The SDSN’s MDP Global Association Releases New Book on Transforming Education for Sustainable Development
NEW YORK (August 18, 2025) — The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s (SDSN) Global Association of Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) proudly announces the release of its new book, Transforming Education for Sustainable Development: Global Perspectives from Classroom to Practice.
This comprehensive volume captures over 12 years of insights, innovations, and experiences from the MDP Global Association, offering a rich exploration of education for sustainable development (ESD). Drawing on the voices and expertise of faculty, alumni, students, and institutional partners, the book critically examines pedagogical practices and training approaches across 35 leading universities worldwide.
Organized around core dimensions of the MDP program, the book explores how ESD has evolved across diverse cultural, institutional, and regional contexts. With a strong emphasis on applied learning and interdisciplinary training, it provides many examples of how MDP programs equip future development practitioners to engage effectively with complex sustainability challenges. The book highlights principles and best practices, lessons learned, and the unique challenges of delivering ESD in a variety of settings, from classrooms to real-world development environments.
“This book is doubly wonderful,” said Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the SDSN. “It reports on how a consortium of 35 institutions across the world has grappled creatively with the complexities of the SDGs and records a series of innovative breakthroughs that can be adopted and adapted by hundreds or even thousands more programs.”
Transforming Education for Sustainable Development features contributions from institutions across five continents, offering global perspectives and locally relevant solutions. It serves as a critical resource for educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working in higher education, sustainability, international development, and beyond.
The book is now available for purchase through Routledge and on Amazon.
About the MDP Global Association
The SDSN’s Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) Global Association, comprising more than 40 MDP programs worldwide, equips practitioners with the interdisciplinary tools needed to tackle the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development, drawing from a wide range of academic and practical disciplines.
About the SDSN
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. The SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world.