Apply for the UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Short Course on Sustainable Mobility (16 fully funded fellowships)

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Closing Date: 18 March 2025

Apply for the UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Short Course on Sustainable Mobility (16 fully funded fellowships)

Motivation

Rapid urbanization and growing populations in cities around the world have created significant challenges for transportation and urban planning. Traditional transportation systems that rely heavily on fossil fuels contribute to environmental degradation, air pollution, and climate change. In addition, inefficient urban planning can lead to traffic congestion, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced quality of life. As cities strive to become more sustainable, the integration of holistic approaches to mobility and urban development is essential.

Sustainable mobility is at the heart of urban transformation, offering solutions to pressing environmental and socio-economic issues. By prioritizing modes that minimize carbon emissions, such as public transport, cycling and walking, cities can reduce air and noise pollution, combat climate crisis and have a positive impact on the health of their residents. In addition, sustainable mobility strategies can ensure equitable access, promoting social inclusion and improving the overall quality of life. At the same time, urban planning plays a central role in shaping the physical and social fabric of sustainable and livable cities. By promoting compact, mixed-use development patterns and optimizing infrastructure investments, cities can create more efficient, livable environments while preserving valuable natural resources.

Achieving sustainable mobility and urban development goals will require concerted efforts and cooperation at all levels of society. Governments, businesses, communities, and individuals must work together to develop and implement forward-thinking policies, invest in resilient infrastructure, and drive behavioral changes. Leveraging the collective strength of these collaborations, cities can dismantle existing barriers and accelerate progress toward a sustainable, inclusive future for all.

Course concept and objectives

This International Short Course on Sustainable Mobility: Transforming Urban Spaces offers an in-depth exploration of sustainable mobility and its role in urban development, based on scientific research and practice. Participants will explore the principles of sustainable transport systems, resilient urban planning and policy-making. The curriculum covers a range of topics including the environmental and socio-economic impacts of transport, the design and implementation of sustainable mobility solutions, and the integration of sustainable urban development.

Through a combination of lectures and case studies, interactive group work and project-based learning, participants will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to sustainable urban development. The International Short Course on Sustainable Mobility: Transforming Urban Spaces will explore critical topics such as:

Introduction to sustainable mobility and urban development.
Sustainable mobility and urban development in the context of the SDGs.
New Urban Agenda and its Implications for sustainable and resilient cities.
Urban planning and design for sustainability.
Environmental impacts and mitigation strategies.
Social equity and inclusive mobility.
Planetary boundaries and doughnut economics.
Theory of change and systemic transformation.
Policy and governance frameworks for sustainable mobility and urban planning.

Target groups

This course is aimed at qualified professionals who prepare and implement political decisions and practical measures towards the goals of urban sustainable development and mobility in ministries, authorities, local government and non-governmental institutions of developing countries (including emerging economies).

Eligibility

Age between 25 and 45 years
First university degree related to environment and/or course main focus
(equivalent to Bachelor)
Origin and current employment in a developing or emerging country, Meaning countries listed in the currently valid version of the OECD’s DAC List of ODA Recipients.
Ability to communicate actively and efficiently in English (at least reference level B2 according to the CEFR).
Environment-related professional background with at least three years of work experience in a course related field.
Provable future professional engagement in fields of sustainable environmental management and development
Employing institution must endorse the application and release the candidate from his/her professional obligations for the duration of the course.

What makes participating in this course impactful?

Experience of the CIPSEM team in conducting engaging, meaningful trainings considering the challenges in developing countries and emerging economies.
A full-time, 4-weeks learning experience combining classroom sessions, excursions, and group work with guided self-study units.
Renowned international and German facilitators.
Boost of motivation through experience sharing and bonding with fellow experts.
Participants become part of a large international network of environmental experts and leaders (more than 2 800 alumni from 146 countries).
Transfer of the gained knowledge and skills though mentored development of post-training action plans.
Alumni of this course can apply for one of several transfer-to-action fellowships supporting the implementation of the post-training action plan with €2000.

Fellowship opportunities

The program can award 16 fully funded fellowships covering accommodation in comfortable single studio apartments, local public transport, and all tuition fees (including excursions). Also included are round-trip flights from the participant’s country of origin to Dresden, insurance, and a contribution of €550 toward living expenses.