Brock University students can equip themselves to take action on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through an initiative offered by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada.

As a member of SDSN Canada, Brock University joins colleges and universities across Canada in making students aware of the opportunity to complete a new Youth Leadership Certificate.

“This new certificate is an opportunity for students to enhance their experiential learning by gaining access to training modules on SDGs that will broaden their understanding, knowledge and skills and complement those offered in their own degree programs and disciplines,” says Liette Vasseur, Brock Professor of Biological Sciences and UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: From Local to Global.

Offered in partnership with the Sustainable Development Goals Academy, the free, self-paced online program runs from January to March, and is open to all currently enrolled post-secondary students.

The program includes online skill-building workshops on a range of topics, including facilitation and effective leadership, developing partnerships for the SDGs and grant-writing basics.

“Many governments, organizations, private sector and non-governmental organizations now report on the SDGs,” says Vasseur. “Knowing the essentials of SDGs can provide new graduates with a career advantage.”

A certificate of completion signed by Jeffrey Sachs, renowned economist and senior advisor on the SDGs to the UN, will be provided to all students who complete the program by SDSN Canada and the SDG Academy.

Applications to enrol are open and the deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 15. To learn more about the certificate, visit the SDSN Canada website.

SDSN Canada aims to build a network of Canadian colleges and universities to facilitate learning and problem solving related to sustainable development. Brock’s membership with SDSN Canada provides scholars and researchers with access to resources and opportunities to participate in various activities related to the SDGs, such as students becoming ambassadors with SDSN on campus and in the community.