43rd UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries
Duration: 09 January - 10 July 2020
Due to the global COVID-19 outbreak and the situation in Germany, the course shut-down all activities from March 16th. It is planned to continue in a reduced scale using online/eLearning methods.
Motivation
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were a remarkable advancement when adopted by the United Nations in 2015. For the first time, the world committed towards a broad spectrum of common goals ranging from climate action to sustainable economic growth, from life below water to sustainable cities, from ending hunger and poverty to responsible consumption and production, and from reduced inequalities to inclusive industrialisation. The Agenda 2030 is a clear recognition that the preservation of our biosphere depends on the sustainable stewardship of planet Earth.
In support of the SDGs, the UNEP/UNESCO/BMU 6-month course fo llows an integrated and interdisciplinary approach covering the field of environmental management. The curriculum is organised in modules comprising issues of conservation and restoration ecology, water and atmosphere, soil and land resources, sustainable urban and regional development, waste management and circular economy, renewable energy and energy efficiency. An overarching science-policy interface frames all disciplines.
Moreover, all participants will train skills of fundamental, cross-sectoral relevance such as policy advice and project management in the context of developing countries, communication across disciplines and participatory government practices, as well as understanding geo-information and basic German language skills.
Objectives
Participants acquire the ability to develop interdisciplinary strategies for sustainable development and to take appropriate measures for environmental protection that takes ecological, socio-economic and cultural aspects into account.
Target groups
This course is particularly designed for decision-makers of public governance and administration both at the national and local level requiring an overall-competence in environmental matters. To be eligible, candidates need to originate from and work in developing countries, including newly industrialised economies. Applicants also need to have at least two years of professional practice in the field of the course, for a mutually beneficial exchange of experiences. A first university degree (BA, BSc, e.g.), adequate communication skills in English language and the nomination by the delegating institution are mandatory, too.
Important note: Courses are full-time and attendance of lectures and excursions is compulsory. It is not possible to pursue regular employment at the same time. In the application process, we therefore request confirmation from the employer that the candidate is exempted from his regular duties for the duration of the course. We strongly advise against applying for the courses if the employer does not fully agree to the exemption from the job for the time of the course.
Application and participation
Our International Steering Committee selected the 21 participants of this course by September 2019. Participants stay in our comfortable private studio apartments and receive a stipend to cover basic living expenses. Flights, health insurance etc. will be provided. Our course office provides further manifold assistance. Participants successfully completing this course will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management.
Download the overview brochure for the UNEP/UNESCO/BMU course program.