A Leadership Accelerator for Senior Executives Driving the Green Transition
The SI Global Executive Programme (SIGEP) is a high-level leadership initiative delivered by the Swedish Institute for senior executives ready to integrate sustainability into core business strategy.
Running from May to November 2026, the programme blends advanced online learning with a one-week immersive onsite experience in Stockholm, Sweden — a global hub for sustainable innovation.
A Program for Senior Leaders in the Green Transition
In today’s interconnected economy, sustainability is no longer optional — it is a strategic imperative.
SIGEP equips CEOs and senior executives with tools to:
- Reshape business models
- Strengthen competitiveness
- Build economic resilience
- Lead systemic transformation
- Align operations with planetary boundaries
Sweden is internationally recognised for its cross-sector collaboration and sustainable innovation ecosystem. Participants gain first-hand exposure to Swedish companies, policymakers, and experts leading the green transition — applying insights directly within their own organisations.
Each cohort includes approximately 100 senior executives from 24 eligible countries, creating a powerful global peer network.
What Participants Gain
The SI Global Executive Programme offers:
- Advanced understanding of social, ecological, and economic sustainability
- Expertise in systemic strategic business development
- Strengthened change-leadership capabilities
- Direct insights from Swedish sustainable business case studies
- Coaching and expert facilitation
- A global executive peer network
- Engagement with Swedish companies and institutions
- Access to the Swedish Institute Alumni Network (20,000+ leaders worldwide)
This is not a lecture-based programme. It is highly interactive and implementation-focused — participants actively apply insights to real business challenges.
Program Structure (May–November 2026)
The programme consists of five integrated components:
Foundation (May–June | Online)
Participants explore cutting-edge sustainable business developments while strengthening change leadership skills. Networking occurs across regions and sectors.
Strategic Business Project (June–October)
Each executive identifies and launches a business transformation project aligned with their organisation’s sustainability goals.
Focus areas include:
- Measurable impact
- ROI and value creation
- Long-term competitiveness
Advanced Practice Sessions (August–September | Online)
Tailored learning tracks featuring:
- Webinars
- Peer dialogue
- Contributions from Swedish business leaders
These sessions deepen expertise and accelerate project implementation.
Sweden Week (12–16 October | Onsite in Stockholm)
An immersive leadership experience including:
- Field visits
- Strategy workshops
- Executive networking
- Cultural activities
- Direct engagement with Swedish sustainability pioneers
Way Forward (November | Online)
Participants present early results, strengthen alumni networks, and connect with Swedish embassies and peers in their home countries.
The programme officially begins 20 May 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen and resident of one of 24 eligible countries, including:
- Brazil
- India
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- Vietnam
- Hold a senior leadership role (CEO or executive)
- Be at least 30 years old (born 1996 or earlier)
- Have strong English proficiency
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Identify a sustainability-related business challenge suitable for development
Company Requirements
The applicant’s company must:
- Be locally owned in an eligible country
OR - Be a Swedish company operating in an eligible country
OR - Be part of a Swedish company’s supply chain
Additionally, companies must:
- Operate in or commit to green transition industries
- Demonstrate commitment to sustainable business practices
Priority Industries for 2026
- Renewable energy
- Responsible mining
- Sustainable transportation
- Digitalisation
Financial Coverage
The Swedish Institute covers:
- All programme fees
- Pre-arranged accommodation in Stockholm
- Meals during Sweden Week
Participants or their companies must cover:
- Travel to and from Stockholm
Limited travel support may be available upon request.
Key Dates (2026)
- 25 February – 25 March: Application period
- May – June: Foundation (online)
- May – October: Strategic Business Project
- August – September: Advanced Practice Sessions
- 12–16 October: Sweden Week (Stockholm)
- November: Way Forward sessions
- 20 May: Official programme start
How to Apply
Applications are open from 25 February to 25 March 2026.
Applicants must complete the online application process via the Swedish Institute website.
For programme inquiries:
Programme Manager — Anna Lithagen (sigep@si.se)
Why Senior Executives Should Apply
The SI Global Executive Programme is ideal for leaders who want to:
- Embed sustainability into corporate strategy
- Lead organisation-wide transformation
- Strengthen long-term competitiveness
- Build global partnerships
- Position their company at the forefront of the green transition
By combining Swedish expertise, global peer exchange, and hands-on implementation, SIGEP empowers senior leaders to accelerate transformation toward a sustainable and competitive future.
