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.
What we do
Foresight
We develop pioneering ideas, research and resources for better decision-making and system design.
Education
We empower individuals and organisations to lead change at scale.
Convening
We build transformative alliances across business, finance and policy.
Innovation
We catalyse entrepreneurial leadership to accelerate solutions to global challenges.
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.
Our impact
CISL’s priority impact areas for systemic transformation – Future Place, Future Economy and Future Lives - connect our strategic expertise and global networks. Together, they pave the way for bold action and regenerative leadership for people, nature and climate.
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. We offer individuals the opportunity for personal and professional development, the pathway to a global community of like-minded peers and the framework to learn and to contribute to long-term solutions worldwide.
Our people
We support our clients and Network to lead transformational change through Foresight, Education, Convening and innovation. Our professional staff in Operations and Communications and Marketing provide strategic and operational support services to enable the organisation to deliver impact and excellence.
Our home
The Entopia Building is CISL's ultra-sustainable home in the heart of Cambridge. From the outset, the Entopia Building project aspired to demonstrate and highlight how global trends and challenges can be addressed meaningfully at the scale of a single building. The building embodies our mission to develop leadership and solutions for a sustainable economy.
Where we work
We operate in countries across six global regions – UK and Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. We have offices in Cambridge, Brussels and Cape Town, with delivery partners in Beijing, Chile, Melbourne and the UAE.
