Inner Development Goals (IDGs): A New Path for Workforce Development and Agriculture-Related Education

by Jama S. Coartney  --
This past month, Stockholm, Sweden hosted the third annual summit for the Inner Development Goals. The conference brought together global leaders in business, academia, civil society, and government interested in bridging the inner and outer transformations essential for meaningful change. The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) are a framework of personal growth and inner skills designed to help individuals create positive change in their lives, communities, and organizations.

Developed as a complement to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the IDGs focus on cultivating essential human qualities such as self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience.

The IDGs are divided into five dimensions:
  1. Being – Self-awareness, mindfulness, and inner calm
  2. Thinking – Creativity, critical thinking, and long-term vision
  3. Relating – Empathy, active listening, and trust-building
  4. Collaborating – Courage, inclusion, and conflict resolution
  5. Acting – Purpose-driven behavior, perseverance, and resilience

The idea is that personal development isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for sustainable growth, professional success, and tackling complex social and environmental challenges. But what makes these goals especially relevant is how they can be transferred to workforce development, readiness, and education.



Why do the IDGs matter for workforce development and agricultural-related education?
As industries evolve—whether through automation, climate change, or new technologies—technical expertise is not enough. Soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability are now critical for success. This is particularly true for sectors like agriculture, which is undergoing rapid transformation with increasing demand for sustainable practices, data-driven innovations, and community-based solutions.

The IDGs can be a game-changer. They provide opportunities to integrate workforce development and agriculture-related curricula: 
  • Bridging the Gap Between Technical Skills and Soft Skills
  • Building Workforce Resilience and Adaptability
  • Promoting Collaboration and Inclusion
  • Encouraging Purpose-Driven Work
  • Fostering Mental Health and Well-Being
How to integrate the IDGs into the curriculum?
To fully realize the potential of the IDGs, workforce programs and agriculture-related curricula will need to integrate the IDGs into existing practical applications:

Teach Collaborative Leadership and Problem-Solving
Real-world simulations, such as team projects on sustainable farming, cultivate teamwork and empathy, allowing students to develop critical IDG competencies for effective group dynamics and problem-solving.
Create Purpose-Driven Career Pathways
Programs can support the alignment of personal values and career goals. Pathways in areas, such as urban farming and environmental restoration, would help students connect their work with broader social and environmental impact.
Integrate Mental Health and Resilience Training
Integrating mental well-being tools into the curriculum is another option. Workshops on stress management, goal-setting, and work-life balance can help build resilience and long-term success.
Partner with Industry Leaders
Collaborating with agriculture businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies can ensure that IDGs align with industry needs. Internships and on-the-job training that includes both technical skills and personal development will benefit everyone.
Embed Mindfulness and Reflection in Training
Training programs can incorporate mindfulness exercises or reflection activities to develop participants’ self-awareness. This approach could involve guided meditations or journaling in university agriculture programs, helping students build a strong inner foundation.


The IDGs can help to prepare a resilient, collaborative, and purpose-driven workforce—ready to tackle complex challenges. By embedding these competencies into education and training, we’re helping to prepare students and to build a sustainable, resilient workforce ready to address the uncertainties of the 21st century.

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