One of the main outcomes of the Rio+20 Conference was the agreement by Member States to launch a process to develop a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will build upon the Millennium Development Goals and converge with the post 2015 development agenda. As a member of the 'Global Sustainable Development Criteria' (GSTC) initiative, Israel is committed to the promotion of sustainable communities worldwide. MASHAV through its affiliate, the MCTC, together with the Gender Units of UN Environment and UNHABITAT facilitates the sharing of Israel, the United Nations and participants’ countries best practices and experiences regarding sustainable development and women's empowerment, especially concerning environmental development, community development, and leadership development.

Through an interactive learning approach, including sharing and analysis of case studies, study visits and discussions, this Course aims:

 -To better the understanding of holistic approaches for sustainable living

 -To strengthen leadership capacity of women and youth as leaders of sustainable development

 -To analyze gender equality issues and their relation to environmental management

 -To provide tools for environmental sustainability in rural and urban areas through community development

 -To better the understanding of ecological systems including environmental sustainability in urban and rural areas and the human component

 -To provide skills and hands-on practices in community mobilization and project planning

 -Interconnectedness of gender equality, community building, and the environment

 -Gender mainstreaming in development

 -The linkage between gender and the environment

 -Leadership and citizens participation

 -Urban governance and smart cities

 -Sustainability and social aspects in urban planning

 -Policies and models of green building, use of local resources and renewable energies

The international workshop is designed for women and men community leaders, grassroots development officers, national and local government officers, non-governmental development practitioners, and women's organizations. Candidates are expected to have academic training or equivalent professional qualifications in relevant subject matter, with at least 5 years of practical experience. They should be presently engaged in promoting sustainable living in their communities. Good command of English is required.

Application forms and other information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at MASHAV’s website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

Completed application forms, including the medical form, should be sent to the relevant Israeli mission in the respective country no later than 14 August 2017. A copy of the application form should be sent to Ms. Merav Mor Merav.Mor@mfa.gov.il and to Ms. Katerina Rudenko Katerina@mctc.org.il.

Participants must arrive at the training center on the arrival date, and leave on the departure date. Early arrivals/late departures if required, must be arranged by the participants themselves, directly with the center, and must be paid for by the participant him/herself.

MASHAV awards a limited number of scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfers to and from the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included in the scholarship.

The course will be held at the Golda Meir MASHAV Carmel Training Center, located at 12 David Pinsky St., Haifa. Participants will be accommodated in double rooms

(two participants per room).

Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been inoculated against tetanus in the last ten years. Subject to the full binding policy conditions. Participants are responsible for all other expenses.