Farewell to a New Generation of Experts for Sustainable Futures

In a festive ceremony, IDOS bid farewell to the participants of the 60th Postgraduate Programme for Sustainability Cooperation (PGP). The dedicated young experts are now well equipped to tackle the challenges of global sustainable development in their future careers.

A Programme that Fosters Skills and Teamwork

In her farewell speech, Prof. Anna-Katharina Hornidge praised the outstanding achievements of the graduates. She highlighted the comprehensive expertise they acquired over the nine-month programme, as well as their success in overcoming shared challenges during their three-month research stays. Dr Simone Christ, Head of the PGP, placed special emphasis on the intensive teamwork with research partners, which allowed participants to gain valuable experience in empirical research and policy advice. She thanked the graduates for their energy, commitment, and strong determination to help shape sustainable futures and wished them all the best in their professional journeys.

As part of the ceremony, all participants received a certificate for their successful completion of the course programme. IDOS warmly congratulates all graduates on their achievement!

Research for Global Challenges

This year’s research teams, under the guidance of IDOS research staff, conducted the following policy-oriented research projects:

1. Roots and Routes: Knowledge and Career Trajectories of Kenyan and Tanzanian Agriculture Graduates: The team explored agriculture higher education and its linkages to the agriculture labour market in Kenya and Tanzania. The research revealed a gap between academic training and professional demands — particularly in practical and technical skills. Students seek more hands-on experience with farmers and research institutes.
2. Mauritius’ Digital Cooperation and Engagement with External Partners: This team examined how Mauritius navigates digital partnerships with the EU, China, and India—covering data protection, cybersecurity, and payment systems. Findings show that although Mauritius cannot shape the global digital agenda alone, it demonstrates agency by strategically balancing partners’ interests with its own development goals.
3. Sustainable Island Futures in Germany and Indonesia: This team compared coastal and island governance in the East Frisian Islands (Germany) and the Seribu Islands (Indonesia). The research showed that rapid population growth and informal land reclamation create ecological and governance pressures at the Seribu Islands, while at the East Frisian Islands, population decline contrasts with tourism-driven housing demand, complicated by strict conservation rules.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its emphasis on collaborative international partnerships. Each team worked closely with research institutions in Mauritius, Indonesia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

The Postgraduate Programme for Sustainability Cooperation: More than a Gateway into a Career

The Postgraduate Programme for Sustainability Cooperation (PGP) at IDOS, which starts every year on September 1st and runs for nine months, offers a unique opportunity to specialise in global cooperation for sustainable development. It includes an intensive phase in Bonn (September to January and in May), as well as a three-month research stay from February to April.

Beyond academic training, IDOS places strong emphasis on professional orientation and on developing careers in international cooperation for development and sustainability.

The next application round for the Postgraduate Programme will begin in January 2026. More information on the Postgraduate Programme can be found here.