In an increasingly fast-paced and interconnected world, there is a pressing need for progressive business leaders who can drive change that’s beneficial for their companies while helping solve societal challenges. Advancing sustainability and improving the quality of people’s lives has long propelled innovation in Sweden. Swedish executives, researcher and policymakers have a long history of collaborating together to cultivate transformative ideas for a more sustainable society.
The SI Global Executive Programme was created to nurture forward-thinking business executives seeking to shape a future that is not only economically resilient but socially and ecologically sustainable. It stands as a testament to Sweden’s excellence in pioneering sustainable solutions and serves as a conduit for sharing the country’s rich legacy of sustainable business practices with the rest of the world.
The SI Global Executive Programme is designed for senior executives, including CEOs and top corporate managers. The programme 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 programme’s unique strengths lies in its global reach, bringing together 100 leaders from 24 countries to create a melting pot of perspectives, experience and opportunities.
About Swedish Institute
The Swedish Institute is a public agency that encourages interest and trust in Sweden around the world. We operate in the fields of culture, education, science and business in seeking to strengthen ties and promote development.
We build up lasting relations between Sweden and other countries with a view to enhancing Sweden’s attractiveness.
We build up lasting relations between Sweden and other countries with a view to enhancing Sweden’s attractiveness. To this end, we disseminate information, develop skills, promote cultural exchange and cooperation, and provide funding... continue reading
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Swedish Institute Global Executive Programme
Aim and Benefits of Swedish Institute Global Executive Programme
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 utilising 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 recognised as one of the leading countries in sustainable business practices
- Facilitation and guidance 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 organisations
- Access to the global Swedish Institute Alumni Network, which includes over 20,000 leaders dedicated to leadership and sustainability
Requirements for Swedish Institute Global Executive Programme Qualification
Applicants to the SI Global Executive Programme must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen and resident of one of our programme countries: Bangladesh, Brazil. China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, 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 1995 at the latest).
- Have a good working knowledge of both written and spoken English.
- Hold a completed post-secondary qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Be willing and able 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 programme to help their company improve its contribution to a more sustainable world.
- Have access to high speed internet for interactive video meetings
An applicant’s company must also meet the following requirements:
- Be locally owned and based in one of the programme countries.
- Operate within industries associated with the green transition or about to make important commitments related to the green transition (e. g., industries within renewable energy, responsible mining, sustainable transportation, infrastructure and manufacturing).
- Be committed to running a business in a sustainable manner and implementing sustainable practices within the organisation.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Swedish Institute Global Executive Programme
The SI Global Executive Programme for 2025 is scheduled to run from May through November 2025. During intense programme modules, participants should be prepared to spend around three to four hours per week on activities such as viewing pre-recorded sessions and carrying out assignments, as well as participating in online facilitated seminars, coaching sessions and/or small group circle collaborations. A finalised schedule and timelines will be provided at the start of the programme.
Programme timeline 2025
January 28 – February 25: Open call for applications
Early May – end of June: Online programme; Foundation
August – October: Online sessions; Masterclasses
October: Onsite experience in Sweden (13 – 17 October, excluding travel days)
November: Final online sessions; Way Forward
Application Deadline
February 25, 2025How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Swedish Institute on apply-leadership-programmes.si.se to apply
These are the steps you need to go through to submit your application:
- Register your profile in the application portal.
- Select what programme you would like to apply for (SI Global Executive Programme is open for application January 28 – February 25 (23.59 CET) and must be submitted during these dates and time.
- Answer all the questions for the different sections in the application portal (found in the left-hand menu).
- Upload your CV as per the instructions in the portal.
- After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation to your inbox in Dream Apply.
- You will also receive a message to your inbox in Dream Apply with a link to record a short video. Follow the instructions in the message. It will take less than ten minutes to record the video. You will get two questions to answer within two minutes each. We ask you to make the recording in a quiet setting and, if possible, use headphones with a built-in microphone. Please note that it is mandatory to make the video recording. We wish you the best of luck!
For more details,visit Swedish Institute webpage
