About The Sustainable Development Goals Academy

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Academy is a Global Education initiative to educate the Kennesaw State University community about the Sustainable Development Goals in order to encourage action to better tackle local and global issues.  Our page offers individuals seeking to be engaged in SDG events and activities around campus and in surrounding areas the opportunity to connect and stay updated on exciting happenings. There is also a myriad of resources on the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that is easily accessible through external sources. The Academy serves as a one-stop location to access those resources in addition to viewing events and useful information for any person in pursuit of enhancing their knowledge on the importance of the SDGs in our global effort to transform our world.

view the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Color wheel for Sustainable Development Goals.

 

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

- Gro Harlem Brundtland

Former Prime Minister of Norway (1987)

 

What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The UN 2030 agenda, with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at its core, is a guide to tackling the world’s most pressing challenges – including ending poverty and bringing economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and peace and good governance to all countries and all people by 2030.

The SDGs, adopted by 193 UN member states in 2015, are:

  • A guide to tackling the world’s most pressing challenges – including ending poverty and bringing economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and peace and good governance to all countries and all people by 2030
  • Pressure points that have the capability to affect the well-being of the entire planet and the people who live on it
  • An ambitious plan of action requiring the concerted efforts of all segments of society including civil society, development practitioners, the private sector, and academia
  • An ask to each one of us, in our personal capacities, to take bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path

The SDGs inspire us to: 

  • Think creatively by leveraging innovative approaches
  • Critically rethink the way we approach the development challenges of today
  • Raise actionable & achievable advocacy and awareness efforts for the goals
  • Mobilize crucial support for the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
  • Enhance substantive knowledge about the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals together represent a holistic approach to understanding and tackling problems in our community and around the world, by guiding us to ask the right questions at the right time.

view SDG PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

Training & Programs

  • The Distinguished SDG Ambassador Program is a competitive opportunity for bright and engaged KSU students to develop campus-focused sustainable development action plans that could be implemented at the university or in our local communities. This unique program gives students the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, engage with their community and peers with similar mindsets, and to make a difference at our University.

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  • Understanding that access to high-quality education has been a privilege of the few, edX empowers millions of learners to unlock their potential and become changemakers through online learning. To take free online sustainable development courses from top universities and institutions around the world on the online platform view below.

    edX Sustainable Development Courses
  • The Odyssey Peer Mentoring Program is offered by the KSU Department of Student Leadership and Service to students with a genuine interest in the educational and personal advancement of students.  Mentors serve as coaches, role models, and friends to assist in the development of skills necessary for mentees to succeed in college.

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  • RCE Greater Atlanta supports multistakeholder partnerships together with universities and colleges from across the Greater Atlanta region as well as nonprofit, community, government, and business partners to implement of the Sustainable Development Goals at a local level through education and training.  The RCE Greater Atlanta Mentorship Program works to connect students from across the area with a variety of mentors from industry, non-profits, and academic backgrounds.

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