Around the world, sustainable development continues to be an important concern in the 21^st century. Balancing the twin factors of economic growth and healthy environments continues to be a profoundly challenging process. 

Moreover, the phenomenon of climate change has also sharply focused our attention on the many ways in which our quality of life is acted by both these factors. This is particularly clear in countries of the Global South, such as India, where the approach to sustainable development needs to be participatory, varied and iterative so that it caters to the evolving needs and constraints of a large and diverse population. 

This course aims to facilitate greater involvement of field-level actors in transitioning to sustainability. It hopes to nudge various actors to integrate sustainability in their developmental work.

What will you learn?

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

• Present a historically informed view of why sustainable development is a global concern
• Explain the Indian perspective on sustainable development
• Analyse interrelated dimensions of sustainability — economic, social and environmental
• Identify socially just pathways in designing interventions for sustainable development

Who should join?

Anyone above the age of 18 years, especially those interested in adding a sustainability dimension to ongoing development interventions, in urban and rural contexts.

Guest speakers

• Amita Deshpande (Recharkha)
• Elango Rangasamy (Former Panchayat President, Kuthambakkam)
• Mansi Patel
• Manu Mathai (Adjunct faculty)
• Vishwanath (Visiting faculty)

Pedagogy

The course will be conducted online, in the asynchronous mode.

• The course will comprise four units, with 3 – 4 short videos each (of about 20 min duration).
• Units 2, 3 and 4 feature a diverse set of guest speakers and case studies.
• Participants will be expected to watch one video a week and take the multiple-choice quizzes at the end of each unit.
• Apart from the video tutorials, the instructors will be available online for 1 hour once a month (discussion hour), for participants to clarify doubts, discuss topics, share examples from their own work, etc.

Certificate of participation

A certificate of participation will be presented to participants who score at least 50 percent in the multiple-choice quizzes.

Admission process

Fill the online application form. Seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.