that promotes employment for everyone. We also talk about the interconnectedness of the SDGs.

In this week, we will explore the SDGs related to the economy. We will explore business contribution to SDGs 8, 9 and 12 and find out why decent work conditions, innovation and infrastructure, and sustainable consumption and production are so important. The key question is how businesses can be (both socially as well as economically) profitable in the long run while respecting planetary boundaries and human rights.

The SDGs cannot be achieved by a single individual or organization. In this module we will explore how companies, governments, non-profit organizations and individuals can develop partnerships to achieve peace and prosperity for all.

The last week of this MOOC will focus on the interconnectedness of the SDGs. None of the SDGs can be achieved by themselves or in isolation. This week, we will explore how the SDGs are interconnected and how synergies and trade-offs work.