Introduction

The development of the human security approach has been driven by the urgency to better respond to people’s needs in a world of complex and multi-dimensional challenges.

Human security emphasizes that the survival, livelihood and dignity of people are the fundamental basis for national, regional and international peace and development. The human security approach offers a practical framework to develop integrated policies and programmes to prevent, mitigate and respond to complex challenges and their multidimensional impacts in a manner that is people-centred, comprehensive, context-specific and prevention-oriented.

Objectives

Upon completion of the self-paced course, participants will be able to:

• Understand human security, its operational principles, and its added value as an operational framework well-suited to today’s complex and interconnected challenges.
• Apply the human security approach to design integrated policies and programmes.
• Use or adapt tools to advance localized and disaggregated analyses for a deeper understanding of persistent and emerging risks challenging the survival, livelihood and dignity of people.
• Promote strategies that enable early action, reduce vulnerability and build resilience through inclusive and participatory processes that leave no one behind.
• Benefit from lessons learned and good practices based on the wealth of experience from the UN Trust Fund for Human Security.

Course Methodology

This self-paced course combines dynamic learning methods with a case study application broken down into six easy-to-follow modules.

The course is hosted on the UNSSC online learning platform, eLounge, which allows participants a high degree of flexibility to access content at their own pace, from anywhere and at any time.

Course Contents

Module 1: Understanding the human security approach provides an overview of the human security concept, its operational principles and its value to help address complex crises such as COVID-19.

Module 2: Getting started with human security programming offers a short overview of the different phases of the human security approach to develop integrated policies and programmes

Modules 3 and 4: Analyzing complex challenges through the human security lens introduces the rationale and steps to undertake a human security situational analysis as well as a mapping of needs, vulnerabilities and capacities.

Module 5: Designing a human security programme introduces the rationale and steps to develop collective outcomes and build human security protection and empowerment strategies

Module 6: Implementing a human security programme highlights key considerations to ensure participatory and integrated implementation of policies and programmes that are guided by human security principles.

MODULE 1

MODULE 2

Target Audience

UN staff as well as practitioners and representatives from governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, civil society and academia.

Cost of participation

Thanks to the generous support from the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS), there are no fees for this course.