Our globalizing world faces significant challenges, and law and governance can play a crucial role to either foster or frustrate more sustainable development. Seeking a practical, universal and effective framework to end poverty, increase social inclusion, and sustain the biosphere, 193 countries adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations Sustainable Development Our globalizing world faces significant challenges, and law and governance can play a crucial role to either foster or frustrate more sustainable development. Seeking a practical, universal and effective framework to end poverty, increase social inclusion, and sustain the biosphere, 193 countries adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit (UN SD) in 2015, setting out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 time-bound targets to end poverty and hunger, secure access to health and education, tackle climate change, protect life on land, promote peace, justice and strong institutions, and other pressing priorities.

However, feasible pathways to long-term sustainability are highly complex, subject to technological uncertainty and environmental constraints - they require considerable financial and other resources, including many trained, motivated individuals. Inter-disciplinary specialist teams, with access to new knowledge and international networks, skilled in working across national borders and cultures, are needed to provide integrated approaches. This course introduces the foundations of key legal and governance knowledge to advance the SDGs internationally. It draws on insights from international initiatives led by University of Victoria and international law professors on climate law and governance, biodiversity law and governance, human rights and intergenerational justice, sustainable trade, investment and financial rules, and sustainable management of natural resources.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be familiar with current and emerging global law and public policy issues related to the SDGs, equipped to analyse critical legal dimensions of sustainable development in different jurisdictions and cognizant of the key principles and skills for integrating environmental, human rights and economic law, policy and practice. Students will also feel more confident in taking informed decisions for future professions helping the world achieve sustainable development.