Applications are currently available for the 2024 Swedish Institute (SI) Global Executive Programme. Are you a top leader who wants to influence the future of business and take on the sustainability challenge? Join the Swedish Institute (SI) Global Executive Programme to learn from Sweden’s most successful sustainability cases, as well as business leaders and industry experts.
The SI Global Executive Programme was designed to develop forward-thinking business executives who want to define a future that is not just economically robust, but also socially and environmentally sustainable. It demonstrates Sweden’s leadership in developing sustainable solutions and serves as a conduit for sharing the country’s rich tradition of sustainable business practices with the rest of the globe.
The SI Global Executive Program is designed for senior executives, including CEOs and top corporate managers. The program is tailored to help integrate sustainability into the very fabric of a business, elevating it from mere initiative to core strategic imperative. Participants are offered invaluable insights from a key forefront in the global sustainability movement.
One of the program’s unique strengths lies in its global reach, bringing together 100 leaders from 22 countries to create a melting pot of perspectives, experiences, and opportunities.
The SI Global Executive Programme is scheduled to take place from May to November 2024, featuring online sessions throughout its entire duration. Additionally, there will be a one-week onsite module in Sweden.
The program includes interactive workshops, lectures, and coaching, as well as meetings with representatives from various companies and organizations in Sweden.
More than a series of one-way lectures, the program is a challenging and interactive experience that requires participants to actively engage and contribute.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants to the SI Global Executive Programme must meet the following requirements:
Be a citizen and resident of one of our program countries: Bangladesh, or Brazil. China, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Türkiye, Ukraine*, or Vietnam.*Ukrainian applicants who reside outside of Ukraine are eligible to apply.
Have a leadership position, such as CEO or senior executive, in a medium to large company with a mandate to spearhead strategic changes throughout their business.
Be at least 30 years old (born 1994 at the latest).
Have a good working knowledge of both written and spoken English.
Have a completed post-secondary education (the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree or greater).
Be willing to actively participate, provide support and share their experience and knowledge with other participants.
Have identified business needs or problems that could be worked on during the program to help their company improve its contribution to a more sustainable world.
An applicant’s company must also meet the following requirements:
Be locally owned and based in one of the program countries.
Operate within industries associated with the green transition or make important commitments related to the green transition (e.g., industries within renewable energy, green buildings, clean transportation, water management, waste management, and land management).
Be committed to running a business in a sustainable manner and implementing sustainable practices within the organization.
Benefits
Participation in SI Global Executive Programme is free of charge. The Swedish institute arranges and covers costs related to
Learning program
Flights to and from Sweden for the Sweden week onsite visit
Accommodation, meals, transportation, and insurance while in Sweden
The SI Global Executive Programme will give you the following:
Advanced understanding of social, ecological, and economic sustainability within planetary boundaries – from a business perspective
Increased expertise in utilizing and implementing methods for strategic business development within sustainability and the green transition – from a systemic perspective
Strengthened capabilities and skills to lead change and effectively manage complexity
Unique insights from a variety of business cases for sustainability in Sweden, which is recognized as one of the leading countries in sustainable business practices
Coaching by experts in the field that support your own personal development and the development of your business
A unique opportunity for close collaboration and exchange with colleagues at senior levels, fostering a strong and enduring global professional network
Opportunity to meet and connect with Swedish businesses and organizations
Access to the global Swedish Institute Alumni Network, which includes over 19,000 leaders dedicated to leadership and sustainability
Swedish Institute (SI) Global Executive Programme Components
Foundation (May – June) Foundation sessions are conducted online in both large and small group formats (organized by region and randomly mixed) and include coaching and exploring the latest developments within the field of sustainability in business and the green transition. These sessions aim to equip participants with the tools and support to further enhance their change leadership skills and begin working on their strategic business project.
Strategic business project (June – October) Each participant is asked to identify a challenge or opportunity relevant to their role or based on their organization’s overall business needs and current approaches to sustainability. Participants receive support in applying newfound knowledge, ideas, and inspiration gained through the program. The goal of the strategic business project is to develop real and measurable results that help participants learn by doing while launching or managing change initiatives that can continue after the program ends. Participants are coached to challenge themselves in choosing a project that, at minimum, delivers an ROI for their participation in the program.
Masterclasses, online (August – October) A variety of tailored high-quality masterclasses are provided to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in relation to their areas of interest and specific needs while they work on their strategic business project. Participation in Masterclasses is exclusive to participants who successfully complete the program’s previous components.
Sweden week, onsite (14 – 18 October, excluding travel days)
Gathering together 100 program participants in Sweden, this interactive and immersive onsite experience offers a unique opportunity to network with peers in a global setting and engage with Swedish business leaders and experts. It features field visits, workshops, and chances to explore Swedish culture and local nature. This experience aims to strengthen participants’ change leadership skills and help them refine their strategic business projects. Participation in Sweden Week is exclusive to participants who have successfully completed the program’s previous components.
Way forward, online & regionally onsite (November) In the SI Global Executive Programme’s final component, participants put their strategic business projects into action. They share their expertise and skills with colleagues and stakeholders, celebrate early wins and establish strong relationships within a global network of sustainability leaders and through the Swedish embassy in their home country.
Timeline:
Mid-February – mid-March: Open call for applications
Early May – mid-June: Initial online sessions
Late August – mid-October: Midpoint online sessions
October: Onsite experience in Sweden (14 – 18 October excluding travel days)
