Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

We are an impact-led institute within the University of Cambridge developing industry leadership, sector pathways and commercially-viable solutions to transform markets for a sustainable future. 

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Strategy and Leadership Courses for Executives

Develop the knowledge and leadership capacity to tackle critical challenges and opportunities confronting business
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Online Leadership and Sustainability Courses

Our online courses combine expert insight, high levels of interactivity and a supported learning experience to achieve measurable outcomes.
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Centre for Sustainable Finance

Helping financial institutions to play a leading role in building a more sustainable economy, with deep industry collaboration, high-calibre research, and exceptional education programmes.
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Global innovation partnerships and startup accelerators

Supporting organisations to develop commercially relevant approaches to innovation strategy and collaboration.
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Corporate Leaders Groups

Global network of membership groups providing a cross-sectoral business voice, engaging on policy issues for market development within the UK, EU and Africa.
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Latest Publications

Our thought leadership provides practical, evidence‑based insights to help decision‑makers across business, finance and policy lead change, shape markets and scale solutions.

Leading change through markets and business

Partnering with leaders to shape markets and drive change

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How we achieve impact

CISL partners with leaders in business, policy and finance to shape markets and drive large‑scale economic and industrial transition for long‑term prosperity.
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How we work with business

CISL works with global business to create bold and pragmatic approaches to compete in today's volatile and disruptive markets
Latest report Green Shoots: Nature positive innovation as a route to increased food security

Latest publications

Green Shoots: Nature positive innovation as a route to increased food security

Read the report
Latest report The Orchestra Plays: Coordinating action to scale nature positive business models in Europe

Latest publications

The Orchestra Plays: Coordinating action to scale nature positive business models in Europe

Read the report
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Courses

Find a world-class business sustainability course for individuals and organisations

Online courses Boards and non-executives Executive Postgraduate Customised programmes

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News

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1 Oct 2026

CISL and GIBS Launch Africa Sustainability Leadership Programme

Cover image for the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership’s Africa Sustainability Leadership Programme. A person wearing glasses sits at a meeting table, speaking during a discussion. Overlaid text reads “Africa Sustainability Leadership Programme” and “An international programme for senior leaders,” with University of Cambridge and Gordon Institute of Business Science branding.

1 Oct 2026

Challenge showcases next generation of sustainable AI innovation

Arculus event

30 Sep 2026

CISL launches new programme to help leaders responsible for AI

AI Course Poster

17 Sep 2026

New Fellows and Senior Associate join CISL community to help shape markets fit for the future

Random burst of colours

14 Sep 2026

CLG Europe, in partnership with VELUX and CONCITO, convenes business leaders to discuss the economic

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9 Sep 2026

CISL calls for a new era of market-shaping leadership

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Events

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Water, Nature and Resilience in Cambridgeshire: Turning water challenges into action

12 October 2026 5:30pm to 8:00pm Wolfson Hall, Churchill College

Cambs Water reserve
Blue Earth Summit, 14 - 16 October 2026

16 October 2026 Magazine London, Greenwich Peninsula, London

Blue earth
COP17, 19-30 October 2026

30 October 2026 Yerevan, Armenia

Forest image
Cambridge Future Technologies Forum

1 March 2027 9:30am to 6:30pm Central Cambridge

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