With the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris on the horizon for December 2015, issues surrounding environmental governance are high on the agenda not only for institutions, but also for individuals who aspire to contribute by influencing how their own organisations prepare, adapt or advocate for policy in consideration of the complex dynamics ahead.

These aspiring leaders need to acquire new insights and to expand their understanding of the issues from other perspectives.  In response to their need, Executive Education launched a 2-part Executive Certificate in Environmental Governance, with the first session held at the lakeside Villa Barton from April 16-24.

Joining from across sectors, and from as far as Nigeria and the U.S., the cohort of mid-career participants represent various nongovernmental organisations in Switzerland (such as the World Wildlife Fund and Ingénieurs du Monde), several government ministries or agencies, and private companies such as Veolia (France) and Geoconcept Ibérica (Spain).  Each are in a position to contribute through peer-to-peer learning during classroom discussions and debates.

The Certificate was initially conceived with this kind of "melting pot" of participants in mind, with Prof. Jorge Viñuales leading a Steering Committee that helped to shape its academic curriculum.  Providing critical insights into current and future debates in environmental governance—and the very real implications for organisations, companies and governments—the Executive Certificate explores cross-cutting challenges in environment from various political, economic, legal and social perspectives.  “By bringing together the perspectives of scientists, journalists, public officials and private actors—as well as leading thinkers from the academic community—the exposure gained will be a 360-degree perspective for decision-makers,” says Valérie d’Hoedt Meyer, Programme Director.

This first intensive, 9-day session in April included a rotation of lecturers and guest speakers, with dedicated learning modules on Global Environmental Governance, Food Security and Water.  The second face-to-face session in June will include modules on Climate Change and Energy.  The programme also includes a transversal module that gives technical tools to enhance leadership, building upon participants' capacity to make an impact in their organisations.

Learn more about the Executive Certificate.