Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Doctor of Public Administration in Public Affairs Management

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Public Administration Program in Public Affairs Management

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Public Administration Program in Public Affairs Management is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainable development. It is designed to produce high-level researchers and practitioners capable of creating new knowledge and innovative solutions for complex public challenges. The curriculum's philosophy emphasizes integrating interdisciplinary knowledge and modern technology to enhance the quality of public policy and governance. This focus directly supports the development of robust, fair, and effective public institutions, making it a powerful contributor to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). By addressing issues of equity, diversity, poverty, and political economy, the program fundamentally aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 1 (No Poverty). Its emphasis on intergovernmental relations and public-private collaboration fosters the multi-stakeholder partnerships essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and the creation of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). As a doctoral program, it inherently promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) by creating experts who can contribute to both academia and effective governance.

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 1: No Poverty

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to poverty reduction by equipping graduates with the skills to analyze and formulate public policies that address its root causes. The curriculum explores the political and economic dimensions of poverty and inequality, preparing leaders to design and implement effective poverty alleviation strategies.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CL 201 301	Political Economy of Public Affairs	Directly addresses poverty by analyzing its economic and political dimensions, aligning with UN Target 1.B, which focuses on creating pro-poor and gender-sensitive policy frameworks.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a doctoral-level program, this curriculum represents the pinnacle of quality education. It is designed to produce expert researchers and educators by providing advanced training in research methodologies and theoretical inquiry, thereby contributing to lifelong learning and the creation of new knowledge for sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CL 201 501	Methods of Inquiry and Research Design in Public Affairs Management	This course provides doctoral-level research skills, which is a cornerstone of quality tertiary education and equips graduates for high-level academic and professional roles, aligning with UN Target 4.3 and 4.4.
CL 203 996 / 998	Dissertation	The dissertation process is a capstone educational experience that fosters independent research and lifelong learning skills, contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge in public administration (Target 4.3).

SDG 5: Gender Equality

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum promotes gender equality by integrating principles of equity and diversity into the study of public leadership and governance. It prepares future leaders to develop and implement policies that are inclusive and ensure equal opportunities in public life.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CL 202 402	Leadership, Equity, and Diversity in Public Affairs	Directly supports gender equality by teaching principles of equity and diversity in public leadership, aligning with UN Target 5.5 to ensure full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program supports decent work and economic growth by preparing graduates to lead and reform public organizations. Courses on political economy and organizational analysis equip leaders to create effective public sector environments and policies that foster sustainable economic development and fair employment practices.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CL 201 301	Political Economy of Public Affairs	Contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic growth by analyzing the interplay between government policies and economic outcomes, aligning with UN Target 8.1.
CL 201 401	Advanced Organizational Analysis	Aligns with Target 8.8 by focusing on administrative reform and organizational effectiveness, which supports the creation of safe and secure working environments in the public sector.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: This curriculum directly confronts the challenge of inequality by dedicating core and elective courses to understanding and addressing its systemic roots. Students learn to analyze and design policies that promote equity, diversity, and social justice, empowering them to lead efforts in reducing political, economic, and social disparities.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CL 201 301	Political Economy of Public Affairs	Directly addresses the roots of inequality by examining economic and political systems, providing the analytical tools to formulate policies that reduce inequality (Target 10.4).
CL 202 402	Leadership, Equity, and Diversity in Public Affairs	This course is central to SDG 10, as it focuses explicitly on equity, diversity, human rights, and social justice in public administration, aligning with Target 10.2 to empower and promote social, economic, and political inclusion.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to the development of sustainable communities by focusing on effective governance and inter-agency collaboration. Graduates are prepared to manage complex urban and rural systems, fostering partnerships that are essential for integrated and sustainable community development planning.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CL 201 101	Governance and Public Affairs	Supports the development of sustainable communities through the study of effective governance models, crucial for managing urban and rural development (Target 11.A).
CL 202 103	Intergovernmental Relations and Cross-Sector Collaboration	Directly aligns with Target 11.A by focusing on strengthening national and regional development planning through effective collaboration between different levels of government and sectors.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: This is a core focus of the program. The curriculum is designed to build strong, effective, and accountable public institutions by educating future leaders in governance, public policy, ethics, and conflict management. It directly addresses the need for good governance and the rule of law as foundations for a peaceful and just society.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CL 201 101	Governance and Public Affairs	Directly supports the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels, a core component of Target 16.6.
CL 201 201	Advanced Public Policy Analysis	Contributes to responsive, inclusive, and representative decision-making (Target 16.7) by teaching skills for creating evidence-based and effective public policies.
CL 202 403	Conflict Analysis and Management	Directly contributes to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies (Target 16.1) by providing skills in conflict resolution, peace-building, and reconciliation.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program actively fosters the spirit of partnership through its curriculum and international collaborations. Courses on intergovernmental relations and comparative administration, combined with a research-intensive approach, prepare graduates to build and manage the multi-stakeholder partnerships needed to achieve the SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CL 202 102	Comparative Public Affairs Management	Promotes global partnerships (Target 17.16) by comparing different governance systems, which encourages the sharing of knowledge and best practices across nations.
CL 202 103	Intergovernmental Relations and Cross-Sector Collaboration	This course is foundational to SDG 17, focusing on the mechanisms for building effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships (Target 17.17).
CL 203 996 / 998	Dissertation	Doctoral dissertations contribute to the global partnership for sustainable development by creating and disseminating new knowledge through international academic channels (Target 17.6).