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ECONOMIC CERTIFICATIONS
The Inter-American Development Bank
IDB: IDB10-1x Data for Effective Policy Making

One of the challenges faced daily by public institutions, non-governmental organizations, development agencies, and other stakeholders that promote economic and social development in the Caribbean, is being able to understand the data and charts found in reports and studies to make evidence-based decisions in order to improve public policies.

 

This course, offered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through the edX platform, provides concepts and tools that can be applied to strengthen your ability to use, understand and interpret data, using the platforms "Numbers for Development" and its data sub-set "Caribbean Data Portal" developed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which presents socio-economic data and indicators of Latin America and the Caribbean. Through these tools, course participants will be able to understand how to improve the decision-making process in public management. Also, another goal of this course is to promote understanding of basic concepts of data analysis that will allow course participants to maintain efficient communication with data specialists. Essentially, this course will help you take control over data, make sense of it and use it to improve your decisions.

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The overall goal of the course is to explore the world of data in a smooth and engaging way and to incorporate data analysis in decision-making processes, thus making even smarter decisions.

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MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATIONS
  The Inter-American Development Bank                                       IDB34.2x: Risk Management in Development Projects

This course was designed and organized by the Inter-American Institute for Economic and Social Development (INDES) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Its objective is to strengthen project teams’ capacity to preemptively manage events that may affect a project so as to improve its chance of success. Course content is based on the IDB’s new risk management methodology (OP-1699-1), which is aligned with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Sixth Edition, of the Project Management Institute. 

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By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Plan risk management in development projects to preemptively manage events that may affect a project so as to improve its chance of success.

 

  The Inter-American Development Bank                                       IDB6.1x: Project Management Techniques for Development Professionals

Public institutions, non-governmental organizations, development agencies, and others who promote economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean often struggle to turn proposals into concrete realities that increase social well-being and achieve results within the available time with scarce resources.

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This course provides concepts and tools to apply in project management that can generate a substantial change in the way objectives are being met. This MOOC seeks to strengthen participants' capacities in project management for development so that projects can be effectively and efficiently executed.

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This project management MOOC includes case studies that will help you better understand key project management concepts and tools; presentations from Project Management Professional (PMP)® certified with ample experience in the topic; discussion forums; and selected readings.

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The Project Management for Results (PM4R) methodology, developed by IDB's Inter-American Institute for Economic and Social Development (INDES), serves as a conceptual base for this course. PM4R's contents are based on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) - Fifth Edition, Project Management Institute, Inc., 2013.

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Although these best practices have been present for many years in corporate projects, the IDB has led its progressive inclusion in the public sector and in development projects, contributing to the construction of realities that improve lives.

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INDES as a Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) has been approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI)® to issue 30 professional development units (PDUs) if you earn the verified certificate in this course.

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The preparation of this course was financed by the Institutional Capacity Strengthening Fund (ICSF), thanks to the contribution of the Government of the People's Republic of China.

PMBOK is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)           
E-Course on Leadership in the Public Sector

The overall aim of the course is to strengthen the competences required by public sector leaders and public servants for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, to recognize the most important skills required for effective leadership, and to gain a comprehensive overview of the current and future challenges facing public leaders. 

CLIMATE CHANGE CERTIFICATIONS
The 2022 United Nations Summer Academy

The UN Summer Academy aims to bring together sustainability actors from multiple different sectors and regions on a common platform to explore key challenges to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in areas such as health and well-being, social protection, economic transformation, and climate action. 

 

The theme of the 2022 UN Summer Academy was 'Sustainable Transformation Pathways'. The 5-day Programme examined different thematic areas using conceptual tools like systems thinking, design thinking and futures thinking. 

 

The UN Summer Academy introduced conceptual approaches underpinning the notion of sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

 

The 2022 Programme explored sustainable development from a multi-sectoral perspective, focusing on critical themes such as health and well-being, social protection, economic transformation, and climate action. Participants looked at how transformative thought frameworks of systems thinking, futures thinking, and design thinking can address these issues in a complex and volatile context. Alongside these core themes and conceptual approaches, the Programme also featured trending sustainable development topics such as innovation for sustainable development and frontier technologies. Experts highlighted the latest developments in these areas and their potential contribution to sustainable development efforts.

 

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The United Nations System Staff College 
E-Course on The Paris Agreement on Climate Change as a Development Agenda

The UNSSC Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development collaborates with the UNFCCC in delivering this joint free online course. Climate change is a cross-cutting development issue that affects every aspect of sustainable development and the entire 2030 Agenda.

 

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, along with the 2030 Agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals, forms the most comprehensive blueprint to date for eliminating extreme poverty, reducing inequality, and protecting the planet. Together with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, these documents constitute an integral plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity, which requires all countries and stakeholders to act together. Sustainable development and climate action are deeply interconnected and interdependent.

 

The course frames climate change and climate action around the five core cornerstones of the 2030 Agenda: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.

 

Week 1: Introduction to sustainable development, climate change and climate action.

Week 2: The social dimension of sustainable development, climate change and action (People).

Week 3: The environmental dimension of sustainable development, climate change and action (Planet). Week 4: The economic dimension of sustainable development, climate change and action (Prosperity). Week 5: Climate change and peace, justice and strong institutions (Peace).

Week 6: Partnerships and means of implementation for climate action and sustainable development (Partnership).

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
E-Course on Mastering National Adaptation Plans: from Start to Finish

The adverse impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly more acute, particularly for developing countries. This further exacerbates the wellbeing of the poorest and most vulnerable, meaning adaptation is now crucial to their survival and protection. Successful national adaptation planning requires detailed knowledge and practical skills in order to effectively and efficiently tackle current and future threats. 
 

The National Adaptation Plan (NAPs) process was established under the Cancun Adaptation Framework (2010) in order to prepare countries for addressing climate risk in the medium term. The main objectives of the NAPs are to reduce vulnerability to climate change, and to mainstream climate change adaptation in all levels of planning.  NAPs require building a stronger evidence base, improving skills and capacity.  Additionally need to be country-driven, gender-sensitive, participatory, and use transparent approaches. 

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This course Mastering National Adaptation Plans: from Start to Finish course will introduce learners to several important aspects of the NAP process.  It is aimed at enhancing knowledge of the NAP process elements,  relevant issues such as gender and climate information in NAP Formulation and Implementation; and financing NAP processes. This interactive self-paced course will guide learners through various aspects of the NAP journey.

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This self-paced course is a learning initiative of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)and part of the National Adaptation Plan Global Support Programme (NAP-GSP).   The NAP-GSP is a joint programme, implemented by UNDP and UN Environment, in collaboration with other UN Agencies to assist countries with their NAP processes.  The programme is funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

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The course consists of three modules:   

Module 1: Exploring and Developing a NAP

Module 2: Implementing and Reviewing a NAP

Module 3: Financing the NAP process

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
E-Course on Mastering National Adaptation Plans: from Start to Finish

The adverse impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly more acute, particularly for developing countries. This further exacerbates the wellbeing of the poorest and most vulnerable, meaning adaptation is now crucial to their survival and protection. Successful national adaptation planning requires detailed knowledge and practical skills in order to effectively and efficiently tackle current and future threats. 
 

The National Adaptation Plan (NAPs) process was established under the Cancun Adaptation Framework (2010) in order to prepare countries for addressing climate risk in the medium term. The main objectives of the NAPs are to reduce vulnerability to climate change, and to mainstream climate change adaptation in all levels of planning.  NAPs require building a stronger evidence base, improving skills and capacity.  Additionally need to be country-driven, gender-sensitive, participatory, and use transparent approaches. 

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This course Mastering National Adaptation Plans: from Start to Finish course will introduce learners to several important aspects of the NAP process.  It is aimed at enhancing knowledge of the NAP process elements,  relevant issues such as gender and climate information in NAP Formulation and Implementation; and financing NAP processes. This interactive self-paced course will guide learners through various aspects of the NAP journey.

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This self-paced course is a learning initiative of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)and part of the National Adaptation Plan Global Support Programme (NAP-GSP).   The NAP-GSP is a joint programme, implemented by UNDP and UN Environment, in collaboration with other UN Agencies to assist countries with their NAP processes.  The programme is funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

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The course consists of three modules:   

Module 1: Exploring and Developing a NAP

Module 2: Implementing and Reviewing a NAP

Module 3: Financing the NAP process

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Introductory E-Course on Course on Energy Efficient Ship Operation

This course provides a better understanding of how the maritime industry can reduce its environmental carbon footprint through practical measures to save energy on board. It also provides you with facts and figures, and a better understanding of the global international regulatory framework to address emissions from ships.
 
This self-paced free course has been developed by the Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA), a public-private partnership bringing together leading maritime companies to address barriers to low carbon shipping, established under the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 Project. The course is made available on UN CC:e-Learn through the new UN CC:Learn affiliation programme, which highlights high-quality e-learning products on climate change developed by recognised institutions outside the framework of the UN CC:Learn programme / without support from the UN CC:Learn Secretariat, in accordance with specific affiliation criteria. The objective of the UN CC:Learn affiliation programme is to enhance global climate literacy through dissemination of high-level learning products that complement UN CC:Learn resources.

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Course Objectives: 

  • How can ships contribute towards the reduction of GHG emissions and the mitigation of climate change? 

  • How can fuel saving measures lower the GHG emissions and play an important role in limiting global temperature increase? 

  • What are some of the practical actions which can be taken onboard to reduce fuel consumption? 

  • What is the role of the International Maritime Organization and how is it addressing emissions from ships?

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The e-course consists of two modules:

Module 1: Greenhouse gases and energy efficiency in the maritime industry

Module 2: Practical ways of reducing energy use at sea

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
E-Course on Integrating Climate Risk Information into National Adaptation Plans

In a world that is looking less likely to stay within 2°C of global warming compared to the pre-industrial levels, individuals need to make choices between a range of possible actions requiring information on past, present and potential future climate conditions. Adapting to climate change requires the development of the best available scientific information about climate trends and their societal impacts.  

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The course Integrating Climate Risk Information into NAPs shows how to strengthen National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) through appropriate climate information and coordinated policy action, enabling  different types of institutions and actors to work together in a collaborative framework, drawing on the resources of the global hydro-meteorological community at large.

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The course will enable you to:

  1. Describe the importance of climate information in adaptation planning and decision-making

  2. Identify technical resources for assessing climate risks

  3. Explore the role of National Hydro-meteorological Services in the NAP process

  4. Discuss how priority climate actions can be enhanced by climate scientific information 

  5. Identify climate products and services that support NAPs

  6. Discuss how to promote effective partnerships between climate information producers and users 

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
E-Course on An Introduction to Climate Change and Human Rights

From hurricanes affecting communities in the Caribbean, to sea level rise threatening lives and livelihoods across the Pacific, heat waves and droughts across Europe, and people displaced in the context of extreme weather events, floods and droughts, the effects of climate change are already impacting human rights, including, the rights to food, water and sanitation, decent shelter, health, personal security, and even life itself. Climate change disproportionately affects the world’s most disadvantaged people – those who are the poorest, most exposed and have the least resources to withstand climate shocks and stresses such as extreme weather events. Climate action that is not anchored in a human rights-based approach risks further violating human rights.

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This course addresses how human rights obligations require the international community to take more ambitious action to mitigate emissions, to support adaptation that benefits persons, groups and peoples in vulnerable situations, and to address loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change. It demonstrates the importance of rights-based, participatory climate action, which leads to more coherent, sustainable and effective outcomes. Increased awareness and education on human rights and climate change have been identified as key variables to enhance and support effective, rights-based climate action. 

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"An Introduction to Climate Change and Human Rights" was made available on UN CC:e-Learn through the new UN CC:Learn affiliation programme, which highlights high-quality e-learning products on climate change developed by recognized institutions outside the framework of the UN CC:Learn programme / without support from the UN CC:Learn Secretariat, in accordance with specific affiliation criteria. The objective of the UN CC:Learn affiliation programme is to enhance global climate literacy through dissemination of high-level learning products that complement UN CC:Learn resources.

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This course is intended for everyone with an interest in learning more about climate change and human rights; including policy-makers, students, experts, activists and academics. The course will provide you with tools to better understand, discuss, participate, and act on climate change as well as human rights challenges and opportunities.


The course has been developed by the Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB) with support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with funding support from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the German Corporation for International Cooperation GmbH (GIZ).

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The e-course consists of seven modules:

Module 1: Human Rights Impacts of Climate Change and Corresponding Human Rights Obligations

Module 2: Human Rights in Climate Negotiations, Agreements and Action

Module 3: Climate Change in Human Rights Processes, Agreements and Action

Module 4: Persons, Groups and Peoples in Vulnerable Situations

Module 5: Regional and National Frameworks and Action

Module 6: Rights-Based Climate Litigation

Module 7: Right to Development and Climate Change in Focus

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The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
E-Course on Climate Negotiation and Health

It is increasingly evident that environmental challenges have an impact on human health, reinforcing existing risks. For instance, it is estimated that climate change will cause around 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 – linked to issues ranging from malnutrition to heat stress, with direct costs to health expected to be between USD 2-4 billion/year by 2030. Also, the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the important interlinkages between human health and the state of our environment and economies.

With the recognition that the equilibrium between people and planet is one of the fundamental issues of our time, this online course delves into the interlinkages between climate change and health, with particular reference to the international climate change policy process and the need for a healthy a green recovery from COVID-19.

Specifically, the course aims to support delegates attending the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and participating in climate diplomacy. It also provides valuable insights for the professionals involved in the development and implementation of national climate change and health policies. 

The course was developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and ClimateTracker.org.

 

The ultimate objective of the course is to support participants in addressing health within climate change negotiations and national policy processes, as well as in considering climate change in health policies.  

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After completing the course, participants will be able to:

 

  • Explain how climate change affects health;

  • Recognize the international climate change policy framework;

  • Identify the Parties and groups of Parties to the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, including their respective commitments and negotiation positions;

  • Describe the outcomes of past negotiation sessions;

  • Discuss the key issues in the ongoing international climate change negotiations, particularly in relation to the promotion of health priorities and the integration of health in all policies. 

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
E-Course on Environmental SDG Indicators  

This e-learning course is a self-paced course with individual 10 modules developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (UNSIAP) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit adopted an international framework to guide development efforts, entitled 'Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development'. The Agenda is built around 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), divided into 169 targets, which are informed by 244 Indicators. The importance of improving the availability of and access to data and statistics related to the environment was recognized through the adoption of a wide range of environmental SDG targets and indicators. 

 

Course Overview: 
This course provides an overview of the importance of monitoring the environmental dimension of development, the linkage with existing statistical frameworks (FDES and SEEA) and how to use environment statistics in decision making. The modules will also provide a brief overview on all 25 SDG indicators under UNEP custodianship. In particular, this e-learning course aims to build the capacity of countries – representatives of National Statistical Office (NSOs), Ministries of Environment and other stakeholders - to compile and use data on the environment-related SDGs for evidence-based decision-making and to promote cross-cutting data analysis to better understand the environmental dimension of development.


Target audience:
The target audience of the e-learning course is relevant staff from National Statistical Offices, Ministries
of Environment, and also other civil servants and stakeholders that support broader national sustainable development monitoring and decision making, such as through the UN-led Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the government-led Sustainable Development Goals Voluntary National Reviews (VNR). The general public could also benefit by understanding what environment statistics are and how they can be utilized at the sub-national and national levels.


Overall course learning objectives:
It is expected that, by the end of the course, participants will be better positioned to:
1. Describe key concepts relevant for environmental monitoring and SDG indicators;
2. Explain how respective environmental indicators are computed;
3. Discuss key challenges the participants’ countries may be facing in compiling these indicators and
actions that can be taken to address them.


Overall course structure:
Module 1. Measuring the environment
Module 2. Linkages between the FDES, SEEA and the SDGs
Module 3. Measuring waste in the SDGs
Module 4. Measuring the state of the oceans*
Module 5. Measuring land and water in the SDGs
Module 6. Measuring material flows in the SDGs
Module 7. SCP interventions in the SDGs*
Module 8. Policy coherence for sustainable development
Module 9. Measuring gender and environment
Module 10. Using environment statistics for national analysis and policy

UNITAR: Environmental SDG Indicators Brochure
UNITAR: Environmental SDG Indicators Certificate
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
E-Course on Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) in Fragile Contexts 

This e-learning course was developed by Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) as part of the Earth Observation for Sustainable Development: Fragility, Conflict and Security project funded by the European Space Agency. It aims to give a short but practical introduction to GIT in states affected by fragility, with a focus on remote sensing. it seeks to answer the following questions across four modular components: What is GIT? Why would one use such tools to tackle fragility? And how?

The World Bank Group's Open Learning Campus
E-Course on Climate and Disaster Risk Screening: Identifying Risk to Enhance Resilience 

Climate change and disasters pose a growing threat to development. It is essential to identify the related risks early in the preparation stage of development operations and programs, to better integrate appropriate resilience measures to mitigate and cope with these risks. The World Bank Group developed a suite of Climate and Disaster Risk Screening Tools to help development professionals screen for climate change and disaster risks during project preparation and sectoral- and national-level planning. The screening serves as an initial effort to identify opportunities for climate-smart project design.

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This e-course illustrates how to undertake climate and disaster risk screening using the screening tools developed by the Climate Change Group of the World Bank and using climate information sources including the Climate Change Knowledge Portal and ThinkHazard!

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The e-course consists of three modules:

  • Module 1 introduces the background, rationale and process for risk screening.

  • Module 2 walks through the steps of the screening process, using an investment project example, to demonstrate how to navigate the tools, where to find climate change information and how to determine climate risks.

  • Module 3 uses a policy development project example to illustrate how to screen climate and disaster risks at a national or policy level.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)    
Local Solutions for Global Challenges 

Water is essential for life and for sustainable development, and well-managed water services contribute to poverty reduction, economic growth and environmental sustainability. Increasing human population, the impacts of climate change and unsustainable growth all place pressures on water demand, water quality and water availability.


As the successors to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are interwoven and provide targets to be met for different water challenges by 2030. The declared purpose of SDG 6 is to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. SDG 6 builds upon the MDG focus on drinking water and sanitation to include the water cycle as a whole, including management, wastewater and ecosystem resources. Since water is fundamental to sustainable development, SDG 6 has strong linkages with the other SDGs, and meeting SDG 6 will contribute hugely to the entire sustainable development agenda for 2030.


Course Goals and Outline:
The goal of the course is to build capacity on sustainable water resource management and treatment. It is intended to provide a solid understanding of water governance, within the framework of the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals. The training also introduces key technologies and techniques to build water resilience, and explores the close interactions between water, energy, food and climate change.


By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Conceptualise Integrated Water Resource Management Challenges;

  • Understand the linkage between SDG6 (Water and sanitation) and other SDGs;

  • Conceptualise Water treatment technologies within Integrated Water Resource Management Challenges;

  • Identify how water treatment plays a role in increased water resilience;

  • Differentiate transboundary from national Integrated Water Resource Management Challenges;

  • Grasp the importance of the science-policy interface;

  • Conceptualise Integrated Water Resource Management Challenges within a Food-Water-Energy Nexus.

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The course is comprised of 4 modules that will be covered over 5 weeks:

  • Module 1: Global Water Challenges

  • Module 2: Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies

  • Module 3: Water Governance

  • Module 4: Water Energy Food Nexus

The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
E-Course on Carbon Taxation

Recent years have seen renewed and growing interest in policy instruments that put a price on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the adoption of carbon taxes. About half of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by governments under the Paris Agreement mention carbon pricing as a cost-effective tool to meet climate targets.

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As pricing schemes multiply they become increasingly varied. Today, carbon taxes cover a broad range of sectors and include novel features, demonstrating their ability to adapt to varying policy goals and national contexts. The versatility of carbon taxes also means that policy makers need a clear picture of the available options and how those options fit with the jurisdiction’s context and objectives. While this course was developed prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, its contents remain relevant to current policy discussions as low fossil fuel prices present an opportunity to introduce or raise carbon taxes.

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This online course provides a first step in understanding the carbon tax landscape. Putting a price on carbon involves a fair amount of analysis and consultation with stakeholders. The overall goal of the course is to familiarize learners with underlying market dynamics, policy design options and relevant terminology. While the course is introductory in nature, learners will benefit greatly from a pre-existing understanding of:

  • The functioning of market economies, including basic concepts such as rational agency, the influence of prices on supply and demand, and investments

  • The role of public policy in shaping economic, social and environmental outcomes and achieving international and national commitments.

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After completing the course, participants should be able to: 

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  • Describe how carbon taxes work in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

  • Outline key considerations that shape the decision to adopt carbon taxes

  • Summarize approaches for determining the carbon tax base and rate

  • Differentiate main undesirable effects and mitigation measures

  • List options for revenue use

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Course structure at a glance:

While being introduced to conceptual considerations of carbon taxation and its underlying economics, you will also benefit from exposure to a variety of case studies and international carbon pricing practices. The discussions take into account strategic aspects of the political environments in which carbon taxes function.

 

  • Module 1: Carbon taxes – Why and when to use them

  • Module 2: Preparing for carbon tax adoption

  • Module 3: Key design decisions

  • Module 4: Avoiding unwanted effects of the carbon tax

  • Module 5: Use of revenues

The Inter-American Development Bank        
INDES: Principles for Reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments (PREIA)

This e-learning course, developed by the Inter-American Development Bank, through the Environmental and Social Safeguards Unit and the Institute for Economic and Social Development (INDES), is designed to provide practical guidance for professionals involved in reviewing and evaluating Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The target audience for the course includes professionals who participate in project, policy, or program review processes, or work in the areas of environmental protection and management, social or natural sciences, and public management, although they may not have previous experience in EIA results review and evaluation. It has been designed by taking into account different legal, institutional and cultural settings, which means it can be useful for reviewers from any country in which environmental impact assessments are made.

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The contents of the online course, “Principles for the Review of Environmental Impact Assessments (PREIA),” are based on internationally accepted EIA principles and frameworks.

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General Learning objectives:

After completing the course, participants should be able to conduct an integrated and effective review of the EIA process and documents, taking into consideration best international practices and strengthening their knowledge and capacities for economic, environmental, and social decision making in the specific context of the proposed action or projects.

 

Specific Objectives:

  • Using a summary diagram, describe the stages of the EIA process to support the review process and decision making.

  • Through analysis of the legal, institutional, organizational and personal context, understand the reviewer’s role and approach to participating in the stages of the EIA review process and decision making,

  • Apply the reviewer’s approach to analyze and interpret each element of an EIA document to determine the level of compliance or conformity with the applicable rules, standards, or best practices.

  • Synthesize the results of the review the project’s environmental impact by evaluating the EIA document and communicating clearly with different audiences.

  • Recognize the different contexts of EIA review in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, to incorporate specific knowledge and best practices in the different settings.


Structure:

  • The Environmental Impact Assessment Process and the Role of the Reviewer 

  • Evaluation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Document (Part 1)

  • Evaluation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Document (Part 2)

  • Preparation and Communication of the Reviewer’s Comments

  • Resources of the Reviewer

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)       
Monitoring selected SDG indicators in Asia-Pacific Small Island Developing States

This e-learning course was developed further to a series of regional workshops conducted in the Asia-Pacific region for Small Island Developing States in September 2019. The e-course aims to strengthen the capacities of these countries to organize national processes to monitor and inform the reporting on SDG indicators, as well as to fill in their identified selected priority data gaps that were not yet addressed through other capacity development programs.

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Learning objectives:
It is expected that, by the end of the course, participants will be better positioned to:

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  • Describe ways to build national SDG indicator frameworks to track progress on SDGs at the country level in accordance with national priorities;

  • Define practical ways to address some of the challenges faced by SIDS on SDG monitoring and data disaggregation by better leveraging various data sources;

  • Identify key components of the monetary poverty measurement methodology used by the World Bank and possible non-monetary approaches to poverty measurement applicable in the context of the Pacific SIDS;

  • Describe how selected SDG indicators pertaining to budget implementation, and resource

  • Describe how SDG 3 indicators are computed and how they can inform better policies; resource mobilization and use under Goal 17 are computed and how they can inform better policies.


Structure:

  • Module 1. Mapping SDG indicators to national processes

  • Module 2. Measuring poverty and hardship in the Pacific

  • Module 3. Monitoring health-related SDG indicators

  • Module 4. Finance-related SDG indicators

UNITAR: Monitoring selected SDG indicators in Asia-Pacific Small Island Developing States Certificate
Stockholm International Water Institute/SDGAcademyX: WTR001       
Water: Addressing the Global Crisis

Water is the source of all life. Without it, neither humans nor nature will survive. Yet lack of access to water is a rapidly growing problem and one of the world’s gravest risks. The water we have at our disposal is often too little, too much or too dirty. We must learn to manage it more wisely, fairly and sustainably to avoid a serious water crisis.

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The SDG Academy and the Stockholm International Water Institute have come together to offer this MOOC on some of the most important water issues. We focus on the key role water plays in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, not least SDG 6, about sustainable water and sanitation for all.

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The course aims to build theoretical knowledge as well as provide exposure to concrete practices from around the world through a series of case studies related to good water governance. It deals with issues of water and sanitation services, the role of ecosystems, the impact of climate change, the role of water for food and energy production, as well as shared water resources as a source of conflicts and cooperation.

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The course intends to explain the linkages between water, environment, and societal development, focusing on how to tackle issues such as growing water uncertainty and deteriorating water quality. Through the course you will gain a better understanding of how water influences lives and livelihoods.  You will also learn how your own actions can contribute to a more water wise world.

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Learning Objectives:

  • The scale, scope, and challenges in achieving the SDG 6, safe access to water for all.

  • The issues of climate change and its influence on water.

  • Water and sanitation for health.

  • The food, energy and water nexus.

  • The environmental, economic and social dimensions of SDG 6 and the critical role of water governance.

  • The transboundary cooperation needed to achieve the goal on water.

  • Lessons from concrete practices around the world through a series of case studies. 

SIWI: Water - Addressing the Global Crisis Certificate
The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN: CCLEARN)
 E-Course on Green Fiscal Policy

This course introduces the concept of Green Fiscal Policy and has been developed under the umbrella of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE). PAGE brings together five UN agencies – UN EnvironmentInternational Labour OrganizationUN Development ProgrammeUN Industrial Development Organization, and UN Institute for Training and Research – whose mandates, expertises and networks combined can offer integrated and holistic support to countries on inclusive green economy.

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The course aims to provide participants with a solid understanding of fiscal policy instruments and reform strategies available to policymakers to advance the green economy transition. It contains five lessons, each taking approximately 20 minutes to complete:

  1. The need for green fiscal policy

  2. Fiscal instruments for greening the economy

  3. Effective strategies for fiscal reform

  4. Applying green fiscal policy in key sectors

  5. Collaborating for impact

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Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the rationale for greater use of green fiscal policy

  • List different fiscal instruments to promote desirable economic, social and environmental outcomes

  • Describe the key stages of the policy cycle

  • Highlight the main opportunities and challenges presented by the energy, transport and waste management sectors

  • Outline how international collaboration enhances fiscal policy action taken at national level

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The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
 E-Course on Sustainable Finance

This course introduces the concept of Sustainable Finance and has been developed by the GIZ-SEB Strategic Alliance (STA) on Green Bond Market Development in G20 Emerging Economies and the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a One UN initiative bringing together UN Environment, ILO, UNDP, UNIDO, and UNITAR. The interactive and practice-oriented course is designed for interested participants from governments, financial sector, businesses, and civil society.

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Learning Objectives 

  • Describe, understand and discuss current developments and trends in the area of sustainable finance;

  • Distinguish between different types of sustainable finance products and relevant eligibility criteria;

  • Discuss opportunities, challenges, and enabling conditions for countries to benefit from growing sustainable investment opportunities; 

  • Identify opportunities for the public and private sectors to issue green bonds and green loans;

  • Apply sustainable finance mechanisms to a real-life investment case study.

The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
 E-Course on the Climate Change International Legal Regime
The Climate Change International Legal Regime course presents the causes and effects of climate change, describes the mechanisms established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and explains the key provisions and commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. 

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The course has been developed by the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. It is made available on UN CC:e-Learn through the new UN CC:Learn affiliation programme, which highlights high-quality e-learning products on climate change developed by recognized institutions outside the framework of the UN CC:Learn programme / without support from the UN CC:Learn Secretariat, in accordance with specific affiliation criteria. The objective of the UN CC:Learn affiliation programme is to enhance global climate literacy through dissemination of high-level learning products that complement UN CC:Learn resources.

The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
 E-Course on Climate Change: From Learning to Action

Since 2014, when the first edition of the UN CC: Learn Introductory course on Climate Change was launched, UN CC:Learn has systematically collected and reviewed feedback on further improvement of the course. At the same time, digital trends and new learning tools enable greater accessibility and interactivity of e-learning. In view of these recommendations and trends a second edition of the Introduction to Climate Change 2.0 was born. The e-course “Climate Change: From Leaning to Action” is the second, improved version, of UN CC:Learn’s introductory course.

The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
 Introductory E-Course on the Green Economy

The course enables learners to familiarize themselves with the rationale and core concepts guiding an inclusive green economy. It discusses both opportunities and challenges at global and national level to achieve low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive development. The course has been developed under the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) which brings together five UN agencies – UN Environment, International Labour Organization, UN Development Programme, UN Industrial Development Organization, and UNITAR. PAGE works toward putting sustainability at the heart of economic policies and practices to advance the 2030 Agenda.

UN CC:LEARN: Introduction to Green Economy Certificate
  The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
   E-Course on Resilience Action Planning - Implementing the Sendai Framework (Local Level)

Over the past 20 years disasters have affected 4.4 billion people, caused USD 2 trillion of damage and killed 1.3 million people. Disasters have affected people living in developing countries and, in particular, the most vulnerable communities within these countries. Particularly in the context of increased urbanization, urban risk continues to rise. The vulnerability of cities to disasters is growing especially as poor people settle in high-risk urban areas. Unfortunately, the planning and development of cities has given little consideration to the consequences of hazards such as earthquakes, hydro-meteorological risks and others. The implication of this reality is the need for countries to focus on creating a safer world for urban dwellers and developing a series of innovative approaches to build resilience. On the basis of these needs, UNITAR has developed the e-learning course Resilience Action Planning - Implementing the Sendai Framework at the local level.

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This e-learning course aims to strengthen the capacities of government officials, especially those at the local level, and disaster management professionals to design and implement plans and programmes that reduce disaster risk and enhance resilience.

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Raise awareness about the Making Cities Resilient (MRC) Campaign;

  • Identify initiatives and best practices on how to integrate disaster risk reduction and climate change adoption into urban planning;

  • Assess the risk management situation in their cities by using a tool;

  • Develop a safe and resilient country/city action plan; and

  • Analyze the purpose, the goals and the outcome of the HFA and the Sendai Framework for DRR.

UNITAR: Resilience Action Planning - Implementing the Sendai Framework (Local level)
  The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
   E-Course on Gender and the Environment 

This course will provide you with an understanding of gender and the environment. It explores the many dimensions of gender and its relation to biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, international waters and chemical waste. It provides you with the knowledge and tools to mainstream gender and to be an effective change-maker for sustainable development. It also provides you with the facts and figures, and a better understanding of the global international frameworks related to gender and the environment. The course is divided into six modules covering the following areas: 1) Introduction, 2) Climate Change, 3) International Waters, 4) Biodiversity, 5) Land Degradation, 6) Chemicals and Waste.

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This self-paced free course has been developed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), UNITAR/UN CC:Learn, with valuable contributions from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), UN Women, UNDP, UN Environment and the Secretariats of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements that the GEF serves, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, among others.

  The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
   E-Course on Confronting Trauma 

Trauma is a global burden, adversely affecting human development, world development, and even world peace. Trauma has not received the attention it deserves, or treatment the support it needs. The contribution large-scale trauma healing could make to enhance social, economic and cultural productivity, as well as individual educability, creativity and well-being, could well be historic. Recent developments have the potential to bring on this large scale healing, for humanitarian and peace operation staff, and for the global population. This open, self-paced advocacy presentation aims to raise awareness and influence policy decisions to support and implement these new developments, and help bring an end to the insidious and unnecessary suffering that trauma wreaks worldwide.

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This module, offered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, introduces the international humanitarian, development and UN communities to the large unmet need for psychological trauma care and therapy. It starts by describing the different types of stress and trauma and the dire consequences these can have. After the description of the magnitude of the problem, the module then presents some recent innovations in the field of psychology that have opened up dramatic new possibilities, which hold the promise of an effective response at scale. Going to scale, in turn, poses new challenges and opportunities to the main stakeholder audiences for this module.

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At the end of the course participants will be able to:

  • Describe the four types of stress and traumatic stress

  • Illustrate the global burden of trauma

  • Describe three approaches to trauma care/treatment used in this course

  • Describe three factors that facilitate scaling up of trauma treatment

  • Summarize why global trauma should be included in the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Recall elements of a successful World Plan for Trauma Treatment

  • Argument for the expanded treatment of trauma to key stakeholders

  The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
   E-Course on Gender Matters

This course, offered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, explores the term gender which has become a central focus in contemporary literature about development, security and conflict. Gender is often invoked in post-war contexts in relation to the disproportionate and unequal effects of war on men and women. In an effort to define and understand gender, especially when we are referring to individuals and relations at local and global levels, three main approaches must be explored:

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  • Gender relations: the social relations between men and women, as well as those between women, and those between men. Gender relations include the distribution of power and access to, as well as control over, resources between the sexes. Generally, gender relations are unequal and favour men over women.

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  • Gender norms: the standards created by society that shape and define which characteristics are expected, allowed and valued in a man or a woman in a given context. They define how men and women should look, be, and act. Gender norms correspond to social expectations, early internalized by individuals. Gender identity is generally expected to – and often does – conform to gender norms.

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  • Gender roles: the social, economic and political responsibilities assigned to boys, girls, men and women. They correspond to the realization of gender norms: gender roles and gender norms are defined in relation to one another.

  The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
  E-Course on Integrated Planning for Climate Change and Biodiversity 

Land-use planning frameworks have traditionally focused on developing settlements and related infrastructures with limited consideration of biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation and mitigation requirements. It is underused in maximizing win-win solutions for human well-being and sustainability under the threat of global climate change. Awareness and knowledge of land-use planning as a tool for biodiversity and climate resilience are to be raised and strengthened among relevant actors at various levels.

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The overall goal of this course is to increase the capacity of key stakeholders to optimize planning to support biodiversity and climate change adaptation objectives, including through the effective engagement of protected area systems.

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Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the interaction of climate change and biodiversity with land-use plans;

  • Identify principles and concepts of land-use planning for incorporating biodiversity and climate change into spatial development plans;

  • Explain the role played by protected areas and village planning;

  • Explain policies and laws across sectors;

  • Identify relevant stakeholders across institutions;

  • Identify stakeholder positioning in the planning and decision making process;

  • Explain how stakeholders can engage in planning and decision making process:

  • Identify the different layers of governance involved in planning across village, district, regional and national levels;

  • Identify ways to collaborate across national borders.

 The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
  E-Course on Sustainable Consumption and Production in Latin America & The Caribbean   Region: Approaches & Practical Tools 

National governments play a fundamental role in the process of incorporating sustainable consumption and production (SCP) into national policies, which is key for achieving sustainable development. With the goal of scaling up learning on the various approaches and tools for SCP in the region, UN Environment and UNITAR are partnering to deliver for the first time this interactive e-learning course especially tailored to the context of Latin America and the Caribbean region.

 

Event Objectives

Participants will learn about the global and regional SCP agendas, the international and national commitments towards SCP, and receive practical examples of different concepts, approaches, tools and indicators for SCP. The course will also present national and regional challenges and opportunities to implement policies for SCP in the context of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Additionally, participants will begin to develop basic skills for applying the SCP concept to the real world economic, policy and professional context.

The course is offered in parallel in English and Spanish language.

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Learning Objectives

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

  • Define the concept of SCP and explain its value for sustainable development, Agenda 2030 and its SDGs

  • Distinguish key elements of effective policy planning to promote SCP

  • Identify enabling conditions for mainstreaming and   implementing national SCP policies and programmes, including sectoral policies and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

  • Discuss principal challenges and opportunities  for advancing SCP in national contexts

  • Discuss global and regional SCP commitments, in particular in the context of the 10YFP

  • Apply SCP to a real-life policy-making context.

UNITAR: SCP in Latin America & The Caribbean Region: Approaches & Practical Tools Certificate
  The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
  E-Course on Green Fiscal Reform

Many governments face the triple challenge of reducing environmental risks, while fostering economic growth and reducing poverty. Green fiscal reform (GFR) as a policy approach can improve fiscal consolidation, spur innovation, and help identify smarter ways for government taxation and spending. By setting appropriate economic incentives and price signals green fiscal policies can help shift consumption patterns and drive private investments in human, natural, social and clean-produced capital.

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To meet the learning needs and build capacities of national stakeholders, the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) developed this e-learning course. The interactive and practice-oriented course seeks to provide interested participants from government, business, civil society and academia with an introduction to various approaches and policy instruments for reforming government spending and revenue generation with the goal of supporting the transition to a green economy.

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The moderated course seeks to explain the basic concepts of GFR focusing on case studies and existing reform initiatives from around the world. It makes reference to technical guides and manuals suitable for participants working on/interested in the level of technical implementation of fiscal policies.

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Learning Objectives

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

  • Define the concept of green fiscal reform and explain its value for a green transition

  • Distinguish relevant policy instruments for correcting market failure and reforming economic incentives

  • Discuss governance and policy processes, including associated risks and impacts, in relation to effective reform strategies

  • Indicate key sectors with high potential for green fiscal reform

  • Apply the green fiscal reform concept to a real-world context​

UNITAR: Green Fiscal Reform Certificate
  The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
  Introduction to the 2030 Agenda: A New Agenda for a Sustainable World

2015 was marked by the adoption of four landmark UN agreements: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Addis Ababa Action Agenda, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. This online course has been designed to provide an in depth analysis of the 2030 Agenda, drawing on the synthesis from the Secretary-General, the inputs received from stakeholders, the wealth of knowledge produced by the Technical Support Team, and contributions made by 22 United Nations entities to a series of delegates’ briefings organized by UNITAR during the negotiations within the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals.

 

This course has been designed, specifically, with a view to addressing the knowledge needs of the public and raise awareness regarding the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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Following the completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  1. Define the key reasons behind the convergence between MDGs and sustainable development tracks;

  2. Explain the difference between the MDGs and the 2030 Agenda;

  3. Identify main challenges in each Sustainable Development Goal;

  4. Analyze the changing nature of Global Partnership;

  5. Identify the importance of review and follow-up for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

  The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)  
   E-Course on Green Economy and Trade

Trade in environmental goods and services (EGS) offers significant opportunities, in particular for developing countries, to drive economic development while protecting natural capital and creating better livelihoods for citizens. In order to seize these opportunities, UN-Environment and UNITAR are collaborating within the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), to deliver this interactive e-learning course at the nexus of trade and the green economy.

 

The e-course introduces various concepts, policy instruments and enabling conditions to identify, assess and harness benefits of sustainable trade in the context of the 2030 Development Agenda. Moreover, participants will acquire basic skills for translating sustainable trade principles into a real-world economic, policy and professional context.

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After completing the course, participants will be able to:

  • Interpret current developments and trends related to Green Economy and Trade

  • Discuss basic principles related to the international governance of trade and the way the international trade framework can foster sustainability

  • Discuss opportunities, challenges, and enabling conditions for developing countries to benefit from growing trade in EGS

  • Identify possibilities for greening trade in specific sectors, foremost renewable energy and agriculture

  • Apply the green economy approach to a real life trade-related case study

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The course is structured around four (4) modules (including one elective):

  1. The trade and environment nexus: key concepts, trends and developments

  2. Opportunities and enabling conditions for greening trade

  3. Assessing and seizing sustainable trade opportunities in specific Green Economy sectors (Elective 1: Agriculture; Elective 2: Energy)

  4. International trade governance and law: basic concepts and principles

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The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
 Introductory E-Course on Climate Change

An Introductory E-Course on climate change which is administered by the ONE UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) – a partnership of 33 multilateral organizations which supports Member States in designing and implementing results-oriented and sustainable learning to address climate change. The Secretariat for UN CC:Learn is provided by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). UN CC:Learn supports countries in developing National Strategies to Strengthen Human Resources and Skills to Advance Green, Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development - also referred to as climate change learning strategies. During the pilot phase (2011-2013) five countries have prepared learning strategies, including Benin, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Malawi, and Uganda.

 

The course provides a general understanding of climate change science and offers up-to-date information on issues that can potentially impact the extent of biological diversity, level of commerce and standard of living within the global community.

 

It is structured around six (6) Modules:

 

1. Climate Change Science

2. International Legal and Policy Framework for Climate Change

3. Climate Change Adaptation

4. Climate Change Mitigation and Low Carbon Development

5. Climate Change Finance

6. Planning for Climate Change

 

The Modules have been developed and peer-reviewed through UN CC:Learn and the course has been developed with support by the Government of Switzerland. 

The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
 E-Course on Cities and Climate Change

This specialised module introduces the theme of climate change in urban areas. The world is becoming more and more urban, and therefore cities are important actors in addressing climate change. The module will cover both how cities are affected by climate change and how cities are contributing to climate change. In addition, the module will look at how climate change adaptation and mitigation can be considered in urban planning and identify concrete measures. Several examples of how cities can play a transformational role in addressing climate change are presented. 

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After completing this specialised module, participants will be able to:

  • Describe urban trends for the 21st century.

  • Describe the transformative role that cities can play in achieving green and climate resilient development.

  • Explain how urban areas are affected by, and contribute to, climate change.

  • Explain how climate change adaptation and mitigation can be considered in urban planning.

  • Identify specific adaptation and mitigation measures suitable for urban areas.

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The course is structured around six modules:

  1. Cities in the 21st century

  2. Effects of climate change on cities

  3. Cities as contributors to climate change

  4. Integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation in urban planning

  5. Urban climate change adaptation and mitigation in practice

  6. Overview of major initiatives related to climate change and cities

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This specialised module is part of a series of 8 modules of the course named Introductory e-Course on Climate Change. 

The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
 E-Course on Children and Climate Change

An E-Course on children and climate change which is administered by the ONE UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) – a partnership of 33 multilateral organizations which supports Member States in designing and implementing results-oriented and sustainable learning to address climate change. The Secretariat for UN CC:Learn is provided by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

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This specialized module introduces the theme of climate change and children, with the aim to provide a children’s perspective to the discussions on how to deal with this global crisis. The module will present how children are and can be impacted by climate change. It will then look at how children’s resilience to climate change could be strengthened and at the benefits that can be provided by mitigation measures. It will also discuss solutions, focusing on the empowerment of children as actors of change and on the key role of Governments in children’s protection. Several examples are provided to illustrate the concepts presented.

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The module has been developed and peer-reviewed through UN CC:Learn, in close collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

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The Course is structured around five modules:

1. The Impact of Climate Change on Children

2. Strengthening Children's Resilience to Climate Change

3. The Benefits of Climate Change Mitigation for Children

4. Empowering Children to Act on Climate Change through Education

5. A Climate Change Agenda for Children

The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
 REDD+ Academy E-Course

This E-Course offers you knowledge needed to better understand the various components of REDD+, from the basics to the points of setting reference levels, monitoring, allocation of incentives and stakeholder engagement. It is structured with 12 modules, and each module takes around 2 hours to complete. There is a short quiz at the end of each module, and each module takes around 2 hours to complete. Once all six modules are completed with above 70% of passing scores, you will receive a certificate of completion from UN-REDD and UNITAR. All modules are available as PDF in English, French and Spanish for offline study or training purposes. The modules also include links to other UN resources on REDD+, which provides a gateway to more in-depth and specific information. The modules have been developed and peer-reviewed through UN-REDD and UN CC:Learn. 

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The Course is structured around twelve modules:

  1. Forest, Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change

  2. Understanding REDD+ and the UNFCCC

  3. Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation

  4. National Strategies and Action Plans

  5. National Forest Monitoring Systems for REDD+

  6. Forest Reference Emission Levels for REDD+

  7. Policies and Measures for REDD+ Implementation

  8. REDD+ Safeguards under the UNFCCC

  9. REDD+ Finance

  10. Approaches for Allocation of Incentives

  11. Introduction to Stakeholder Engagement

  12. Good governance

The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:LEARN)
 E-Course on Human Health and Climate Change

An E-Course on human health and climate change which is administered by the ONE UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) – a partnership of 33 multilateral organizations which supports Member States in designing and implementing results-oriented and sustainable learning to address climate change. The Secretariat for UN CC:Learn is provided by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This specialised module introduces the theme of climate change and human health. Human health is directly affected by the weather, climate variability and climate change. The module will explain how mitigation and adaptation policies and measures in health and related sectors can benefit the human health. Moreover, the module will present tools to assess and integrate health within climate change policies and strategies and vice versa. Several examples of how countries are responding to the health challenges posed by climate change, including taking advantage of the opportunities, are presented.

 

The Course is structured around three modules:

1. Climate Change and Human Health

2. Adaptation: Building Health Systems’ Resilience to Climate Change

3. The Mutual Benefits of Climate Change Mitigation and Health Policies

The World Bank E-Institute Self-Paced E-Course:
The Fundamentals of Climate Change

An Introductory E-Course on the Fundamentals of Climate Change which is administered by the World Bank E-Institute. Through its five modules, the e-course covers the scientific basis of climate change, the observed and projected changes and impacts, together with, the approaches and responses development professionals and practitioners may use to address climate change within their work.

 

This course addresses the basic of climate change, including:

  • The greenhouse effect, and how it impacts the earth's climate.

  • Current and projected impacts of climate change on ecological, biological and socioeconomic systems.

  • International negotiations and agreements addressing the climate change problem.

  • Mitigation and adaptation approaches.

  • Financing climate change related development actions.

  • Tools and resources.

The World Bank E-Institute Self-Paced E-Course:
The Economics of Climate Resilient Development

This Introductory E-Course in the Economics of a Climate-Resilient Development, which is administered by the World Bank E-Institute, demonstrates how economically viable climate-resilient development plans are developed.

The course provides an overview on changes in climate patterns already underway and what changes are projected for the future. It is explained why business-as-usual development is not adequate in response to the impacts that result from these changes. Instead the course outlines how impacts are to be managed, including in relation to addressing the challenges of uncertainty surrounding climate impacts in the future. Methods to select and prioritise adaptation options that include their costs are explained.

This is achieved through the explanation of a practical framework that helps break down the process involved. In this way, the course helps the user to understand firstly how to frame the problem, to make it a challenge that can be realistically addressed. Then the user learns how to identify relevant climate change risks and impacts so as to determine adaptation options. Ultimately the user is shown how to prioritise the most favourable adaptation option.

The course is based upon the principles of multiple stakeholder inputs and includes ideas on how different expertise and views are found and incorporated. To conclude the course, a policy scenario presents the course user with the opportunity to see how an economically viable climate resilient development plan may be designed in practice.

Throughout the course interactive exercises help the user to test their understanding at key points. Case studies, reference materials and other helpful resources are highlighted so as to strengthen the learning experience.

Ultimately it is intended that this course will provide a firm foundation for the user to apply the basics of what they have learned in their own work.

Iversity Massive Open Online Course:
Disasters and Ecosystems - Resilience in a Changing Climate

This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) enhances knowledge and skills for tackling complex issues such as resilience and transformation, sustainable development, ecosystem management, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and how they can be operationalized. It will benefit disaster managers and practitioners, climate change adaptation professionals, development planners, project implementers and policy makers. The course will be delivered through a series of lectures and case studies, quizzes, peer-reviewed exercises, along with additional study materials provided to the students. Lectures will be available through videos as well as online documents and will be geared for students who may not have access to high speed internet so they can follow the course. Students will be provided the opportunity to enhance their critical thinking through real life and fictitious problem solving exercises. Each week will feature an international expert who will be available to respond to questions and interact with students.

 

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