Systems Thinking for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Designing Holistic Solutions for Complex Global Challenges
Skills you will gain:
The course 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:
What you will learn?
- Week 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
- Week 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
- Week 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
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