Sustainable Development Academy | SDA 2025
from July 7-18, 2025 in Potsdam
The Sustainable Development Academy (SDA) allows participants to engage critically and effectively with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The overall goal of the program is to enable participants to adopt creative approaches to achieving sustainability goals in their communities.
Focusing on the topics "Climate Action"(SDG 13) & "Responsible consumption and production" (SDG 12) participants will experience how to implement sustainable goals in specific fields of action with a focus on research and project examples from our area of the world. In various workshops they will develop solutions to a real-life challenge.
- Timeframe: July 7 – 18, 2025 (plus one preparatory digital meeting about two weeks beforehand)
- Registration Deadline: May 15, 2025 (or on request)
- Location: University of Potsdam, Campus Neues Palais
- Language: English
- Targetgroup: BA & MA Students. Everyone else interested is welcome (we advise to get in touch with us to see if the programme suits you).
- Credits: academic value of 3 ECTS credits (depending on the requirements of your home university)
- Fee: 850,00 €
Further information
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Schedule
Supporting & Cultural Program
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Program Fee & Housing
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SDA Participant 2023 from Georgia„I have not only gained valuable insights into sustainable development practices but have also forged lifelong friendships and expanded my professional network.“
Participant Voice
Participating in the Sustainable Development Academy (SDA) was truly enriching. One of the program's highlights was the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of young individuals from various backgrounds. Working together and embarking on field trips allowed us to forge lasting friendships.
During the SDA, we focused on two key themes: "Sustainable cities and communities" and "Life on land." Through practical experiences and a design thinking workshop, we learned how to implement sustainable initiatives in these specific areas. Additionally, we worked collaboratively to devise practical solutions for real-life sustainability challenges.
Exploring Germany's approach to sustainable development issues was particularly fascinating. Discovering innovative startups with a global impact was eye-opening, as they aimed not only to benefit their country but the world as a whole.
SDA Participant 2023 from Brazil„Participating in this course has presented an incredible opportunity to be a part of the Potsdam University community and to immerse myself in campus life, which has exceeded my initial expectations.“
Participant Voice
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for making this course a reality. Your efforts in bringing together people from diverse corners of the world to exchange their stories and experiences have been truly inspiring. This has marked a significant milestone in my life, as it marked my very first international experience.
Participant of the SDA 2021 & 2022 from Argentina„The SDA is also the people we have met, all around the world (here Rebecca from USA, me from Argentina, and Cris form Brasil), the laughs we have shared, all based on our sustainability conviction.“
Participant Voice
The Sustainable Development Academy for me was a life changing experience due to the fact that it was a space with collaborative, interdisciplinary and multicultural work and sharing, with the big goal (or way) of sustainability.
Being part of the virtual SDA 2021 and the live SDA 2022, has given me the point of view that in both conditions we can connect with other multicultural people, learn from the lectures, understand the differences and share the similarities. But, in different ways and shapes of sharing knowledge and experiences as human beings.
Specifically, being part of the SDA 2022 has let me know the wonderful and unique University of Potsdam, and the people behind that make this friendly environment and things happen. I thank to the ISCO team for this new opportunity.
ISCO | International Summer Campus Office
International Office
Adina Schröter
Campus Am Neuen Palais
Am Neuen Palais 10, D-14469 Potsdam
House 9, Room 0.18