INTRODUCTION

This course equips participants with a sound understanding of the concept of sustainable development and the vision and principles of the 2030 Agenda. It explores the three pillars of sustainable development while looking at the interlinkages between climate change, planetary boundaries, social inclusion, and human rights. It also identifies key lessons from implementing the Millennium Development Goals and the significant differences in the new agenda.Since their formulation in 2015, the SDGs have entered the policy discourse of many developing countries, affecting policy-making and implementation processes. Rather than discussing the SDGs and their implications for development, this course will focus directly on the political and administrative capacities needed to pursue SDGs successfully. Issues that will be covered include strengthening of governance and stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, improvement of policy analysis and decision-making capabilities, the advancement of public financial management systems and accountability, and the role that management control, monitoring, and evaluation have in pursuing the SDGs. The course will draw examples and case studies from various countries and thematic areas, including poverty, inequalities, sustainability, human capital, the environment, and peace and justice institutions.