Application Deadline: 25 March, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 Swedish Institute (SI) Global Executive Programme. Are you a senior executive ready to integrate sustainability into your core business strategy and lead transformative change? Join the SI Global Executive Programme and gain first-hand insights from some of Sweden’s most successful sustainability-driven companies, business leaders and experts. The programme brings together global executives committed to reshaping business models, strengthening long-term competitiveness and addressing today’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
The SI Global Executive Programme is designed for senior executives who want to align business growth with sustainable impact. The programme supports business leaders in strengthening their ability to lead transformation that is economically resilient, socially responsible and ecologically sustainable.
Participants gain practical insights from Swedish organisations and leaders at the forefront of the green transition, and apply these insights directly to their own business context.
A key strength of the programme is its global perspective. Each cohort brings together around 100 senior executives from 24 countries, creating a diverse and dynamic learning environment built on shared challenges, experience and peer exchange.
The programme runs from May to November 2026, combining online learning with a one-week onsite module in Sweden
Throughout the programme, participants take part in interactive workshops, facilitated seminars, peer learning and coaching, as well as meetings with Swedish companies and organisations.
This is not a lecture-based programme. Participants are expected to actively engage, contribute their experience and apply new insights directly within their organisation.
Designed with the time constraints of senior leadership in mind, the programme integrates with participants’ existing responsibilities and focuses on solutions that can be readily applied within their organisation.
The SI Global Executive Programme will give you the following:
- An 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 skills to lead change and effectively manage complexity.
- Unique insights from a range of business cases for sustainability in Sweden, which is recognised as one of the leading countries in sustainable business practices.
- Facilitation and guidance from experts in the field that support your personal development and the development of your business.
- An opportunity for close collaboration and exchange with colleagues at senior levels, fostering a strong and enduring global professional network.
- The 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.
Eligibility Requirements
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, Egypt, Georgia, DR Congo, 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 also 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 1996 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 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.
An applicant’s company should also meet the following requirements:
- Be either:
- (1) a locally owned company based in one of the programme countries,
- (2) a Swedish company represented in one of the eligible programme countries, or
- (3) a company currently in the supply chain of and conducting business with a Swedish company.
- Operate within industries associated with the green transition or about to make important commitments related to the green transition. In 2026, priority is given to candidates and their companies within the following industries: renewable energy, responsible mining, sustainable transportation, and digitalisation.
- Be committed to running a business in a sustainable manner and implementing sustainable practices within the organisation.
Benefits
The Swedish Institute covers:
- All programme-related fees
- Pre-arranged accommodation in Stockholm
- Meals during the onsite visit in Stockholm
Participants and/or their companies are expected to arrange and cover travel to and from Stockholm. The Swedish Institute has limited resources to support in this matter. Should a participant and/or their company be unable to cover their travel expenses, this must be indicated at the time of application.
The SI Global Executive Programme has five main components:
Foundation (May – June, online)
Online sessions in large and small groups, organised by region and sector. Participants explore the latest developments in the field of sustainability in business and the green transition, strengthen their change-leadership skills, and begin working on their strategic business project. Participants are actively connected in a strategic and meaningful network.
Strategic business project (June – October)
Each participant is asked to identify a challenge or opportunity relevant to their role or based on their organisation’s overall business needs and current approaches to sustainability. The focus is on measurable impact, business value, and return on investment. Participants learn by doing through launching their strategic business project during the programme, and with coaching support throughout.
Advanced Practice Session (August – September, online)
Tailored learning tracks with live webinars and peer dialogue designed to support participants as they work on their strategic business project. Participants deepen expertise, challenge assumptions, and exchange experience in sessions relevant to their specific business needs. The sessions also include contributions from invited Swedish business leaders and practitioners with hands-on experience from the field.
Participation requires completion of previous programme components.
Sweden Week (12 – 16 October, onsite)
An immersive onsite experience featuring field visits, workshops, and networking combined with cultural experiences. This onsite experience offers a unique opportunity to network with peers in a global setting and engage with Swedish business leaders and experts.
Participation requires completion of previous programme components.
Way forward (November, online)
Participants put projects into action, share early results with peers and stakeholders, strengthen global connections, and engage with Swedish embassies and alumni in their home countries.
Programme timeline 2026
- 25 February – 25 March: Open call for applications
- May – June: Foundations (online)
- May – mid-October: Strategic Business Project
- August – September: Advanced Practice Sessions (online)
- 12–16 October: Sweden Week (onsite – excluding travel days)
- November: Final sessions – Way Forward
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Swedish Institute (SI) Global Executive Programme
