SUSTAIN 2 is committed to driving lasting impact toward the Sustainable Development Goals, with a strong focus on leaving no one behind.
SUSTAIN2 is a joint training initiative by IFAD and ITCILO, supporting fair, inclusive, and green rural development.
Strengthening of Borrower’s Capacity on Environment, Social and Climate Best Practices 2 (SUSTAIN2)
Together, we are building a better, more sustainable future for all!
What is SUSTAIN 2?
SUSTAIN 2 is an interactive capacity development programme that empowers 445 participants and other stakeholders through a cutting-edge, four-tier learning program to strengthen Environmental, Social, and Climate (ESC) practices.
Designing the Difference
Development of Capacity Building Programme on ESC requirements
A comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) served as the foundation for the programme’s design, identifying key challenges, capacity gaps, and learning priorities among borrowers. Based on these findings, the programme offers eight tailor-made e-learning modules, each aligned with the nine SECAP standards and designed to meet real-world needs. Training is delivered in four phases—two online and two face-to-face—ensuring both flexibility and deep engagement.
Delivery of Capacity Building
The delivery of capacity building caters to borrowers’ needs and flexibility. The structure of delivery is organized in four languages groups (English, French, Spanish and Arabic) with online webinars, MOOCs, case studies, assignments etc. and a balanced mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities. SUSTAIN2 respects everyone’s requirements, providing a combination of different approaches: videos, virtual classrooms, asynchronous and synchronous activities, case studies, forum simulation etc. Participants also benefit from a dedicated digital platform where they can interact with assignments, share experiences, and explore case studies that bring concepts to life.
Knowledge Management and Community of Practice
An integrated platform has been developed for SUSTAIN2, bringing together all information and knowledge products in one accessible space. It enables participants to stay connected, engage with peers, support beneficiaries, and contribute to capacity-building through shared experiences. In parallel, dedicated social media campaigns enhance user experience, strengthen communication efforts, and broaden outreach across key audiences.
Programme Management
A comprehensive programme management system has been designed to ensure effective and efficient coordination across all activities—from planning and organizing to implementation, monitoring, and reporting. The approach emphasizes individuals and interactions over strict processes and tools, prioritizes the development and delivery of learning products over exhaustive documentation, values client collaboration over rigid contract terms, and favors adaptability and responsiveness over fixed planning. This flexible and people-focused model supports the dynamic nature of capacity-building in complex development contexts.
What do we aim to achieve?
- To Strengthen Borrows’ Environmental, Social and Climate (ESC) institutional frameworks and implementation capacities.
- To improve Knowledge, Skills and Attitude of direct and indirect target groups to bolster borrowers’ ability to meet ESC standards.
- To enhance the design, implementation, and compliance of IFAD-funded projects by fostering partnerships and knowledge sharing within and across regions to promote environmental and social sustainability.
Impact
SUSTAIN2 is more than a programme – it is about using knowledge and commitment to make a lasting impact in Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating Environmental, Social and Climate practices into the project cycle, we are paving the way for equitable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable rural transformation.
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Our vision
Enhancing capacity
We aim to bridge Environmental, Social, and Climate (ESC) technical gaps by strengthening participants’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes—ensuring no one is left behind in low-, lower-middle-, and upper-middle-income countries across the NEN and LAC regions.
Building a partnership framework
We seek to strengthen partnerships and foster knowledge sharing within and across regions, nurturing environmental and social sustainability.
Investing for sustainability
We support borrowers in strengthening their skills to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is not put at risk.
