As COP28 approaches, FutureLearn, a prominent online learning platform, is proactively engaging in global sustainability efforts. They are launching a series of courses and initiatives focused on sustainability and socio-economic development. The goal is to empower learners with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Acknowledging the pressing need to address the skills gap in sustainable development, FutureLearn provides a diverse range of courses covering topics like ‘sustainability’ and ‘climate change.’ These courses aim to enable participants to actively contribute to global sustainability initiatives.
Offerings include courses such as The Regenerative Agriculture Revolution, Climate and Energy: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, Ecology and Wildlife Conservation, Using Systems Thinking to Tackle the Climate and Biodiversity Crisis, Environmental Challenges: Rights and Values in Ecosystem Services, Unleash Your Potential: Sustainable Futures, and Renewable Energy: Sustainable Electricity Supply with Microgrids.
Dr. Aisling Tierney, delivering the Sustainable Futures course on FutureLearn, emphasizes the course’s practical approach. In the face of global environmental challenges, the course provides tips for everyday life, inspires local and global action, and transforms the concept of a sustainable future into a tangible reality.
Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO of City and Guilds, underscores the urgency for the UK to transition to greener energy sources. She emphasizes the need for upskilling and acquiring new skills in various industries to effectively combat climate change.
In a groundbreaking move, FutureLearn has formed a strategic partnership with the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. This announcement, made during an official side event at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023, aims to provide free access to online courses on sustainable development for 100,000 lifelong learners in UNESCO learning cities worldwide.
This partnership involves UNESCO learning cities encouraging local participants to enhance their environmental and sustainability skills through FutureLearn’s comprehensive courses. Participants will benefit from accelerated access to courses, quality testing, and the opportunity to receive a digital Certificate of Achievement upon successful completion.
Rt. Hon. Jo Johnson, Chairman of FutureLearn, emphasizes the fundamental role of education in sustainable development. He anticipates that this partnership will significantly contribute to maximizing the benefits of education and looks forward to collaborating with governments and organizations globally to create similar avenues for ensuring universal access to quality education.
