The World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) is pleased to welcome you to the London Institute of Sustainable Development (LISD). LISD is a leading global platform committed to advancing the United Nations Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through higher education, research, training and consultancy. In today’s world of growing challenges such as climate change, inequality, public health issues and economic instability, there is a clear and urgent need for education focused on sustainability. LISD was created in direct response to these challenges. The Institute offers high quality degree programmes and capacity building initiatives that equip future leaders, researchers and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver real and lasting change.
“LISD offers a suite of postgraduate degree programmes, including PhD, DBA, MBA and MSc, each carefully designed to align with the SDGs and address the evolving needs of today’s complex and rapidly changing global environment.”
Since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, Sustainable Development (SD) has been a global priority. Yet, the ability to translate sustainability principles into effective policies and practices remains a significant challenge. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this challenge has grown more urgent. Universities and research institutions must now embrace their critical role as catalysts for SD. The LISD exists to support this shift, offering the academic infrastructure, partnerships, and programmes needed to foster inclusive, informed, and impact-driven leadership for the 21st century.
Our Mission
LISD is a multidisciplinary centre of excellence dedicated to delivering high-quality education that responds to the urgent and evolving needs of the modern world. As global challenges intensify, LISD recognises the critical role of higher education in shaping informed, responsible and sustainability-driven leaders.
The Institute provides a dynamic learning environment that integrates academic rigour with real-world relevance, offering advanced degree programmes and professional training aligned with the UN SDGs. Through innovative teaching, research and capacity-building, LISD empowers students and institutions to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
In close collaboration with governments, universities, research bodies and the private sector worldwide, LISD is committed to fostering global partnerships and strengthening institutional capabilities that support inclusive, ethical and long-term transformation.
A New Model of Higher Education
As part of our commitment to global capacity development and innovation, LISD offers a unique portfolio of postgraduate degree programmes designed to address today’s most critical global challenges:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science (MSc)
These programmes are specifically designed to align with the SDGs, integrating rigorous academic research with real-world application. They provide students and professionals with the tools to lead sustainability transitions in their respective fields, whether in business, education, health, policy, technology, law, or environmental management.
Degree Programmes: Shaping Sustainable Futures
Our degree programmes at LISD go beyond conventional academic frameworks by providing a comprehensive scholarly ecosystem that supports students at every stage of their research and study. This includes structured and interdisciplinary supervision, real-time academic engagement, global research collaboration, publication and dissemination planning, and alignment of work with specific SDGs. Each student is encouraged to frame their research within the context of global sustainability priorities, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Climate Action (SDG 13). By emphasising socially relevant and globally impactful research, our programmes prepare graduates to make meaningful contributions to both academic knowledge and practical solutions for sustainable development.
Why Study with us?
LISD offers a globally oriented learning experience, connecting students with a network of international scholars and professionals. Its curriculum is carefully aligned with the UN SDGs, ensuring that education remains relevant to today’s most pressing global challenges. Students benefit from expert guidance, with experienced supervisors and mentors providing personalised support across disciplines, while flexible learning options accommodate professionals and distance learners. LISD operates in partnership with several key institutions, including the Middle Eastern Knowledge Economy Institute (MEKEI) and the International Diaspora Project (SK). Together with WASD, these collaborations form a dynamic, multidisciplinary platform for capacity building, policy support, and research-driven transformation. Through these global partnerships and its close engagement with the UN, LISD ensures that its programmes uphold the highest standards of sustainability, relevance, and impact.
Join Us
Whether you are a recent graduate, an aspiring researcher, or a professional looking to advance your career, skills and knowledge, LISD offers postgraduate degree programmes that empower you to make a real impact. Our programmes provide the knowledge, practical skills, and global perspective needed to lead initiatives in sustainability, tackle today’s pressing challenges, and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future.