We live in an age of disruption. As the post-war order of multilateral rules and institutions is crumbling in front of our eyes, the world grapples with the far-reaching consequences of geopolitical conflict, fragmentation, economic volatility and societal transformations. From the fallout of the United States elections to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the global political and economic landscape is characterized by unprecedented risks and uncertainties. With ongoing discussions ranging from climate change, digital transformation and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence to trade, regulation and the future of democracy, the challenges facing today’s leaders are complex and multi-dimensional. These challenges are not isolated — they are interconnected, compounding one another. The resulting landscape is one that demands new approaches to policy and governance, and leaders that can adapt quickly and navigate an increasingly complex world, innovating and collaborating to find practical solutions that drive meaningful change.
In response to this evolving landscape, universities are also rethinking their roles. They can no longer focus solely on producing knowledge. Today, educational institutions must serve as dynamic hubs for developing leaders who can not only understand the world’s challenges but also tackle them head-on. The European University Institute (EUI), with its long history of advancing Europe’s cultural and scientific heritage, is stepping up to meet this moment. Since its founding in 1972, EUI has been at the forefront of education, research and policy innovation, and now it is expanding its efforts to shape the leaders who will address the world’s most pressing issues.
A new era of leadership: The need for adaptation
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.
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.
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.
Why EUI? A hub for policy innovation
The EUI is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in executive education. Ranked among the top institutions globally for political science, EUI combines academic rigor with practical policy expertise. Its faculty includes renowned experts who bring cutting-edge research to the classroom, while its links to EU institutions and global policy networks provide unparalleled opportunities for engagement and networking.
With its strategic location in Florence and its historic Palazzo Buontalenti serving as the venue for the executive education center, the EUI offers a world-class learning environment. For the GEM program, the 25 days of residency over two years allow participants to immerse themselves in the heart of global policymaking. Moreover, the study visits to Brussels and Asia ensure that participants gain direct insight into decision-making processes and the future of global governance.
The leaders of the future will be those who embrace change, pursue knowledge and lead with vision. Will you be one of them?
Learn more about the EUI Global Executive Master.
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