The UN SDG:Learn platform offers hundreds of free online sustainability courses developed by United Nations agencies and international organizations. These courses help learners build practical knowledge on sustainable development, climate change, environmental protection, digital transformation, public policy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With more than 370 learning opportunities available, learners worldwide can study at their own pace and strengthen their professional skills while contributing to global sustainable development.
About UN SDG:Learn
UN SDG:Learn is a global online learning platform jointly developed by the:
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
- United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC)
The platform brings together learning resources from numerous UN agencies and international partners, making high-quality sustainability education accessible worldwide.
Featured Free Sustainability Courses
Some of the available courses include:
Introduction to Sustainable Development in Practice
Offered by:
- UN CC:Learn
- UNDP
- UNEP
Topics include:
- Sustainable development principles
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Climate action
- Sustainable cities
- Practical sustainability solutions
Sustainable Diet
Developed by:
- Danone
- UN CC:Learn
Learners explore:
- Sustainable food systems
- Healthy diets
- Responsible consumption
- Food sustainability
Art and the Stewardship of the Ocean
Offered by:
- UNITAR
- UN CC:Learn
- One Ocean Learn
- One Ocean Hub
The course focuses on:
- Ocean conservation
- Marine ecosystems
- Sustainable ocean management
- Environmental awareness
Digital4Sustainability Learning Path
Provided by:
- UN System Staff College (UNSSC)
Topics include:
- Digital transformation
- Sustainable innovation
- Technology for sustainable development
Work and Employment for a Sustainable Future
Developed by:
- SDG Academy
Topics covered include:
- Future of work
- Sustainable employment
- Inclusive economic growth
- Labour and development
Planetary Boundaries
Offered by:
- Stockholm University
- SDG Academy
Learners study:
- Earth’s environmental limits
- Climate systems
- Biodiversity
- Sustainability science
Resource Efficiency
Developed by:
- International Resource Panel (IRP)
- ESCAP
Topics include:
- Efficient resource use
- Circular economy
- Sustainable production
- Responsible consumption
Water Scarce Cities: Thriving in a Finite World
Offered by:
- World Bank Group
Subjects include:
- Urban water management
- Water sustainability
- Climate resilience
Anticipatory Governance: Systems Thinking & Strategic Foresight
Developed by:
- UN DESA
- UNITAR
Learners explore:
- Systems thinking
- Strategic foresight
- Public policy
- Governance for sustainable development
Additional Free Courses Available
UN SDG:Learn also offers learning opportunities covering:
- Artificial Intelligence and Professional Skills
- International Law
- Gender Equality
- Child Rights
- Climate Change
- Paris Agreement Implementation
- Sustainable Supply Chains
- Public Health
- Food Security
- Agriculture
- Geospatial Technologies
- Ethics
- Data for Sustainable Development
- Finance for Sustainable Development
- Trade and Development
- Peace and Security
- Youth Development
Learning Format
Most courses are offered as:
- Self-paced online learning
- Free digital learning modules
- Interactive online lessons
Some programmes also include:
- Facilitated online learning
- Blended learning
- Learning pathways
Who Can Apply?
The courses are open to:
- Students
- Graduates
- Researchers
- Government officials
- Development professionals
- NGO workers
- Entrepreneurs
- Teachers
- Anyone interested in sustainable development
Most self-paced courses have no formal admission requirements.
Benefits
Depending on the course, participants may receive:
- Free online learning
- Flexible self-paced study
- Practical sustainability knowledge
- Skills aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals
- Learning from UN agencies and international organizations
- Digital certificates for eligible courses
- Career development opportunities
Certificate availability varies by individual course.
Participating Organizations
Courses are delivered by leading organizations including:
- UNITAR
- UNDP
- UNEP
- UNSSC
- UNICEF
- FAO
- UN Women
- UNODC
- UNFCCC
- ESCAP
- World Bank Group
- WTO
- IMF
- SDG Academy
- ITC
- Other United Nations partners
How to Apply
Interested learners should:
- Register for a free account on the UN SDG:Learn platform.
- Browse available sustainability courses.
- Select a course matching their interests.
- Enroll online.
- Complete the course at their own pace.
Many courses are available throughout the year and can be started immediately.
Why Take a UN Sustainability Course?
The UN SDG:Learn platform provides access to internationally recognized learning resources developed by leading United Nations agencies. Whether you’re interested in climate action, sustainable development, AI, public policy, environmental protection, or global development, these free online courses offer valuable knowledge and practical skills that can support both personal and professional growth.
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