Program:
Higher Education
Learning from the Past, Acting for the Future
​Across millennia, human societies have adapted to change, forged new connections, and shaped the world we live in today. The Ages of Globalization invites learners on an immersive journey through humanity’s shared history — tracing seven ages of globalization through the lens of geography, technology, and institutions — to better understand the forces that continue to shape our interconnected world.
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Through visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dialogues with world leaders and experts, and a wide range of interactive learning experiences, the initiative empowers learners to explore the roots of global systems — and to connect that historical knowledge with the challenges we face today. From ancient aqueducts and empires to digital networks and climate negotiations, each experience becomes a window into how the past informs the present — and how we can help build a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable future.
Explore the Program
The Ages of Globalization is designed for a global audience — students, educators, and lifelong learners — eager to deepen their understanding of global history and take action for sustainable development.
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​This track is specifically tailored for learners and educators in higher education. While open to all, it invites universities and colleges to integrate AoG as part of a credit-bearing course. Visit our FAQs or contact us directly to learn more.​​
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To support a wide range of learning contexts and goals, the program offers two complementary learning pathways: the 28 Class Self-Paced Learning Journey and the 10 Live Online Modules with Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs.
Self-Paced Learning Journey
Learners and educators are invited to enroll via the Learning Management Platform to start their journey across the seven Ages of Globalization, track their progress and, upon successful completion, receive a certificate signed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs.​​​​
Live Online Modules
From February - April 2026, learners and educators are invited to join weekly live sessions via Zoom. Learners will have the opportunity to directly engage with Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs​​​​ to explore specific issues and topics across 10 Learning Modules.
Learning Modules
​Module 1
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The Seven Ages of Globalization​
Introduces the framework of seven historical ages shaped by geography, technology, and institutions, tracing humanity’s journey from hunter-gatherers to the digital age.​
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Module 2
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Geography
Explores how climate, topography, rivers, trade routes, and disease patterns have influenced economies, societies, and global interconnection.
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​Module 3
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Technology​
Examines the role of innovation — from tools and infrastructure to industrialization and digital technologies — in driving transformation across all seven ages.​
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​Module 4
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Institutions​
Looks at the evolution of social, political, economic, and religious institutions, and their role in shaping how humans live and interact.
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Module 5
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Sustainable Development and the SDGs
Connects today’s urgent challenges — poverty, inequality, and division on a crowded planet— to the global vision of peace, prosperity, and sustainability.​
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Module 6
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The Rise of Empires in the Ancient World
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Traces the emergence of great empires across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, highlighting their contributions to culture, governance, and exchange.​
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Module 7
The Rise of Western Power after 1500
Explores the birth of global empires, colonial expansion, and the institutions that consolidated Western dominance.​
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Module 8
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From Western Dominance to Multipolarity
Examines the shifts since 1950 — from decolonization to the rise of new powers — toward a more multipolar world order.
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Module 9
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The Sustainability Imperative
Focuses on today’s environmental crossroads, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, circular economy, and pathways to 2050.​
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Module 10
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The New Multilateralism and Sustainable Development to 2050​
Considers how international institutions and global ethics can guide cooperation for peace, justice, and sustainable development in the decades ahead.​​​
Eight Big Questions
Throughout the journey, learners are invited to engage with eight guiding questions that connect past and present, deepen critical understanding, and inspire bold thinking for a sustainable and peaceful future:
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​​What are the main drivers of global-scale change?
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How do geography, technology, and institutions interact?
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How do changes in one region affect other regions?
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How has global interdependence changed throughout history?
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What lessons can we glean from each age of globalization to help us meet our challenges today?
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How can the world in the 21st century achieve prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability in this 7th age of globalization?
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How should our global governance be reorganized to achieve sustainable development in our multipolar world?
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How can we secure global peace possible, and how can global ethics help to secure peace?
Learning Outcomes
Building on the UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives, the program intends to foster 3 key learning outcomes: ​​​
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Understand sustainability challenges and their complex interlinkages, explore disruptive ideas and alternative solutions
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Build core values and attitudes for sustainability, cultivate empathy and compassion for other people and the planet, and motivate to lead the change
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Take practical action for sustainable transformations in the personal, societal and political sphere​​​​​​​
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Detailed learning objectives are provided for each of the 28 classes. Take a look at Lesson Plan Class 1 and Lesson Plan Class 2 for more information. The learning objectives have been customized for grade band level, with work done by the research team at Mission 4.7 Secretariat.​
