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Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) 

We are an impact-led institute within the University of Cambridge that activates leadership globally to transform economies for people, nature and climate. Through our global network and hubs in Cambridge, Cape Town and Brussels, we work with leaders and innovators across business, finance and government to accelerate action for a sustainable future.  

Trusted since 1988 for our rigour and pioneering commitment to learning and collaboration, we create safe spaces to challenge and support those with the power to act. 

 

Business Sustainability Management online short course

For professionals wanting to act as an agent for positive change and lead sustainability across an organisation.

Find out more about Business Sustainability Management

 

Our impact

CISL’s priority impact areas for systemic transformation – Future Place, Future Economy and Future Lives - pave the way for bold action and regenerative leadership for people, nature and climate.  

Find out more about our impact

 

Our global Network

Our global network of over 30,000 leaders and innovators takes individual, collaborative and collective action to accelerate transformation for sustainable societies and economies.  

Read more about our global network

 

News and resources

News on CISL's latest work and insights on approaches that have the potential to deliver transformational change towards a sustainable economy.

Visit the news and resources section

 

Who we work with and why

Our multi-stakeholder approach engages influential individuals alongside businesses, governments, financial institutions and civil society representatives, focusing on their shared potential to rewire economic, social and environmental systems.

Find out who we work with

 

Latest news

New ClimateWise Briefing Identifies Insurability as Early Warning Signal for Systemic Risk

17 March 2026

18 March 2026 - Insurability is one of the earliest signals of whether assets, sectors, and entire economies can survive the accelerating impacts of physical climate risk, according to a new briefing by ClimateWise.

CISL’s Canopy named by Financial Times as a leading European start up hub for third consecutive year

16 March 2026

17 March 2026 - The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is pleased to announce that Canopy has once again been recognised in the Financial Times and Statista 2026 ranking of Europe’s Leading Start Up Hubs. This is the third year in a row that Canopy has featured in the list.

Spotlight publication

International Operations

We have offices in Cambridge, Brussels and South Africa, and delivery partners in Melbourne and the UAE.