The UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries is a six-month, on-site training program in Dresden, Germany. Designed for decision-makers in public governance and administration, the course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in environmental management, sustainable resource use, and policy implementation.
- Duration: January 8, 2026 – July 24, 2026
- Location: Dresden, Germany
- Format: On-site training with expert lectures, practical exercises, excursions, and a research project
- Target Audience: Professionals from public governance, science, economy, or civil society in developing and emerging economies
Course Concept and Objectives
The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the need for responsible environmental stewardship and holistic solutions to global challenges. However, progress toward these goals remains slow. This course equips participants with the knowledge and tools to accelerate sustainable development through interdisciplinary approaches.
The curriculum emphasizes the interconnectedness of human activity and environmental health. Participants will engage with a range of topics, including:
- Conservation and restoration ecology
- Water and atmospheric management
- Soil and land resources
- Sustainable urban and regional development
- Waste management, circular economy, and resource efficiency
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Climate change and natural resource governance
Participants also develop cross-sectoral skills in:
- Policy advisory and strategic decision-making
- Project planning and management
- Communication across disciplines and cultures
- Geo-information systems and participatory governance
The program incorporates excursions, including a visit to the International Academy for Nature Conservation Isle of Vilm, providing firsthand experience in conservation strategies.
Teaching Approach
The course combines academic knowledge with local expertise, featuring:
- Lectures by professors from TUD Dresden University of Technology and experts from renowned institutions
- Practical exercises, group work, and excursions, including a visit to the International Academy for Nature Conservation Isle of Vilm
- A research project on an environmental topic of choice, culminating in a symposium
The course fosters collaboration among participants from diverse regions, promoting holistic thinking and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Target Audience & Eligibility Criteria
This course is designed for:
- Public sector professionals at the national, regional, or local level
- Experts in sustainable development from science, economy, or civil society
- Candidates from developing and emerging economies with several years of professional experience in environmental governance
- Applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Proficiency in English (as the course is conducted in English)
A nomination from the applicant’s institution is required.
Application Process
- Application Period: March 18 – April 23, 2025
- Selection Notification: July 2025 (21 participants selected)
- Apply Online: CIPSEM Application Portal
Before applying, review the application guidelines and FAQs at: CIPSEM Upcoming Courses.
For additional inquiries, contact: unep@mailbox.tu-dresden.de (check FAQs first).
Funding and Benefits
Selected participants receive:
- Full financial support, covering flights, accommodation, health insurance, public transport, and excursions
- Stipend: €550 per month for basic living expenses
- Accommodation: Single studio apartments provided
Participants who successfully complete the course will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management.
Upcoming Q&A Session
- Date: April 3, 2025
- Time: 13:00 CET
- Join via Zoom: Meeting Link
This session will provide an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions before submitting their applications.
Apply now to become a leader in environmental management and sustainability!
