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University leads way for UK in signing up to United Nations learning platform

University of Gloucestershire has become the first university in the UK to join a United Nations learning initiative linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) after developing a data skills training programme in collaboration with international partners.

The University’s free eLearning Opening the Appetite: Data Skills for Global Development programme has been included on the UN:SDG Learn platform that helps learners and organisations to select courses that will advance their sustainability skills and deliver outcomes for the SDGs.

The UN:SDG Learn platform has been developed collaboratively by the UN, multilateral organisations, and sustainable development partners from universities, academia and the private sector.

The Opening the Appetite: Data Skills for Global Development course was developed as part of the ERASMUS+ funded Development Counts Research project led by the University in collaboration with Gazi Üniversitesi (Turkey), L-Università ta’ Malta (Malta) and Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (Spain) and piloted with students from all four universities. 

The course covers technical data skills, such as how to create basic data visualisations, and broader skills, such as how to critically evaluate data, navigate the politics of data and collaborate with stakeholders. 

Dr Rachel Bennett, Academic Course Leader for International Relations and Development Counts Project Lead within the University’s School of Natural and Social Sciences, said: “The UN Sustainable Development Goals include a target to increase statistical capacity in itself, recognising that the ability to work with data is crucial for achieving development goals.

“Our free eLearning Opening the Appetite: Data Skills for Global Development programme aims to contribute to achieving that target by supporting individuals and organisations to develop their data skills. 

“We’re delighted the course has been included on the UN:SDG Learn platform as it creates a fantastic opportunity for more individuals and organisations interested in global development to benefit.”

Picture: Members of the research team who developed the Opening the Appetite: Data Skills for Global Development programme during a research visit to Malta