Scholarships & Fellowships NGO, Non-Profit & Government

Free Certificate for UN & NGO Careers, SDG Academy’s “Age of Sustainable Development” Course (2025)

3 weeks ago

3 minutes read

Free Certificate for UN & NGO Careers, SDG Academy’s “Age of Sustainable Development” Course (2025)

Learn how to enroll in the SDG Academy’s free online course, The Age of Sustainable Development. Get certified by Professor Jeffrey Sachs and boost your UN or NGO job application with real credentials in sustainability and development.

Introduction

If you’re preparing for a career with the United Nations or an international NGO, a solid foundation in sustainable development is essential. One of the most recognized entry-level training programs available in 2025 is the free, certified course “The Age of Sustainable Development” by SDG Academy, taught by world-renowned economist Prof. Jeffrey Sachs.

This course offers learners a chance to understand global development challenges — from poverty to climate change — while earning a professional certificate that is highly relevant for UN jobs, international development work, or humanitarian roles.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to enroll, what to expect, and how to use this course to enhance your global development career profile.

Course Overview: The Age of Sustainable Development

Provider: SDG Academy (hosted on edX)
Instructor: Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs (Columbia University / UN SDG Advisor)
Platform: edX
Cost: Free (Optional Certificate for $49, or apply for full financial aid)
Level: Introductory
Length: 14 weeks, ~2–4 hours per week
Access URL: https://www.edx.org/course/the-age-of-sustainable-development

How to Enroll in 2025

Step 1: Register on edX

Go to https://www.edx.org
Create a free account with your email address

Step 2: Access the Course Page

Visit the direct link:
https://www.edx.org/course/the-age-of-sustainable-development

Step 3: Choose Your Enrollment Option

Audit the Course Free (access all content without certification)
Apply for Financial Assistance to get the certificate at no cost
Pay $49 to earn a shareable certificate of completion

What You’ll Learn in This Course

Week 1–2: Introduction to Sustainable Development

Definitions and history of development theory
Key concepts in poverty, inequality, and human development

Week 3–4: Economic Development & Global Poverty

How to measure poverty
What causes and perpetuates inequality

Week 5–7: Health, Education & Population Growth

Why health systems and education are central to the SDGs
Women’s empowerment and demographic transitions

Week 8–10: Environmental Sustainability

Climate science and biodiversity
Food security, agriculture, and water access

Week 11–13: Global Governance and SDG Financing

Role of the UN, IMF, World Bank
How SDG implementation is funded

Week 14: Pathways to Sustainable Development

Tools for global cooperation
National and local SDG implementation strategies

Certificate Details

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement from SDG Academy (via edX), signed by Prof. Jeffrey Sachs. This includes:

A unique verification code
Your name, completion date
A verifiable link for employers

Add this certificate to your LinkedIn, CV, or your UN Inspira profile under “Professional Development.”

Why This Course Matters for UN and NGO Jobs

This course is a foundational entry point for roles such as:

SDG Analyst or UN Sustainable Development Assistant
Program Officer – Environment, Gender, or Health
Humanitarian Affairs Officer – OCHA / UNDP / UNFPA
Development Consultant – UN Women / UNICEF / FAO
Policy Researcher or Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

Strengthen Your UN Job Application:

Mention this certification in your cover letter when applying for UN or NGO jobs
Use knowledge from the course to demonstrate your understanding of Agenda 2030
Align your resume with keywords like sustainability, climate action, SDG implementation

Tips for Succeeding in the Course

Treat it like a real university course – set aside 2–4 hours weekly
Take notes and download transcripts for future job applications
Complete the quizzes to unlock certification
Join the edX discussion forums for networking

Apply Now – Build Your UN or NGO Career in 2025

The Age of Sustainable Development is more than a course — it’s a gateway to understanding the UN system and the complex world of global cooperation. Whether you want to work with UNDP, UN Women, WHO, or a global NGO, this course strengthens your credibility and your commitment to sustainable development.

Enroll now for free via edX:
https://www.edx.org/course/the-age-of-sustainable-development