Inner Development Goals (IDGs) are a global, open initiative dedicated to cultivating essential internal capacities for sustainable future challenges. Supported by rigorous scientific research and the collaboration of over 1,000 experts, the IDGs focus on developing key skills that enable individuals to live in harmony with their environment and contribute to a more balanced society.
Since their introduction at the MindShift Digital Conference in 2020 and the release of the framework in open-source format in May 2021, the IDGs have made significant strides. The establishment of the IDG Foundation in November 2023, supported by leading institutions, marks a milestone in the management and expansion of this initiative.
Given the increasing complexity of global challenges, the IDGs emerge as a vital response to strengthen our collective capacities. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they provide a clear path towards authentic and enduring progress.
Our programs incorporate theIDGs framework supporting to develop various dimensions and skills:
Being — Relationship to Self
Inner Compass: We empower individuals to navigate their inner world, fostering a clear sense of direction and purposeful living.
Integrity and Authenticity: We guide individuals in aligning their actions with their core values, promoting a life of genuine integrity and coherence.
Openness and Learning Mindset: We encourage a mindset that embraces new ideas and experiences, nurturing a continuous journey of growth and discovery.
Self-Awareness: We equip individuals with insights and tools to deeply understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, enhancing personal authenticity and self-awareness.
Presence: We cultivate mindfulness and resilience, helping individuals maintain emotional equilibrium and inner fortitude in the face of life’s challenges.
Thinking — Cognitive Skills
Critical Thinking: Our programs are designed to enhance critical thinking skills and effective problem-solving, enabling a detailed and informed approach to complex challenges.
Complexity Awareness: We promote understanding the inherent complexity of various situations and problems.
Perspective Skills: We facilitate the ability to consider multiple viewpoints, improving empathy and effective collaboration.
Sense-making: We support developing the capacity to interpret and give meaning to information, integrating purpose and understanding.
Long-Term Orientation and Visioning: We integrate socio-emotional and ethical learning to foster responsible and sustainable decision-making for the long term.
Relating — Caring for Others and the World
Appreciation: Our programs focus on cultivating compassion through activities that emphasize empathy and appreciation. We aim to deepen understanding of the inherent value in each individual.
Connectivity: We promote connectivity by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and cultivating a sense of community.
Humility: Integrating humility into our approach, we encourage open-mindedness and a culture of continuous learning in all interactions.
Empathy and Compassion: Our programs emphasize the development of compassion towards oneself and others. Beyond understanding and sharing feelings, we motivate tangible actions that alleviate the suffering of others, promoting interconnectedness and empathy.
Collaborating — Social Skills
Communication Skills: We enhance effective communication to facilitate clear expression, active listening, and understanding of diverse perspectives.
Co-Creation Skills: We support collaborative problem-solving and teamwork to develop innovative solutions.
Inclusive Mindset and Intercultural Competence: We foster an inclusive mindset and intercultural competence, creating a safe and respectful environment that celebrates cultural diversity.
Trust: We build trust through transparent communication, reliability, and mutual respect, facilitating effective collaboration.
Mobilization Skills: We foster the ability to motivate and align people around shared goals, enhancing effective collaboration and commitment to collective initiatives.
Acting — Enabling Change
Courage: Our programs encourage decisive action and advocacy for transformative change, strengthening the ability to face challenges and make an impact.
Creativity: We facilitate innovative thinking through activities that inspire new ideas and fresh approaches to problem-solving.
Optimism: We promote a constructive outlook on the future, motivating a proactive and resolute approach to challenges.
Perseverance: We support persistence by building skills to maintain determination and overcome obstacles towards achieving long-term goals.