UN Executive Leadership Programme for Sustainable Development

We are all called to lead, act and transform. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development represents an imperative for change and a need for inspiring leadership all around the globe. This programme will enable senior leaders across all sectors to strengthen their cross-pillar knowledge and experience in the area of sustainable development.

Introduction

The UN Executive Leadership Programme for Sustainable Development consists of three inter-related paths intended to engage participants on sustainable development topics.  With inputs from renowned experts, participants will be asked to explore their own leadership development through intimate peer learning groups and the exchange of knowledge and shared experiences. The course covers cutting-edge sustainable development themes such as: demand-driven policy support, cross-sectoral thinking, stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, collaborative leadership and influencing skills.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to: 

  • Adopt innovative approaches to sustainable development  leadership. 
  • Use their leadership skills to advance sustainable development. 
  • Better tackle the complexities and synergies of sustainable development across environmental, social and economic spheres. 
  • Work more with partners from a variety of sectors and beyond institutional boundaries.
  • Build a peer support network with inspirational leaders from diverse sectors to share and gain insights on leadership.

Course methodology

This programme is an immersive virtual learning journey that features one weekly three-hour virtual synchronous class, where participants will get the opportunity to engage with thematic experts and established leaders to gain insights into sustainable development. 

Participants will also receive access to asynchronous learning material that will be provided before each of the virtual sessions. The virtual sessions consist of engaging lectures, workshops and group coaching.  

A mix of practical exercises, peer exchanges, executive coaching and lectures by the Hertie School – The University of Governance in Berlin and the National University of Singapore – Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy are a key feature that make the programme unique through a combination of academic rigour, research and insights with the latest advances in sustainable development as well as with peer-to-peer learning and executive coaching.  

The programme presents concrete ways to apply skills and capabilities in complex, highly demanding contexts. It provides examples of how leaders can maximise opportunities and minimise disruptions to ensure that no one is left behind in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. 

It also builds on the wealth of knowledge and experience participants bring to the table. Combined with exposure to real case examples, participants are expected to strengthen their substantial knowledge and build networks through peer exchange groups. 

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Course contents

The  programme consists of twenty three hour-long virtual interactive sessions. The sessions are delivered weekly and follow a structure that focusses on three aspects: 

  • The What: Sustainable development 
  • The Me: Leadership inner circles 
  • The We: Unpacking real-life cases through interactive peer-exchanges 

The course unpacks the following topics within the context of the 2030 Agenda: global environmental governance, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, scenario building, foresight, stakeholder analysis and consensus building and much more. 

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