The need for new approaches to leadership education has never been more urgent. Policy professionals in the public sector and international institutions, as well as in business and civil society, must be equipped to lead responsibly, with foresight, agility and collaboration. Leaders who can take a holistic approach to problem-solving and innovate across sectors will be best equipped to tackle today’s complex, interconnected challenges.
The need for new approaches to leadership education has never been more urgent. Policy professionals in the public sector and international institutions, as well as in business and civil society, must be equipped to lead responsibly, with foresight, agility and collaboration.
Recognizing these pressing challenges, the EUI launched the Global Executive Master (GEM) — an executive program designed to transform policy professionals into the adaptive, agile and responsible leaders that today’s world demands. Welcoming its first cohort in September 2024, the GEM was conceived as a direct response to the rapidly changing policy landscape, offering an education model that blends academic excellence with real-world application. The blended structure combines flexible online learning with immersive residential experiences, including in-depth interactions with EU institutions and policymakers in Brussels. The program allows mid-career professionals to build the skills they need to drive change, engage with a global network of decision-makers, and foster collaboration across public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Since welcoming its first cohort, the GEM program has already begun shaping a new generation of global leaders. This inaugural cohort brings together 32 professionals from 22 countries, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering a diverse, cross-cultural exchange of ideas and expertise. These professionals, working across both the public and private sectors, are already translating their learning into real-world solutions, tackling the world’s toughest challenges.
Learning that translates into leadership
At the core of the GEM curriculum is the practical application of learning. The program emphasizes policy, governance, management and digital transformation, equipping participants with the tools they need to lead in a world where change is constant and unpredictable. It offers specializations in economy and finance, energy and environment, tech and governance, and security and geopolitics. However, theory is not the focus — it’s about turning knowledge into tangible impact. Beyond the deep-dives into key aspects of policymaking offered by the core and elective courses, participants take professional development courses, honing their skills for impact and preparing them for managerial and leadership roles in public policy.
theory is not the focus — it’s about turning knowledge into tangible impact.
Each participant is also required to work on a capstone project, allowing them to translate their learning into real-world solutions. By addressing complex, current challenges within their own fields, participants are equipped to become agents of change. This hands-on approach ensures that every professional is not only prepared to lead but also capable of shaping effective policies in their organizations and communities.
