Systems Thinking for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
International Workshop on Designing Holistic Solutions for Complex Global Challenges
Skills you will gain:
About Program:
The workshop blends systems mapping, causal loop diagramming, feedback analysis, leverage point identification, and policy modeling to uncover root causes, cross-sectoral impacts, and long-term dynamics of complex sustainability challenges—from climate change and inequality to health and education.
Participants will work through real SDG case studies and collaborate on multi-actor solution modeling, enabling them to apply these tools in their own research, teaching, or professional practice.
Aim: To equip participants with the tools, mindsets, and frameworks of systems thinking to address the interconnected nature of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, enabling more strategic, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
Program Objectives:
- Promote holistic and long-term thinking in sustainability efforts
- Enable participants to visualize, analyze, and redesign complex systems
- Equip practitioners with tools to support data-driven SDG decisions
- Foster cross-sector collaboration and strategic innovation
- Reduce siloed approaches in education, policy, and planning
What you will learn?
- Day 1: Foundations of Systems Thinking
- Systems Thinking Core Ideas – stocks, flows, reinforcing & balancing loops, mental-model traps
- Complexity in SDGs – feedback loops, delays, non-linear impacts, cross-goal ripple effects
- Hands-On: Personal Challenge Ice-Breaker → Loop Diary → SDG Interdependency Map
- Day 2: Tools & Frameworks for Systems Practice
- Causal Loop Diagrams & Stock-Flow Models – build, simulate, iterate
- Tool Set – Kumu, Insight Maker, iSDG, Loopy (pick one for the day)
- Hands-On: Build & Publish a Causal Loop → Stock-Flow Lite Simulation → Peer Critique
- Day 3: Action Design & Application
- Leverage Points & System Archetypes – Meadows’ 12-point checklist
- Intervention Design – minimum-viable policy canvas, unintended-consequence scan
- Hands-On: Leverage Hunt → Intervention Canvas Sprint → Playback & Stress-Test → Personal Commitment
Mentor Profile
Fee Plan
Get an e-Certificate of Participation!
Intended For :
- Sustainability professionals and development practitioners
- UN, NGO, and public policy officers
- University faculty and research scholars in sustainability, environment, and governance
- Students in international development, systems science, or public health
- Social entrepreneurs and grassroots coordinators
Career Supporting Skills
Program Outcomes
- Understand and apply systems thinking concepts to global development issues
- Use systems mapping and modeling tools to design holistic solutions
- Identify feedback loops and systemic risks in SDG planning
- Collaborate effectively across disciplines to tackle sustainability challenges
- Earn a certificate in “Systems Thinking for SDGs”