Diving Deep into the SDGs: SDG Learn

As Crew members, we know you guys love learning about sustainability as much as we do. With so much information out there it can be overwhelming, and even we struggle to keep up sometimes. Thankfully, the UN has created a program to make learning about sustainability a little easier.

If you know the UN SDGs, then you know these are often referred to as “the blueprint” for sustainability and sustainable development. The 17 goals are aspirational for us, as a global community, to strive for in order to create a more just and equitable world for not only us but future generations to come. Some people have a cynical view of the SDGs claiming that we won’t be able to reach them by 2030, but we like to look on the bright side and envision a world where we accomplish all 17 goals by 2030.

The UN SDG:Learn program is here to help people (in any role, at any organization!) better understand the SDGs and what we need to do to accomplish each goal. 

Depending on how much time you have, you either sign up for a full, virtual course or explore some of their microlearning options. With over 500 pieces of learning content available, there’s something for everyone on the platform. 

Almost every class is free and is offered in self-paced virtual, facilitated virtual, and/or occasionally in-person. Some of the classes that we’re most interested in are Competitiveness Through Enterprise Sustainability, A Business Approach to Sustainable Landscape Restoration, Environmental SDG Indicators, The Net-Zero Standard, and Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact. To sweeten the deal, some of the courses come with a certificate of completion - you could build a whole library of sustainability certificates!

Maybe you’re too busy at work and at home right now to take on a course. The UN SDG: Learn platform also offers a podcast to listen to in your downtime or, if you prefer to read, blog posts ranging in topics from AI and food production to equal rights and COVID-19.

Besides the UN SDGs: Learn platform, the UN also offers courses through the UN Systems Staff College. These courses are free, self-paced, and occur year-round so you can jump in whenever the timing is right! With courses on sustainable lifestyles, digital solutions, circularity, and SDGs 101, the College platform is a great tool for anybody looking to expand their understanding of the SDGs and implement them in the workplace.

Feels like we have some competition here :) That’s ok, though. This is healthy competition and we need more material like this to be available and normalized, so we say, “let’s go!”

We can appreciate the "education first" approach and if you're looking to bolster your sustainability expertise, the SDGs are one of the best places to start. Dive in and happy learning!