Migration, Security and Sustainable Development in an interdependent world: Theory and Practice (4h)

Overview

The aim of this module is to introduce the learners to the main concepts and issues regarding migration and sustainable development. As the world becomes inc reasingly interconnected, migration becomes an integral part of development of societies; it becomes a significant and yet somewhat unrecognised tool that could facilitate sustainability and fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, highly prevalent misconceptions regarding migration hinder its potential to be fully maximised. This module hence aims to identify these misconceptions and provide the learners with both-sided knowledge regarding the role of migration in development.

Unit 1: Introduction to Migration

Introduction

In this unit, the learners will be introduced to key definitions, types of migration as well as main tendencies of international movement. Key numbers and facts will be extensively used to illustrate the scope and complex nature of the phenomenon. Since different concepts related to migration are often (and yet not correctly) used interchangeably, differences between regular and irregular migration, asylum, economic migration and displacement will be explained. As it was the case in the so called ‘refugee crisis’, migrationoften becomes a topic of political exploitation. The learners will thus be provided with the knowledge that will enable them to distinguish between facts and prevailing public misconceptions on the issue. Information about the potential benefits as well as risks of migration will be briefly outlined to provide the learners with a more critical glance at the phenomenon.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this Unit participants should be able to:

  • Distinguish between different types of migration and other related concepts;
  • Describe the scope, main routes and tendencies of international migration;
  • Explain for what reasons and with what outcomes migration undergoes intense political debates;
  • Outline the potential benefits and risks of migration to national and local communities.
Start M1 - U1

Check Your Knowledge M1 - U1Available in the full version only.

References

Additional material

Unit 2: Introduction to Sustainable Development

Introduction

In this Unit, we are going to explore the concept of Sustainable Development. More specifically, the Unit will explore the concept of Development and how this has changed throughout the years, in order to include a number of different aspects other than the sole economic growth, till the definition of a Sustainable Development approach. We will also explore the International community’s response to the social justice challenges we face today at a global level, with the adoption of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, with the aim of ‘leaving no one behind’.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this Unit participants should be able to:

  • Define the concept of Sustainable Development;
  • Identify the main elements characterising Sustainable Development;
  • Explain how the Sustainable Development Goals foster Global Social Justice;
  • Apply your knowledge on Sustainable Development to your teaching.
Start M1 - U2

Check Your Knowledge M1 - U2Available in the full version only.

References

Additional material

Unit 3: Migration and Sustainable Development

Introduction

In this unit, we are going to explore the links between migration and sustainable development and how these two phenomena are closely interconnected and can mutually influence one another in a number of ways. First, we will be looking at the factors that push people to migrate and how these are connected, or influence, sustainable development on a number of levels. Moreover, we will explore the importance of migration in the context of development, more specifically within the Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, we will explore the connection between the issue of forced migration and its relevance within the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this Unit participants should be able to:

  • Describe the links between Migration and Sustainable Development;
  • Explain how migration features within the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development;
  • Analyse how Sustainable Development impacts on the migration phenomenon;
  • Analyse how the migration phenomenon impacts on Sustainable Development.
Start M1 - U3

Check Your Knowledge M1 - U3Available in the full version only.

References

Additional material

Unit 4: The application of Security Features in Migration and Sustainable Development

Introduction

In this unit, participants will be introduced to the role security plays in shaping public attitudes and political approaches towards migration and development. One of the key reasons why the topic of migration is marked by substantial political controversy is that immigration is often associated with threats to national as well as personal security even if these claims often lack substantial evidence. Meanwhile, it seems that the lack of socio-economic security at local level induces anti-immigration attitudes. In order to ensure sustainable development of societies both locally and globally, it is therefore important to address the issue of (in)security.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this Unit participants should be able to:

  • Identify misconceptions regarding links between migration and security;
  • Explain how socio-economic (in)security is associated with anti-immigration attitudes;
  • Explain in what other ways socio-economic insecurity might hinder sustainable development.
Start M1 - U4

Check Your Knowledge M1 - U4Available in the full version only.

References

Additional material

Other audiovisual and reading resources

Face to Face material

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