Applications for the 2025 programme are now open.
This intensive course is designed for postgraduate students in the field of international development and sustainability with an interest in Africa. It is conducted by UNU-IAS in collaboration with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Africa Center and the East Africa Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO). The course will consist of nine modules focusing on three themes: (i) Innovative Leadership and Development in Africa, (ii) Economic Growth, Technology and Sustainability, and (iii) Governance and Democracy.
The course will provide an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in Africa. Participants will learn from leading scholars and development practitioners from governments, academia, the private sector and civil society about innovative leadership, governance and public policy, development and sustainability on the African continent. The online course includes lectures, workshops, panel sessions and activities augmented by a variety of online teaching modalities and resources to enable participants to consider a variety of leadership approaches undertaken across different disciplines and fields. At the end of the course, participants will develop individual actions to enhance their engagement in research, policy and practice to contribute to sustainable development in Africa.
Participants who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a certificate.
Language
This programme will be conducted in English.
Eligibility
Postgraduate students enrolled in master’s and PhD programmes who are interested in international cooperation and the SDGs in Africa.
Applications
To apply for this programme, please use the online application form. The application deadline is 3 February 2025 (10:00 JST).
Schedule
The sessions will be conducted online from 11 February to 25 March 2025 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 16:00–18:00 in Tokyo (JST) and 10:00–12:00 in Kenya (UCT/GMT+3).
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
Engage with African leaders in diverse sectors to understand innovative leadership strategies driving sustainable development in Africa
Develop practical skills in strategic planning, agenda setting, and community engagement tailored to Africa’s unique development challenges
Deepen their knowledge of interdisciplinary approaches, including technology, bioeconomy and governance, to address complex sustainability issues
Explore best practices in governance, social innovation and public management while building a network of professionals and peers committed to sustainability in Africa
Design a research proposal on a critical sustainability topic, integrating insights from course discussions and professional guidance
Expected Speakers
Tshilidzi Marwala (Rector, UNU; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations)
Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi (Director, UNU-IAS)
Philip Osano (Centre Director, Stockholm Environment Institute Africa, Kenya; Board Member, UNU-IAS)
Fortunate Muyambi (Deputy Executive Director, East Africa Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO))
Dorothy Amwata (Professor and Dean, School of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Muranga University of Technology)
Contact
Please send your inquiries to ias.gltp@unu.edu
Background
Since 2013 UNU-IAS has implemented the Global Leadership Training Programme in Africa (GLTP) with support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT). Designed to provide Japanese postgraduate students with opportunities to conduct field research in Africa, it has been redeveloped in 2021 as an online training course to enhance understanding of diverse issues in Africa from global and local perspectives.