We aspire to shift perspectives on development towards more Comprehensive and Responsible models
The Sustainable Development School, through its diverse educational, research, and consulting activities, strives to enhance the capacity of all actors involved in the progress, prosperity, and sustainable development of our country. The school aims to elevate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of these actors, and where possible, actively contribute to solving the country’s sustainable development challenges
We aspire to shift perspectives on development towards more Comprehensive and Responsible models
The Sustainable Development School, through its diverse educational, research, and consulting activities, strives to enhance the capacity of all actors involved in the progress, prosperity, and sustainable development of our country. The school aims to elevate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of these actors, and where possible, actively contribute to solving the country’s sustainable development challenges
Sustainable Development School at a Glance
Our mission is to enhance Knowledge, strengthen Skills, and foster Attitudes to contribute to the comprehensive progress and prosperity of our beloved IRAN
Our approach
The first crucial point about the Sustainable Development School is that, unlike commercial companies, it does not have ‘shareholders’. It is a non-profit academic center. On the other hand, we deeply believe in our social mission and understand that fulfilling this mission requires us to follow a social and responsible path. Therefore, to achieve our valuable goals, we do not compromise our ethical principles. Although we need income to sustain our operations due to the lack of government funding, we do not sacrifice our social goals and values for the sake of profit and do not accept any project indiscriminately. Those who have worked closely with us understand this well
Our primary concern is to contribute to the sustainable development of our beloved country. With a local perspective, we strive to provide a portion of the educational and consulting services needed by enthusiasts, social and economic activists, and policymakers. We believe that sustainable development is inherently endogenous and must be rooted in local elements. Therefore, all programs at the Sustainable Development School aim to solve problems, promote concepts, and share experiences that contribute to the progress, prosperity, and comprehensive development of Iran. We firmly believe that in setting goals and defining a vision for ‘sustainable development’, we need an Iranian definition and approach based on our people’s worldview and value system
Rooted in the prestigious Policy Research Institute of Sharif University of Technology, the Sustainable Development School closely integrates research into its educational and promotional programs. By leveraging the accumulated knowledge and consulting experiences of the Policy Research Institute and drawing on international experiences, we can offer more effective and tailored solutions, content, and packages to address our country’s needs, avoiding mere imitation or translation
We avoid engaging in activities or research that are not prioritized or do not have a tangible and significant impact on improving the development conditions in our country. We strongly avoid getting involved in research that merely fills library shelves without having a discernible effect on the world around us. This approach has led us to decline many project proposals, but it is also one of the reasons why our work is highly regarded
Our Focus Areas
Local Development and Poverty Alleviation
Beyond valuable studies on domestic and international experiences in addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions, we have a rich history of field projects in various parts of our beloved country. Our innovative and unique studies, initiatives, and models in this field are offered under the 'Center for Studies and Innovations in Prosperity and Progress
Environmental Policy
We are particularly interested in broad issues related to environmental policy. More specifically, we have been focusing on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system for several years, striving to improve this foundational system for sustainable development in our country. In addition to our traditional educational and research activities, we have established the non-profit civil society organization 'Iranian Environmental Assessment Watchdog' as one of our significant initiatives in this area
Purposeful Children's Literature
Several years ago, we initiated an innovative campaign called 'My Eternal Land' with the aim of using children's literature to foster the growth and development of the next generation, particularly those living in disadvantaged, rural, or marginalized areas. This non-profit, grassroots initiative is driven by a deep sense of responsibility
Responsible and Sustainable Business
Recognizing the crucial role of the private sector in achieving sustainable development, we have dedicated a significant portion of our programs to this area. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability Reporting, social entrepreneurship, and social enterprises are among the key topics we explore
Our Services
We support various sustainable development stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, and social activists, in achieving their social goals through the following specialized services
Specialized Consulting Services
Backed by the breadth and diversity of our activities, along with our accumulated knowledge from experiences and networks across various sectors, the Sustainable Development School is prepared to offer high-level consulting services to companies or organizations seeking expertise in selected areas of sustainable development. These include: developing sustainability/corporate social responsibility reports based on the latest GRI standards and other international frameworks; identifying and analyzing stakeholders; assessing corporate social performance; formulating CSR strategies and programs; assisting in improving CSR governance within organizations; implementing various management standards in the field of sustainability and CSR; and designing transformative social policies, interventions, initiatives, and programs for organizations of all kinds.
Applied Research
We have conducted numerous applied studies directly related to sustainable development issues in Iran and internationally, with results utilized by a wide range of governmental, private and non-governmental organizations. Conducting studies related to sustainability topics, especially those pertinent to the context of Iran, is our specialty, and we can be a valuable research partner for you. In this regard, we are particularly interested in foundational studies and the preparation of national reports that provide an overview of the sustainability situation in Iran, as well as comparative studies with other countries. We can also collaborate with international researchers and universities on joint research projects.
Training Courses
The Sustainable Development School has a distinguished and reliable track record in designing and conducting specialized training courses in various fields related to sustainable development and related concepts such as corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation, local development, sustainability reporting, and impact assessment. These courses are offered both in customized formats for various private, governmental, and non-governmental organizations, as well as publicly at different times throughout the year. We also have the capability to conduct these courses internationally, whether online or in-person.
conducting specialized training courses
organizing workshops and events
producing educational and promotional content
designing and implementing social campaigns
defining and conducting applied research
providing specialized consulting services
About our Logo
The Cypress Tree: While being an environmental symbol, it is also an Iranian symbol. By placing it on the word "development," it suggests replacing the current view of development and emphasizing the dominance of the "sustainability" characteristic
Design around the phrase "Sustainable Development School": This is formed by a collection of books, symbolizing knowledge and awareness.
