“LEAD is an organisation where racial, social, economic and, elitist barriers fall. In LEAD, whatever his place in society, the fellow can finally drop the mask and just be simply himself. This is the place where the university professor discusses equally with a student, where the elected politician is comfortable with the journalist and reveals his heart and not his interest…”
Edmond Nanoukon (EVERYTIC, Benin) on graduating at the 2009 International Session in Beijing
An Unforgettable Experience
The International Sessions have been a highlight of the LEAD calendar for almost 20 years. This vibrant, inspiring annual event brings together Associates and Fellows from across the network to work and learn together in cross-sectoral, multi-cultural teams.
Through creativity, peer-to-peer interactions, and unique learning journeys, each participant gains a valuable and lasting insight into the realities of leadership for sustainable development at every level.
The relationships formed during the LEAD programme, and particularly the International Session, often become the basis for collective action, support, and inspiration within the LEAD network and beyond.
Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future
Climate change is a real and urgent global threat, and the challenges of climate change are exacerbated by our rapidly growing global population. The poorest among this population are often those worst affected by climate change.
Using the Population-Environment-Development nexus as a lens to analyse complex interconnections, this year’s international LEAD event will gather together more than 150 emerging leaders from diverse sectors and cultures to explore some of the major challenges of our generation. They will also work together to uncover the opportunities for positive change that come from greater understanding of these complex issues, and of how every sector can play a role in devising and implementing effective solutions.
Through interactive training participants will gain knowledge, leadership skills, and self-awareness to enhance their capacity as agents of change.
Participants will also learn from and be inspired by each others, sharing their experiences from around the world and building valuable personal and professional networks.
Indicative Content:
- Population-Environment-Development Nexus
- Leadership and Climate Change
- Ecosystems and Food Security
- Human Settlements and Transport
- Industrial Development and Energy
- Systems Thinking
- Climate Change Communication
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Ethical Decision-Making
Key components:
- Expert speakers
- Skills modules
- Experiential site visits
- Peer learning
- Formal & informal networking
Cross cutting themes: Interdependence, innovation, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, equity, responsibility, climate adaptation and mitigation, gender.