Curriculum Guide

Why a Curriculum on Governance for the SDGs?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the need to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies that provide equal access to justice and that are based on respect for human rights (including the right to development), on effective rule of law and good governance at all levels and on transparent, effective and accountable institutions”. Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda specifically calls for effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Indeed, institutions play a critical role in the achievement of all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets. However, public sector reforms needed to implement the SDGs continue to be a major and vexing challenge in many countries. The 11 Principles of Effective Governance for Sustainable Development, developed by the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration and endorsed in 2018 by the Economic and Social Council, provide practical, expert guidance to interested countries in a broad range of governance challenges associated with implementation of the 2030 Agenda.  The Curriculum Toolkits address the 11 Principles of Effective Governance (see Figure below). The Curriculum on Governance for the Sustainable Development Goals aims to provide a holistic and integrated framework for capacity development in the area of governance and public institutions. It aims to promote critical understanding of sustainable development issues, enhance governance capacity, and strengthen public servants' awareness of their active role in contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.

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What is the Curriculum on Governance for the SDGs?

The Curriculum on Governance is a comprehensive set of Training of Trainers Capacity Development Toolkits, which contain ready-to-use and customizable training material on key governance dimensions needed to advance the implementation of the SDGs. The Curriculum provides methodologies and approaches to advance knowledge and assist governments in developing capacities at the individual, organizational, and institutional/societal level, to drive the transformational change needed to implement the 2030 Agenda.

The Training of Trainers Capacity Development Toolkits are structured around modules that include readings, self-assessment situation analysis, application of theories learned to concrete issues and challenges, priority setting exercises, cooperative and experiential learning through case studies, action planning, and other activities that can assist countries in advancing governance transformation for sustainable development. The Curriculum is composed of the following:

  • A set of Training of Trainers Capacity Development Toolkits for 5-day or 3-day face to face capacity development workshops
  • Online Courses on key governance issues to implement the SDGs
  • Facilitated Online Training and Capacity Development Workshops
  • Customized Online and Offline Capacity Development Workshops upon request of Member States
  • Offering a Certificate of Attendance upon successful completion
  • Global Community of Practice on key governance issues
  • Hosted on UNPAN for networking and online exchange of knowledge

 

How was the Curriculum Developed?

Based on extensive research on key governance issues, innovative methodologies and approaches, and incorporating reference to the findings of the UN inter-governmental work and existing relevant publications and analytical work related to governance and public institutions, the Curriculum on Governance for the SDGs is composed of Training of Trainers Capacity Development Toolkits. The Toolkits have been developed in a holistic way and are complementary. They are designed and implemented through the engagement of governments and schools of public administration. The Curriculum’s methodology is based on key building blocks:

  • Promoting systems thinking
  • Leveraging the potential of ICT and digital government
  • Fostering collaboration and co-creation
  • Driving institutional transformational change
  • Focusing on impact
  • Enhancing flexibility

 

How can the Curriculum's Capacity Development Toolkits be Used?

The Training of Trainers Capacity Development Toolkits are intended to be used in interactive, results-oriented and engaging training courses. They can be used for a five-day face-to-face training workshop or selected modules can be used for shorter training workshops. Modules from various toolkits can be combined based on a country's needs. The Training of Trainers Capacity Development Toolkits will be continuously updated and expanded based on the feedback received from schools of public administration and governments. The Toolkits are to be considered as “living documents”.

 

2020-2021 Report of the Pilot Testing of the Curriculum on Governance for the SDGs Toolkits

Curriculum Guide BrochureCG

For the Curriculum Guide, click here

Key Topics

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The Curriculum is composed of Training of Trainers Capacity Development Toolkits that focus on governance issues that are critical for the implementation of the SDGs. The Curriculum Toolkits are inter-connected like a puzzle.

Curriculum User's Survey

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