47th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries (EM47)

Duration: January 11, 2024 - July 12, 2024 (on-site in Dresden)

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, ending hunger and poverty to responsible consumption and production, and reduced inequalities to inclusive industrialisation. The 2030 Agenda is a clear recognition that our biosphere's preservation depends on the sustainable stewardship of planet Earth.

Course concept and objectives

Worldwide, implementation of both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement is lagging far behind the ambitious targets. In support of both agreements, the UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV 6-month course follows an integrated and interdisciplinary approach in line with the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, covering key aspects of sustainability, environmental management and natural resources governance.

The curriculum is organized in several pillars comprising 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, all interlinked under climate governance. An overarching science-policy interface frames all disciplines.

Moreover, all participants will train fundamental skills with cross-sectoral relevance such as policy advice, presentation skills, project planning and management, which can be applied in the context of their local realities as well as communication across disciplines and cultures, participatory government practices, and understanding of geo-information.

CIPSEM follows an integrative and interdisciplinary teaching approach which conveys not only knowledge on global environmental processes and methods for the sustainable management of resources, but also promotes abilities in a holistic way of thinking with respect to environmental thematic problems and in finding corresponding solutions. The overall approach is to blend scientific (academic) knowledge with local, traditional and professional expertise.

The lectures are given by professors of Technische Universität Dresden and experts from various national and international institutions, including also the collaboration with CIPSEM alumni. This is a full-time course (8 units of 45 minutes of activities per day). All modules are compulsory. Participants are required to carry out a research project ("Final Paper"), which is a scientific piece of work on a specific environment-related subject and present the written results of this work in a symposium at the end of the course.

After attending the course, participants will be able to develop multi- and inter-disciplinary measures and strategies for sustainable development and implement them appropriately for environmental protection and management that considers ecological, socio-economic, political and cultural aspects.

Target groups

This course is particularly designed for experts and leaders of public governance and administration at the national, regional and local level requiring an overall-competence in environmental matters. However, professionals from science, economy or civil society who already bear responsibility for sustainable development in their countries are welcome to apply as well. To be eligible, candidates need to originate from and work in developing countries, including emerging economies. Applicants also need to have several years of professional practice in the course's scope for a mutually beneficial exchange of experiences. A first university degree (e.g. BA, BSc), adequate communication skills in the English language, and the delegating institution's nomination are mandatory.

Application and participation

Qualified professionals are welcome to apply for this training from March 29, 2023 until May 15, 2023 on CIPSEM’s online application portal. The Steering Committee selects 21 participants of this course by early August 2023. Only selected participants will be informed via email.

Participants stay in our comfortable single studio apartments and receive a stipend to cover basic living expenses (550 €/month). In addition, flights, health insurance, public transport tickets, costs of over-night stays for excursions etc., will be covered. The course office will provide additional manifold assistance.

Participants successfully completing this course will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management.

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