Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Arts Program in International Affairs at Khon Kaen University is deeply interwoven with the principles of sustainable development. The curriculum's philosophy emphasizes producing graduates who understand contemporary global challenges and can contribute to national development and sustainable practices. With a dedicated major in International Development, the program directly addresses the core tenets of the SDGs. Courses focusing on international organizations, global governance, human rights, and international law create a strong foundation for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The program fosters a global perspective, essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by analyzing international cooperation and the roles of various global actors. It explicitly tackles issues of inequality, cultural diversity, and social development, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). By studying global economic development, public policy, and entrepreneurship, the curriculum supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). As an advanced academic program, it is a direct contributor to SDG 4 (Quality Education), preparing students to be responsible and effective global citizens.
Alignment Summary: The curriculum provides a strong foundation for understanding the multidimensional nature of poverty. Through the International Development major, students analyze the root causes of poverty and study the policies and strategies aimed at its eradication, including economic development, foreign aid, and the role of international cooperation.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 243 005 | Contemporary Issues in International Development | Directly addresses poverty eradication as a key contemporary issue, aligning with the goal of ending poverty in all its forms everywhere (Targets 1.1 & 1.2). |
IC 243 002 | Global Economic Development | Teaches economic strategies and policies aimed at promoting growth in developing nations, which is essential for mobilizing resources for poverty reduction (Target 1.A). |
Alignment Summary: As a bachelor's degree program, the curriculum inherently provides quality tertiary education. It focuses on developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, preparing graduates for meaningful employment and lifelong learning. The program's content on global citizenship and sustainable development directly supports the educational aims of the SDGs.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 203 007 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Equips students with advanced technical and research skills that are highly relevant for employment and further education (Target 4.4). |
IC 204 796 / IC 244 796 | Internship in International Relations / Development | Provides students with practical and professional skills for employment, enhancing their transition into the workforce and promoting lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3 & 4.4). |
IC 011 014 | Citizenship and Democratic Society | Fosters the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development and global citizenship (Target 4.7). |
Alignment Summary: The program addresses gender equality as a core component of international development and human rights. Students study the systemic barriers to gender equality and explore policies and movements aimed at empowering women and girls globally.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 243 005 | Contemporary Issues in International Development | Explicitly addresses gender inequality and the empowerment of women as a critical topic in global development, aligning with targets to end discrimination and ensure full participation (Target 5.1 & 5.5). |
Alignment Summary: The curriculum equips students with a deep understanding of the global economy, trade policies, and development strategies. It fosters skills in entrepreneurship and management, preparing graduates to contribute to sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 201 002 | Principles of Economics | Provides knowledge of economic systems and policies that promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth (Target 8.1). |
IC 243 002 | Global Economic Development | Directly addresses policies and strategies for achieving higher levels of economic productivity and sustained growth (Target 8.2). |
IC 011 019 | Creative Entrepreneurship | Fosters entrepreneurship and creativity for new venture creation, contributing to economic diversification and job creation (Target 8.3). |
Alignment Summary: This program promotes an understanding of the role of innovation and technology in global development. Courses on entrepreneurship and the application of technology encourage students to develop creative solutions to societal challenges, thereby fostering innovation and supporting sustainable industrialization.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 011 019 | Creative Entrepreneurship | Promotes entrepreneurship, a key driver of innovation and the development of sustainable industries (Target 9.2 & 9.3). |
IC 011 017 | Science and Technology Application for Life | Enhances scientific literacy and the application of technology, which are crucial for upgrading technological capabilities and fostering innovation (Target 9.5). |
Alignment Summary: A central theme of the program is the analysis of inequalities both within and among countries. Students study the political, economic, and social dimensions of inequality and are encouraged to develop a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity, promoting principles of inclusion and equity.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 011 011 | Cultural Diversity | Fosters intercultural understanding and respect for diversity, which is fundamental to promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all (Target 10.2). |
IC 201 004 | Introduction to International Affairs | Introduces students to the issue of global inequality and the importance of human rights, aligning with efforts to reduce inequality among countries (Target 10.3). |
IC 203 003 | International Political Economy in the Greater Mekong Subregion | Analyzes economic inequality and the role of foreign aid, providing insights into policies aimed at reducing disparities (Target 10.B). |
Alignment Summary: The curriculum addresses the critical role of sustainable urban planning and development in a globalized world. Students learn about the challenges of urbanization and the importance of creating inclusive, safe, and resilient human settlements, supported by effective public policy.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 243 002 | Global Economic Development | Addresses the challenges and strategies related to sustainable urbanization and human settlement planning (Target 11.3). |
IC 243 003 | Sustainable Development | Provides a holistic understanding of creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, which is a key component of sustainable practices (Target 11.4). |
Alignment Summary: The program promotes principles of sustainability that are crucial for responsible consumption and production. By studying sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, students learn about the importance of efficient resource use and the need for companies to adopt sustainable practices.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 243 003 | Sustainable Development | Directly educates on the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, a core principle of responsible production (Target 12.2). |
IC 011 019 | Creative Entrepreneurship | Encourages future business leaders to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their corporate reporting (Target 12.6). |
Alignment Summary: The curriculum directly confronts the urgent need for climate action by integrating it as a key theme in international development. Students are educated on the causes and impacts of climate change and the importance of global cooperation to mitigate its effects and build resilience.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 243 003 | Sustainable Development | Educates on the impacts of climate change and the need for global action, strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity (Target 13.1). |
IC 243 005 | Contemporary Issues in International Development | Improves education and awareness-raising on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning (Target 13.3). |
Alignment Summary: This program is fundamentally aligned with SDG 16, as it focuses on the institutions, laws, and political systems that govern societies. Students gain a deep understanding of international law, global governance, human rights, and conflict resolution, preparing them to contribute to building peaceful, just, and inclusive institutions.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 201 001 | Introduction to Political Science | Provides foundational knowledge on governance structures, essential for developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions (Target 16.6). |
IC 202 012 | International Law | Directly promotes the rule of law at the international level and ensures understanding of global justice systems (Target 16.3). |
IC 202 011 | International Organizations | Develops understanding of effective global institutions and their role in promoting peace and justice (Target 16.8). |
IC 011 014 | Citizenship and Democratic Society | Promotes responsive, inclusive, and participatory decision-making by educating on democratic principles and human rights (Target 16.7). |
Alignment Summary: The entire curriculum is built around the concept of global partnership. By studying international affairs, diplomacy, and the function of international organizations, students learn the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to address complex global challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
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IC 201 004 | Introduction to International Affairs | Provides a comprehensive understanding of the global system, which is the foundation for enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.16). |
IC 202 011 | International Organizations | Directly studies the multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge to support the achievement of the SDGs (Target 17.16). |
IC 203 003 | International Political Economy in the Greater Mekong Subregion | Examines North-South, South-South and regional cooperation as key mechanisms for implementing the SDGs (Target 17.9). |