Potsdam, Germany

Sustainable Development Academy

In the Sustainable Development Academy (SDA), participants engage with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a critical and solution-oriented way.
In 2022, the focus is on the development goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The first week of the Summer School intends to provide the basis - the theoretical knowledge and understanding - needed to engage critically with the SDGs and the development of Sustainable Cities and Communities. It focuses to develop an understanding of the interdependence of each of the Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular Goal number 11. Another focal point is on the analysis of the status quo of the implementation of the "Agenda 2030" on a national and regional level. What tools have been already established and what challenges remain?
In the second week, a workshop will introduce the Design Thinking Method as a systematic approach to solve complex problems. Subsequently, the method will be applied to a real-life problem and solutions will be developed in multidisciplinary teams. In this process, study groups will be accompanied and supported by a Design Thinking coach and an academic expert. Finally, the results of the study groups are presented, reflected and discussed in the plenum.
The field trips round off the program and give the opportunity to get to know not only the work in practice of different institutions but also to "lend a hand" yourself. Are you ready to take action?

Course leader

Various researchers, local activists as well as student intitiatives

Target group

BA & MA Students as well as everyone interested

Course aim

The goal of the program is to provide participants with skills that will enable them to develop creative approaches to achieving sustainability goals at a local level with the help of the Design Thinking Method.

Fee info

EUR 850: The program fee includes all courses, course material, city tours, certificate of completion, entire supporting & cultural program).