UN DESA and UNITAR’s E-learning Course

As nations confront increasingly complex and interconnected challenges, traditional decision‑making methods based largely on historical patterns are no longer adequate for addressing fast‑evolving conditions. Governments now require forward‑looking approaches and tools that can strengthen long‑term planning by incorporating uncertainty, interdependence, and systemic risks. In response, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have developed a self‑paced e‑learning course titled “Anticipatory Governance: Systems Thinking & Strategic Foresight for SDG‑Aligned Integrated Planning.”
This course is designed to enhance the ability of national and local policymakers to apply systems thinking and strategic foresight in their work. By promoting anticipatory governance, it supports countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through integrated, future‑oriented planning.

The launch webinar will introduce the course by outlining its objectives, structure, and practical value for policymakers, planners, and development practitioners. It will walk participants through the course layout, methodology, and learning pathways, while also providing guidance on enrollment procedures, expected time commitments, certification requirements, and opportunities for peer engagement through the course forum. The webinar will feature insights from speakers representing UN DESA, UNITAR, and various country partners, offering diverse perspectives on applying anticipatory governance in different national contexts, including experiences from Seychelles and Saint Lucia.