Back to Driving business towards the Sustainable Development Goals
Erasmus University Rotterdam

Driving business towards the Sustainable Development Goals

Extreme weather events, wars, famine and environmental destruction are just a few of the wicked problems faced by humanity. That’s why in 2015 the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that target the big challenges such as how to eliminate poverty, how to protect the environment and how to bring about peace. Every member state committed to achieving these goals by 2030. What can businesses do to counter climate change and create a sustainable business culture? Why is this relevant for business anyway? Explore how business can contribute to a better future for people AND the planet without giving up profits. This course has been developed by Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University (RSM). It focuses on the role of businesses in achieving the SDGs. You will gain insights from leaders of international companies and academics in business and management who will guide you through the issue of how businesses can contribute to the SDGs. The course received a 'MOOC Award of Excellence' by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the SDG Academy in September 2019 (https://www.unsdsn.org/2019-sdsn-awards-of-excellence-winners-announced) After completing this course you will: • know what the SDGs are, why they are important and how each individual can be an agent for positive change in the world; • understand the role of business in the transition to sustainable development to create a prosperous future for all; • be able to identify interconnectedness of the SDGs and the challenges behind solving them; • know how management insights can contribute to the SDGs; • be able to evaluate the effectiveness of current business strategies in contributing to the SDGs; • develop a positive, critical, aware and courageous attitude towards the SDGs. The course consists of seven units, each focusing on several aspects of sustainable development and taking one week to complete. You will study by watching videos, reading literature and by engaging in other activities such as weekly challenges. Assignments will consist of quizzes, discussions with your fellow students, and challenges to implement in your daily life. Are you ready to find out how you can be an agent for positive change? Register now!

Status: Collaboration
Status: Corporate Sustainability
BeginnerCourse15 hours

Featured reviews

AO

5.0Reviewed Jul 10, 2021

I like the topics on various subjects. The story of the hummingbird was particularly meaningful. I have understood the planetary boundaries beyond the basic definition.

AS

5.0Reviewed Jul 14, 2022

appriciate you for preparing this course and making me aware of such important subject. as you advised i will try my best even very small just like humming bird.

JJ

5.0Reviewed Sep 7, 2020

Very well designed. The content is very well structured and taught. Variety of people teaching their topics and short videos help in focusing and learning to the optimum

AQ

5.0Reviewed Jun 5, 2020

This is one of the best course available online, to have basic understanding how a business can be part of the global moment for sustainability and agenda 2030.

SS

4.0Reviewed May 22, 2021

The MOOC is a collections of lessons and learnings from multiple experts, businesses. The videos are very diverse. I felt some case studies were not enough relevant to the SDGs discussed.

AE

5.0Reviewed Nov 16, 2020

Awareness is the first step towards a more sustainable world and way of living. I encourage everyone interested in making a better world to start here and take this course.

MD

5.0Reviewed Nov 30, 2020

This course is superb! I was able to understand thoroughly the SDGs, its purpose and impact to make each businesses sustainable. The wonderful part also it ables you to identify your purpose

SS

5.0Reviewed Mar 5, 2023

Great course and I insist everyone do this course irrespective of their background as it is something that everyone must know so that even they could contribute to achieving one or all the SDGs.

HT

5.0Reviewed Sep 6, 2022

I​T IS AN EXCELLENT COURSE, IT PROVIDES A VERY GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS , IT ALSO HIGHLIGHTS WORK OF COMPANIES LEADING THE WAY WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS.

MV

5.0Reviewed Nov 29, 2023

Very useful information about the SDGs and the interconnection between them. Easy and interesting to follow, with many real and inspiring examples of how companies contribute to achieving the SDGs.

NN

5.0Reviewed May 18, 2020

A relatively easy and well-paced course with interesting case studies. Encourages you to take action towards sustainable development through its Hummingbird Challenges.

A

5.0Reviewed Feb 24, 2020

I thoroughly enjoyed this course as it gave me the needed insights and perspectives for the need for sustainability and how it can be applied to businesses and individual lives.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 352

Carel van Randwyck
3.0
Reviewed Jun 14, 2020
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