An international programme for senior executives in leadership roles in its 29th year
Our series of Business & Sustainability Programme seminars, held around the world since 1994 have become a global benchmark for sustainability leadership education, amassing a network of over 3,500 alumni.
Each residential seminar takes places across four days with the virtual taking place across 5 half days. The format encourages participation through a combination of lectures, case study presentations, group discussions and individual reflections, giving delegates concrete ideas to take back to their organisations.
The global steering committee
The global steering committee brings together a group of senior-level peers from across business, academia, policy and sustainability to share thoughts and discuss trends that are affecting senior decision-makers. The goal of the steering committee is to ensure that the core curriculum of the programme is cutting-edge and globally applicable. The steering committee includes the following people:
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Jane Farago
Who delivers the programme?
World-class contributors from business, policy and academia
Combining academic excellence, industry expertise and influential thinking for 30 years, the programme is designed and delivered by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Delegates are led by expert faculty and contributors with a proven track record of working with organisations to respond strategically to sustainability challenges. During the seminar, they encourage debate and discussion, guide group work, workshops and syndicate sessions, and help delegates develop their thinking and approach as sustainable business leaders.
Additionally, we draw on a range of experts to deliver and contribute to the programme. Previously, these have included:
- Prof Will Steffen, Climate Change Institute, Australian National University
- Dr Emily Shuckburgh OBE, Director of the Cambridge Zero, University of Cambridge
- Prof Marc Le Menestrel, Affiliate Professor of Decision Sciences, INSEAD
- Ian Ellison, CISL Fellow
- Prof Gerry Gilmore, Professor of Experimental Philosophy at the Institute of Astronomy in the University of Cambridge
- Tom Burke CBE, Chairman and Founding Director of E3G
- Håkan Nordkvist, Head of Sustainability Innovation, IKEA Group
- Louise Ellison, Group Head of Sustainability, Hammerson plc
- Lebo Nke, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
- Mary-Jane Morifi, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, Tiger Brands Ltd
- Vanessa Otto Mentz, CISL Senior Associate
- Zoё Arden, CISL Fellow
Learn more about our exceptional Fellows and Senior Associates.
Who should attend?
Each seminar includes a mix of carefully selected senior executives from a range of geographies and industries, to enhance peer-learning and collaboration.
Leading companies as well as government agencies and development banks use the programme to provide strategic context and support the leadership development of senior staff.
Business leaders operating at a strategic level
Business delegates include company directors and business unit leaders responsible for areas such as strategy, brand and marketing, operations, finance, external affairs, innovation and resources. A few places are also allocated to senior sustainability leaders.
Recent attendees have included decision makers from leading companies such as ABN AMRO, Anglo American, Bank of Communications (HK), Hammerson, Heathrow Airport, IKEA, JLL, Lloyds Banking Group plc, Nestlé SA, PETRONAS, P&G, SABIC, Tata Group, and Tetra Pak.
"CISL provides access to a treasure trove of information, perspective and inspiration to energize the progress on sustainability that we critically need. The quality of content and teaching is outstanding."
Martin Riant, Group President, Procter & Gamble
Decision-makers from public sector, international agencies and civil society
The programme is also highly relevant for leaders from the public sector, city authorities and international agencies who benefit from interacting with peers from the private sector as well as from increasing their understanding of global issues and trends.
Recent attendees have included senior officials from Environment Protection Agencies, the Treasury and International departments, directors from the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank and various UN agencies, and senior leaders from environmental and humanitarian NGOs.
Please refer to the international seminar pages for participant profiles
Selection criteria
- Appropriate senior level position, typically for more than 15 years
- A high level of proficiency in the English language is required for maximum value, participation and enjoyment of the programme
- Ability to pay the fees, or to identify a sponsoring institution
Why apply?
Understand key challenges and explore the opportunity of sustainability
The programme is designed to give senior executives the knowledge and techniques to address key sustainability challenges in a practical way.
Participants are encouraged to review their current business models and set a vision for what success looks like in the future, leaving the course with the inspiration, understanding and confidence to define and respond to pressing social, economic and environmental priorities.
Read about our seminars in Cambridge (UK), Cape Town (South Africa) and Melbourne (Australia).
How to apply
To apply for the seminar please complete the application form. Please note that you will need to complete the online application form in one sitting, so please ensure that you have all required information with you.
If you have a colleague who you feel would be suitable and interested in attending The Prince of Wales's Business & Sustainability Programme, please email us or telephone +44 (0) 1223 768850 and we can share materials for you to pass on.
All nominations are subjected to a robust vetting procedure to ensure delegates build diverse, international networks and foster ideas that cross traditional boundaries.
