"Collaborative Leadership" Pilot Course Helps Participants Develop Skills in Collaboration in the Context of SDGs

01-04 September 2015, Geneva, Switzerland – Collaboration between entities is an essential component for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  In anticipation of the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, over 20 participants completed a UNITAR pilot course entitled, “Collaborative Leadership” to further understand and develop skills related to collaboration through sessions and practical activities. 

The pilot course, spanning four half-days, covered topics such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), collaboration versus cooperation, barriers to collaboration, leadership, and skills that facilitate collaboration. 

Ms. Sally Fegan-Wyles, Executive Director of UNITAR, facilitated sessions throughout the course, including sessions on barriers to collaboration and overcoming those barriers.  Mr. Francesco Pisano, director of the Research Department of UNITAR, provided participants with an overview of the SDGs and the potential for collaboration across the different goals.  Ms. Petra Lantz, former director of the UNDP Representation Office in Geneva, shared with participants about leadership skills for effective collaboration.  The course took place at the Palais des Nations and included participants from permanent missions and international organizations.

The course included a range of activities that connected the sessions with real-life situations.  The inclusion of a number of practical activities allowed for active interaction between participants and with the facilitators around themes such as how to identify the costs and benefits of collaboration and overcoming barriers to collaboration.  The activities also developed skills such as active listening.  On the last day, participants developed a strategy and action plan to allow for collaboration within their work environment.

Based on this successful pilot edition, the course will be implemented by UNITAR around the world.  A background paper on collaborative leadership, written by Ms. Fegan-Wyles, will soon be published.

Photo 1: Participants in a session of the "Collaborative Leadership" pilot course 

Photo 2: The course was composed of sessions mixed with interactive activities

Photo 3: Ms. Sally Fegan-Wyles, Executive Director of UNITAR, presents on collaborative leadership