Fundamentals of Sustainable Economic Planning

Executive Summary

This course equips participants with the foundational knowledge and practical tools to design economic plans that align with the principles of sustainable development.

It combines essential economic concepts with strategic planning approaches that integrate social and environmental considerations.

The training offers an applied framework that links national economic vision with long-term sustainable development goals.

Introduction

Sustainable development has become a global policy priority, requiring integrated economic planning that balances growth, equity, and environmental protection.

This course aims to provide government officials and development practitioners with the tools and insights needed to craft economic plans that support sustainability.

Participants will learn to align national development strategies with the global sustainability agenda and respond effectively to evolving economic challenges.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the concept and objectives of sustainable development in the economic context
  • Learn the principles and stages of economic planning
  • Integrate social and environmental dimensions into economic strategies
  • Apply macro and sectoral economic analysis tools
  • Develop performance indicators aligned with the SDGs
  • Draft actionable, measurable, and sustainable economic plans
  • Promote inter-agency coordination for effective implementation

Target Audience

  • Professionals from ministries of planning, economy, finance, and environment
  • Staff working on sustainable development and economic reform programs
  • Policymakers and public policy advisors
  • Economists, researchers, and development planners
  • Government officials responsible for strategy and budgeting

Training Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Sustainable Development and Economic Planning

• Definition and dimensions of sustainable development

• Global challenges and development priorities

• Role of economic planning in achieving sustainability

• Principles of long-term and medium-term planning

• Linking economic policy to national development strategies

Day 2: Foundations and Stages of Economic Planning

• Key stages in the economic planning process

• Situation analysis and identifying development needs

• Setting economic goals aligned with SDG targets

• Integrating annual plans with strategic frameworks

• Using data and evidence for planning decisions

Day 3: Economic Analysis Tools for Planning

• Macroeconomic indicators (GDP, inflation, employment)

• Sectoral analysis (industry, agriculture, services)

• Economic and social feasibility assessments

• Forecasting models and scenario planning

• Risk analysis: economic and environmental

Day 4: Integrating Sustainability into Economic Plans

• Sustainable development indicators and measurements

• Assessing social and environmental impacts of plans

• Tools for mainstreaming sustainability into policies

• Enhancing coherence between sectors and agencies

• International case studies of integrated planning

Day 5: Developing a Sustainable Economic Plan – Workshop

• Steps for drafting a sustainable economic plan

• Prioritizing development needs and resource allocation

• Formulating objectives, indicators, and action programs

• Setting up monitoring and evaluation systems

• Participant-led presentations of draft plans and group feedback

Conclusion

This course offers a practical foundation for professionals involved in economic planning to align their strategies with sustainable development goals.

It helps build institutional capacity to plan responsibly, address long-term challenges, and deliver inclusive growth aligned with global commitments.

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