About the Programme

The Certificate in Environment and Social Sustainability of Business (online) offers participants an understanding of the role business play in environmental and social sustainability. It emphasizes economic and management perspectives of peace while focusing on the concepts of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Its creation was based on the belief that to better contribute to the promotion of sustainable peace, it is imperative to explore what role the economy plays in the world today and its impact on our environment and societies’ wellbeing. Issues of rural and urban poverty, growing inequalities and disparities, environmental degradation, financial crises, and globalization are challenging political economic stability and social cohesion in all societies. Modern society faces the growing challenge of sustainability that urges holistic solutions that consider the different dimensions of development. From complying with environmental and social regulations to developing policies to allow organizations to prosper in an increasingly diverse world, understanding sustainability and management is a requirement.

This programme, offered by two UN entities (University for Peace and United Nations Institute for Training and Research), combines the best of academic and executive-style education. Students will also gain first-hand experience of the work of the United Nations (UN) as they will have the opportunity to participate in the optional field trips to Geneva and/or The Hague where the UN maintains a significant presence.

This programme is a unique programme, as:

  • It is delivered by the UN (UPEACE and UNITAR);
  • It is taught by practitioners, UN staff, diplomats and academics and combines study delivered by UPEACE and UNITAR, including study field trips to Geneva and The Hague and skills-based sessions for a successful international career.

Who is it for?

The programme is designed for graduate students, private sector specialists, diplomats, government officers, NGO representatives, international civil servants, etc. willing to strengthen their knowledge in organizational environmental and social sustainability.

Graduates from the ESSB certificate programme will be able to work in the corporate sector, public sector, or social sector, both in industrialized and developing countries. Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include private sector in all its fields, governments, international and regional organizations, academia, and the non-governmental sector. 

Duration/Modality

This Certificate Programme is offered in online format, must be completed in 4 semesters, and has the following cost breakdown:

All online asynchronous courses will be hosted on UPEACE’s Virtual Learning Environment.

The application deadline for this programme is 10 August 2023. The first course is scheduled to begin on 16 October 2023.

Optional Field Trip to Geneva and The Hague

Each year, UNITAR will organize two optional 5-day field trips to Geneva (Switzerland) and The Hague (Netherlands) for the students enrolled in the joint UPEACE - UNITAR Master's Programmes and Certificates.

Students can sign up for one field visit or for both (Geneva and The Hague) if they wish to do so.

During this activity, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very heart of diplomacy and international law, visit different international organizations and network with other diplomats, personnel of permanent missions accredited to the UN, civil servants of international organizations and civil society representatives. 

The fee of each five-day field trip is USD 1,500. The fee does not include travel, accommodation, food or visa expenses. The optional field visit will take place every Summer.

Apply Now

Click here to apply for the Certificate in Environment and Social Sustainability of Business (online).

Contact Us

For questions regarding the Certificate in Environment and Social Sustainability of Business (online), please contacr admissions@elearning.upeace.org.