UNITAR offers a free, self-paced Environmental SDG Indicators course with 10 modules covering environmental statistics, sustainability indicators and evidence-based policymaking. Applications close on 31 December 2026.
Background & Course Description
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (UNSIAP), is offering a free online course on Environmental SDG Indicators.
The course helps participants understand how environmental data and statistics can support evidence-based decisions and sustainable development monitoring. It introduces environmental indicators linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including methods used to compile and interpret data.
The self-paced course is available online and is designed for government officials, statisticians, environmental professionals, researchers and other stakeholders interested in environmental monitoring and sustainable development.
Registration is open, with a stated deadline of 31 December 2026.
Course Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course | Environmental SDG Indicators (2026) |
| Organisers | UNITAR, UNEP and UNSIAP |
| Format | Online, self-paced learning |
| Cost | Free |
| Number of modules | 10 |
| Languages | English, French and Russian |
| Registration type | Open registration |
| Deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| Official website | UNITAR |
Course Content and Learning Benefits
The course consists of 10 modules covering environmental statistics, data measurement and the relationship between environmental information and sustainable development.
Topics include measuring waste, oceans, land and water accounts, material flows, sustainable consumption and production, policy coherence, gender and the environment, and using environmental statistics for national analysis and policymaking.
Participants will also explore links between the SDGs and established statistical frameworks, including the Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) and the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA).
Learning activities include interactive presentations, practice quizzes and graded assessments. Each module has an estimated study time of 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the module and the participant’s pace.
Modules 1, 8 and 10 form learning pathways for policymakers.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The course is intended primarily for staff from National Statistical Offices, Ministries of Environment, civil servants and stakeholders involved in sustainable development monitoring and policy decisions.
Environmental scientists, researchers and other professionals working with environmental data may also benefit. The course is additionally open to members of the general public who want to understand environmental statistics and their use at national and subnational levels.
The supplied course information does not specify a mandatory academic qualification or professional experience requirement.
Additional Information
The course aims to help participants understand environmental SDG indicators, explain how indicators are calculated, identify challenges in compiling national data and consider actions to improve environmental monitoring.
Because it is self-paced and delivered online, participants can work through the modules according to their own schedules.
How to register: Visit the official UNITAR website and search for Environmental SDG Indicators (2026) in the course catalogue. Check the registration page for access instructions and complete enrolment before 31 December 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the UNITAR Environmental SDG Indicators course free?
Yes. The course catalogue lists the registration price as $0.00.
2. Is the course online?
Yes. It is a self-paced e-learning course that participants can complete online.
3. How many modules are included?
The course contains 10 modules covering environmental measurement, SDG indicators, waste, oceans, land and water, material flows, policy coherence and environmental statistics.
4. Which languages are available?
The course is available in English, French and Russian.
5. Who should take this course?
It is particularly relevant to government officials, statisticians, environmental professionals, researchers and people involved in sustainable development monitoring and policymaking.
6. How long does the course take?
Each module is estimated to require approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The total study time depends on the participant’s pace and the modules completed.
7. What is the application deadline?
The course catalogue lists 31 December 2026 as the deadline.
8. How can I enrol?
Visit the official UNITAR website and locate the Environmental SDG Indicators (2026) course in the training catalogue.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This free course may be valuable for professionals and learners seeking to strengthen their understanding of environmental statistics, sustainable development indicators and evidence-based policymaking. Its self-paced format and multilingual availability may also make it accessible to participants from different professional and geographical backgrounds.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares educational and training opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNITAR, UNEP or UNSIAP. Applicants should confirm registration instructions and course availability through the official provider.
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