Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Laws Program in Laws

SDG Alignment for Master of Laws Program in Laws

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Laws program is holistically designed to produce legal professionals with advanced knowledge and a strong ethical foundation to serve society. The curriculum's core philosophy, which emphasizes the integration of legal theory with practical application and social responsibility, makes it a powerful contributor to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Through a deep focus on public law, criminal law, and procedural law, the program directly addresses the need for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. By examining business law and international trade, the curriculum supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Furthermore, its emphasis on human rights law is central to achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). As a graduate-level program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and inherently fosters the collaborations essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a master's program, this curriculum represents a high level of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert legal professionals by providing advanced training in legal research methodology and fostering the lifelong learning skills necessary to address complex legal and societal challenges.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
LW711701	Advanced Legal Research Methodology	Provides the core research skills that define high-quality graduate education, equipping students for high-level employment in the legal profession (Target 4.3 and 4.4).
LW71189X	Thesis/Independent Study	These courses are capstone lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research or in-depth study, thereby acquiring superior technical and professional skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 5: Gender Equality

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum promotes gender equality by providing a deep understanding of human rights law. This knowledge is crucial for developing and advocating for laws and policies that eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls and ensure their full and effective participation in public life.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
LW711732	Seminar on Human Rights Law	Directly supports gender equality by providing the legal framework to analyze and combat discrimination, aligning with Target 5.1 to end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to decent work and sustainable economic growth by providing advanced knowledge in business and commercial law. This expertise is essential for creating a stable and predictable legal environment that fosters entrepreneurship, protects labor rights, and promotes sustainable economic activities.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
LW711721	Seminar on Business Law	Contributes to sustainable economic growth by providing the legal framework for business operations, which is essential for creating decent jobs and fostering entrepreneurship (Target 8.3).
LW711722	Seminar on International Trade and Commercial Law	Supports economic productivity by equipping professionals with the legal knowledge to facilitate international trade and investment (Target 8.2).

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: The program addresses inequality by training professionals in human rights law and public law. This knowledge provides the tools to challenge discriminatory practices, advocate for the rights of marginalized groups, and ensure that laws and policies are implemented in an equitable and non-discriminatory manner.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
LW711732	Seminar on Human Rights Law	Directly aligns with Target 10.3 by providing the legal principles to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws and policies.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: This program is instrumental in building strong institutions. The entire curriculum is designed to strengthen the rule of law by providing advanced education in public law, criminal law, and procedural law. Graduates are equipped to ensure equal access to justice and to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
LW711702	Advanced Jurisprudence	Provides the philosophical foundations of law, which is essential for building just and effective legal institutions (Target 16.3).
LW711731	Seminar on Public Law	Directly supports the development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by focusing on the legal framework governing public bodies.
LW711741	Seminar on Criminal Law and Criminology	Contributes to promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice by studying the principles of criminal justice (Target 16.3).
LW711742	Seminar on Procedural Law	Directly aligns with ensuring equal access to justice for all by focusing on the procedures that govern legal proceedings (Target 16.3).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program's focus on international law and its research-intensive nature foster partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and research, students engage with the global legal community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and collaborations needed to achieve global goals for peace and justice.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
LW711722	Seminar on International Trade and Commercial Law	This course is foundational to SDG 17, promoting an understanding of the international legal frameworks that govern global trade and economic partnerships (Target 17.16).
LW71189X	Thesis/Independent Study	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical legal challenges.