Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This online course takes a global governance and ethics perspective to analyse sustainable development in the context of risks to society and the natural environment. We will consider the global challenges in interactive discussion sessions based on developing a shared understanding of thought leadership in public policy and social sciences - as well as international practices - as a basis for moving from unsustainable to sustainable development both in the Global South and Global North.
What will we cover?
The social, economic and environmental dimensions of risks to sustainable development.
Global ethics in relation to sustainable development including considering climate justice.
United Nations principles in relation to sustainable development, including Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainability.
Levels of environmental and social governance.
Organisational leadership and guidance.
International non-governmental, local and community-focused action.
Case studies on sustainable development and building resilience.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Reference global sustainability frameworks in the form of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future, as well as relevant international guidance.
Explain how extreme climate-related events in the Global South are placing local communities and the natural environment at risk.
Critique global efforts on the course to achieving sustainable development goals, including the matter of climate justice.
Advance the case for accelerating positive impact and ethical, sustainable development in both the Global South and Global North.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for students with some understanding of the subject of sustainability. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The online course will be taught through a combination of presentations and class discussions. Resources will be provided for those looking to explore the themes in greater depth.
Your tutor will beAnita Punwani. Anita holds a MSc from University College London in Global Governance & Ethics, School of Public Policy, also in Construction Economics & Management, Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction. She studied civil engineering and management at Imperial College, as well as art, art history, politics and philosophy at City Lit. Her 30 years’ experience in education, training and senior advisory roles spans the public, private and not-for-profit sectors including an international children’s charity and across UK Government. Anita is involved in developing international standards in sustainable development and presented ‘Global Governance at Risk’ at the 2025 United Nations Association UK Conference. She was interviewed by the BBC and CNBC in relation to handling the risks posed by the Covid-19 global crisis. Her artwork was selected for a World Bank exhibition on climate change. Anita’s approach to teaching is to facilitate sessions in an inclusive and collaborative manner.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs, but you may want to bring pen and paper or digital equivalent for note taking.
Anita is a sustainability professional with experience spanning the not-for-profit, public and private sectors, including senior advisory and assurance roles for UK Government and an international children's charity. She holds a MSc in Global Governance & Ethics from UCL's School of Public Policy, a MSc in Construction Economics & Management from UCL's Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, as well as a BEng in Civil Engineering and MBA from Imperial College. Anita represents the UK in the development of international standards in sustainability, governance, ESG and modern slavery and was interviewed on the BBC and CNBC during the global pandemic. Her training and education roles have included the fields of risk, value, facilitation, sustainability, resilience, business continuity, crises and future risks. Anita is a member of UNA-UK and Co-Chairs the Sustainability Alumni Network, Imperial College London.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/sustainable-development-and-global-risks3044683Sustainable Development and Global Riskshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/global-history.jpg8989GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Online courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics2285117716771731135421228511771677<p>This course explores why greater global cooperation is needed if sustainable development goals are to be achieved in the face of global risks.</p><p></p>003044665Sustainable Development and Global Risks8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/global-history.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC3078989Sustainable Development and Global Risks895889Anita Punwanisustainable-development-and-global-risks/hpc307-2627<p>This course explores why greater global cooperation is needed if sustainable development goals are to be achieved in the face of global risks.</p><p></p>0000-Available|2026-09-16 00:00:00<p>This online course takes a global governance and ethics perspective to analyse sustainable development in the context of risks to society and the natural environment. We will consider the global challenges in interactive discussion sessions based on developing a shared understanding of thought leadership in public policy and social sciences - as well as international practices - as a basis for moving from unsustainable to sustainable development both in the Global South and Global North. </p><p>This course explores why greater global cooperation is needed if sustainable development goals are to be achieved in the face of global risks.</p><p></p><ul><li>The social, economic and environmental dimensions of risks to sustainable development.</li><li>Global ethics in relation to sustainable development including considering climate justice.</li><li>United Nations principles in relation to sustainable development, including Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainability. </li><li>Levels of environmental and social governance. </li><li>Organisational leadership and guidance.</li><li>International non-governmental, local and community-focused action.</li><li>Case studies on sustainable development and building resilience. </li></ul><ul><li>Reference global sustainability frameworks in the form of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future, as well as relevant international guidance.</li><li>Explain how extreme climate-related events in the Global South are placing local communities and the natural environment at risk.</li><li>Critique global efforts on the course to achieving sustainable development goals, including the matter of climate justice.</li><li>Advance the case for accelerating positive impact and ethical, sustainable development in both the Global South and Global North. </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for students with some understanding of the subject of sustainability. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>The online course will be taught through a combination of presentations and class discussions. Resources will be provided for those looking to explore the themes in greater depth.</p><p>Your tutor will beAnita Punwani. Anita holds a MSc from University College London in Global Governance & Ethics, School of Public Policy, also in Construction Economics & Management, Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction. She studied civil engineering and management at Imperial College, as well as art, art history, politics and philosophy at City Lit. Her 30 years’ experience in education, training and senior advisory roles spans the public, private and not-for-profit sectors including an international children’s charity and across UK Government. Anita is involved in developing international standards in sustainable development and presented ‘Global Governance at Risk’ at the 2025 United Nations Association UK Conference. She was interviewed by the BBC and CNBC in relation to handling the risks posed by the Covid-19 global crisis. Her artwork was selected for a World Bank exhibition on climate change. Anita’s approach to teaching is to facilitate sessions in an inclusive and collaborative manner.</p><p>No additional costs, but you may want to bring pen and paper or digital equivalent for note taking.</p><p>View all our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/global-regional-politics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Global & Regional Politics courses</a>. </p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual898958HPC307NONEWed16/09/26 - 30/09/2619:00 - 21:0019:0021:003 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeksEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineAnita PunwaniBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities8989Sustainable Development and Global Riskssustainable-development-and-global-risks/hpc307-2627<p>This course explores why greater global cooperation is needed if sustainable development goals are to be achieved in the face of global risks.</p><p></p>0000-Available|2026-09-16 00:00:00<p>This online course takes a global governance and ethics perspective to analyse sustainable development in the context of risks to society and the natural environment. We will consider the global challenges in interactive discussion sessions based on developing a shared understanding of thought leadership in public policy and social sciences - as well as international practices - as a basis for moving from unsustainable to sustainable development both in the Global South and Global North. </p><p>This course explores why greater global cooperation is needed if sustainable development goals are to be achieved in the face of global risks.</p><p></p><ul><li>The social, economic and environmental dimensions of risks to sustainable development.</li><li>Global ethics in relation to sustainable development including considering climate justice.</li><li>United Nations principles in relation to sustainable development, including Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainability. </li><li>Levels of environmental and social governance. </li><li>Organisational leadership and guidance.</li><li>International non-governmental, local and community-focused action.</li><li>Case studies on sustainable development and building resilience. </li></ul><ul><li>Reference global sustainability frameworks in the form of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future, as well as relevant international guidance.</li><li>Explain how extreme climate-related events in the Global South are placing local communities and the natural environment at risk.</li><li>Critique global efforts on the course to achieving sustainable development goals, including the matter of climate justice.</li><li>Advance the case for accelerating positive impact and ethical, sustainable development in both the Global South and Global North. </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for students with some understanding of the subject of sustainability. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>The online course will be taught through a combination of presentations and class discussions. Resources will be provided for those looking to explore the themes in greater depth.</p><p>Your tutor will beAnita Punwani. Anita holds a MSc from University College London in Global Governance &amp; Ethics, School of Public Policy, also in Construction Economics &amp; Management, Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction. She studied civil engineering and management at Imperial College, as well as art, art history, politics and philosophy at City Lit. Her 30 years’ experience in education, training and senior advisory roles spans the public, private and not-for-profit sectors including an international children’s charity and across UK Government. Anita is involved in developing international standards in sustainable development and presented ‘Global Governance at Risk’ at the 2025 United Nations Association UK Conference. She was interviewed by the BBC and CNBC in relation to handling the risks posed by the Covid-19 global crisis. Her artwork was selected for a World Bank exhibition on climate change. Anita’s approach to teaching is to facilitate sessions in an inclusive and collaborative manner.</p><p>No additional costs, but you may want to bring pen and paper or digital equivalent for note taking.</p><p>View all our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/global-regional-politics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Global &amp; Regional Politics courses</a>. </p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
