Cambridge Programme selects Bright Philip Donkor among 1,400 global applicants
Bright Philip Donkor, the founder of the Briphildon Foundation, a non-profit organisation working to empower youth, assist the less privileged, promote civic participation, and support sustainable development initiatives in Ghana’s underserved communities, has earned a coveted place in a globally competitive short course titled “Key Essentials: The Sustainable Development Goals and the Law”. The course is part of the Democratising Education for Global Sustainability and Justice (DemEd Global) programme, jointly organised by Lucy Cavendish College and Hughes Hall at the University of Cambridge, in partnership with global institutions.
Mr. Donkor’s selection follows a rigorous application process that attracted over 1,400 applicants from across the world. In a congratulatory message from Programme Coordinator, Jo Wattersonn, Democratising Education for Global Sustainability and Justice, Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, Donkor was lauded for the strength and clarity of his application, which stood out among hundreds of submissions. “We were impressed with your application and are pleased to offer you a place,” the statement read.
The online short course, valued at over £800, will be delivered at no cost to selected participants, thanks to a generous donor. It is scheduled to run from September 1 to 14, 2025, and will offer a unique blend of self-paced modules and live engagement sessions designed to deepen participants’ understanding of how legal systems and governance frameworks interact with sustainable development goals (SDGs) globally.
Participants will be granted access to course materials via Moodle by August 29, ahead of the live orientation session on September 1 (1:00–2:30 PM BST). A second live session is scheduled for September 12, during which learners will engage further with global experts, guest speakers, and fellow participants. All sessions are delivered virtually, making the course accessible across time zones and regions.
*The course outline*
This online short course is structured into six comprehensive modules, beginning with Module 1, which provides a course introduction and orientation. Module 2 focuses on the principles and practices of sustainable development law, while Module 3 explores the law and practice of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the global economy. Module 4 examines the application of law and the SDGs within the global biosphere, and Module 5 addresses their relevance and implementation in global society. The course concludes with Module 6, which offers a summary and reflection on the entire program.
In total, participants will commit between eight to ten hours of learning through pre-recorded videos, PowerPoint presentations, expert readings, and interactive discussions.
Upon successful completion, they will receive a certificate jointly issued by Lucy Cavendish College and Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, as well as access to a global mentorship network, sustainability career support, and an international community of practice.
*Appreciation / Opportunity*
Reacting to the development, Mr. Donkor thanked Mr. Peter Asiedu, Executive Director of the Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF), for sharing this academic opportunity, which encouraged him to submit his application.
“I sincerely thank Mr. Peter Asiedu for sharing this academic opportunity, which compelled me to tender my application. His encouragement came at a crucial time when I was seeking to deepen my impact in the field of sustainable development,” Mr. Donkor stated.
He described the opportunity as a “timely boost” to his personal commitment to promoting sustainable development and environmental justice across Ghana and beyond.
“I believe this is a significant honour, not just for me, but for the Briphildon Foundation and all those striving to integrate legal accountability and policy reforms into sustainable community development. As I prepare to engage with international peers and experts in the coming weeks, I’m filled with a renewed sense of purpose,” Mr. Donkor further stated.
