Environmental Governance

23 Nov 2020 to 27 Nov 2020
Bangkok,
Virtual

The links between the health of ecosystems, human health and the provision of key ecosystem services underline the importance of safeguarding and restoring environmental systems. Sustainability challenges are inherently complex. The impending biodiversity, climate, water, and food crises all signal a need for change in the way policies and decisions are made.  

This 3-hour learning event will provide policymakers quick access to understanding policymaking approaches that are better equipped to deal with the challenges of sustainable development.  It will explore the following questions:

  • What kinds of approaches, tools and methods can help policymakers to deal with complexity and uncertainty in policymaking?
  • How does data innovation and digitalization help improve policy-making processes?
  • What are the different approaches to engaging stakeholders in policymaking?

It will be delivered in twice on 23rd and 27th November 2020 respectively, and is one of five learning events being delivered to government policymakers from the Asia-Pacific region in a Leadership Training programme being held between 23 and 27 November 2020.

Course structure and programme



23 November 2020

9:30 am to 12:30 (GMT+7)

27 November 2020

14:00 to 17:00 (GMT+7)

Session 1: Working with complexity in decision and policymaking

This session will provide an overview of the key principles of working with complexity. Panel speakers (15 mins each) will cover topics such as effective policy process, systems thinking, data innovation and deliberation and institutional culture

Session 2: Tools and methods

This session will facilitate in-depth, first-hand knowledge transfer regarding tools and methods for managing complexity in policy and decision-making such as engaging vulnerable and marginalized groups, systems thinking, data innovation, stakeholder engagement, working with models, tracking social perceptions and attitudes, accelerator labs, and transformative futures and scenario development. There will be 2-3 breakout groups with each presentation delivered twice in a dedicated 40 minute session that will allow for in-depth discussion.

Method of Delivery

Both sessions will be delivered virtually through the SDG Help Desk e-Learning Platform (see https://sdghelpdesk-elearning.unescap.org/thematicarea).

Session 1 will be delivered through a panel that will provide an overview of the key concepts around integration. Discussion will follow.

Session 2 will be organized in breakout rooms in which more detailed discussions (master-class style) will be facilitated.  Each participant will be able to explore at least two different tools/methods for managing complexity in policy and decision-making in depth. Tools/methods and the resource persons are identified based on their first-hand knowledge, and the demonstrated track record of being able to positively influence sustainability considerations.