At KUNA e.V., the Inner Development Goals (IDG) are not a decorative reference framework, but a structure for systematically integrating competencies into educational and project work. IDGs are understood as an answer to a central question: what internal capacities do individuals and organizations need not only to understand complex sustainability challenges, but also to address them responsibly?

KUNA e.V. uses IDGs to design learning processes that go beyond knowledge transfer. These include competencies such as self-reflection, managing uncertainty, empathy and perspective-taking, collaboration skills, responsibility, and the willingness to act. These competencies are not treated abstractly, but are linked to sustainable development topics—for example, through reflection on conflicting goals, engagement with real case studies, or the development of joint action strategies.

The IDG perspective is particularly relevant for organizations aiming to institutionalize sustainable development. Transformation processes often fail not because of a lack of knowledge, but due to overload, resistance, communication challenges, or unclear roles and responsibilities. KUNA e.V. addresses this by designing IDG-based formats that strengthen both individual development and organizational learning capacity: fostering shared language, reflective decision-making processes, constructive conflict management, and the ability to sustain change over time.

What does that mean?

The Inner Development Goals (IDG) are a global initiative to promote the inner competencies necessary to successfully implement the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The focus is on skills such as resilience, mindfulness, empathy, creativity and the ability to collaborate.

As a project hub, KUNA e.V. is committed to:

• raising awareness of the IDG framework in Germany,
• integrating IDG elements into educational and cultural projects,
• connecting local and international actors to promote inner development as the basis for external change.

Synergies between IDG and SDG in our projects

Our work combines personal development with social transformation – whether in youth projects, cultural programmes or the promotion of sustainable rural areas.

One example of this is the ARTWOMCULTURE project, which empowers women in rural areas, promotes their participation and supports sustainable development at the local level.

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KUNA e.V. is proud to be part of the IDG Hubs & Networks network. We look forward to working with other partners who share similar values and goals.

🔗 More about the IDG-Initiative: innerdevelopmentgoals.org
🔗 More about our projects: kuna-sdg.de