Introduction to Green Economy

This free e-learning experience has been designed to equip you with a mental compass as you seek answers to basic questions about inclusive green economies. The course has been developed under the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) which brings together five UN agencies – UN Environment, International Labour Organization, UN Development Programme, UN Industrial Development Organization, and UNITAR. PAGE works toward putting sustainability at the heart of economic policies and practices to advance the 2030 Agenda.

The course enables learners to familiarize themselves with the rationale and core concepts guiding an inclusive green economy. It discusses both opportunities and challenge at global and national level to achieve low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive development.

The course is self-paced and not moderated. It is divided into five modules to help reach the learning objectives. The modules are self-standing. While a completion sequence is proposed, learners can select modules based on individual preferences. Throughout the course, learners will be provided with references and publications on inclusive green economy if more in-depth study is desired. A glossary contains definitions of relevant concepts and technical terms.

Each module features an interactive lesson, video and quiz. The interactive lessons are completed with the purpose of achieving module-specific learning objectives, and contain around 30 slides of content supported by case studies, videos, external links and exercises. The lessons take approximately 1 hour to complete.

The videos take the participants on a fictitious tour with the company of two good friends. These friends will relate economic, social and environmental circumstances they encounter in daily life to the inclusive green economy concepts and applications discussed in the modules. They are neither policymakers nor professors, but they have a genuine curiosity to understand how economies can be transformed to become more resource-efficient, equitable and low-carbon.

The quizzes assess the achievement of the learning objectives for each module. They can be completed at any time. Each quiz can be attempted a maximum of three times. Once the five module quizzes are passed with at least 70% each, the learner can download a certificate of completion from the course home page.

Participants will be requested to provide feedback on the course by filling in a survey.