100 Senior executives make strides in improving the green transition

Every year, the Swedish Institute organises the Global Executive Leadership Programme for senior executives from sectors related to sustainability and the green transition. From May to November 2025, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of online learning, workshops, expert-led lectures, and peer exchange, culminating in an immersive week in Sweden. As part of the programme, each participant developed a strategic business project based on their organisation’s needs, with guidance from experienced coaches and sustainability experts. These projects addressed real-world challenges and opportunities, helping leaders turn sustainability goals into actionable strategies that drive change.

Santi Manurung, Vice President of Sustainability at PT Pertamina International Shipping (Indonesia) shares how the programme has supported her:

‘I’ve gotten so much inspiration from my peers. The programme has helped me build confidence in my leadership capabilities and in my vision for the company. It has strengthened my strategy and reminded me that anything is possible. It has also helped me focus on what truly matters in my work on sustainability. I’m very grateful for this experience – thank you.’

The SI Global Executive Programme featured sessions that combined strategy with valuable insights. Swedish companies and organisations, including Houdini, the Exponential Roadmap Initiative, Vinnova, and RISE, shared approaches to integrating sustainability into business operations. Team Sweden partners, including Business Sweden, Kommerskollegium, the National Board of Trade, NIR (International Council of Swedish Industry), Sida, Swedfund, the Swedish Energy Agency, and Viable Cities, also contributed. The sessions provided helpful input to support participants’ strategic projects and fostered a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities linked to the green transition.

Sweden Week: Immersive learning in Stockholm

A key part of the SI Global Executive Programme took place in October, when participants travelled to Stockholm for Sweden Week. The visit provided a chance to meet in person, expand global networks, and connect with Swedish companies and organisations at the forefront of sustainability.

From climate-smart food systems and circular waste management to electrified transport and green urban development, Sweden Week provided insight into how sustainability is being integrated into business strategies.

Global Executive Forum: Building connections for a sustainable future

The final day of Sweden Week ended with the Global Executive Forum, which brought together two hundred participants, along with representatives from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Team Sweden, and Swedish companies working in sustainability across renewable energy, responsible mining, sustainable manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure. Anna Rudels, Head of Department for Sweden Communication and Promotion at SI, welcomed participants to the Forum and spoke to the importance of international collaboration in driving the green transition:

‘Today, the corporate sector is leading the global push towards sustainability. We no longer ask ourselves how to integrate sustainability into our core business strategies – sustainability is the starting point. Swedish companies are innovating to reduce their environmental impact while creating competitive advantages. However, we need partnerships, and Sweden has much to learn from others. Innovation knows no borders, and today this room brings together forward-thinking leaders from across the globe.’

What comes next – from strategy to action

While the SI Global Executive Programme 2025 has officially ended, the work continues; in companies, across industries and communities, and in the decisions shaping the future. Participants return to their organisations with strengthened capabilities to lead change, a deeper understanding of sustainable strategic business development, and the skills to manage complexity. As graduates, they are invited to join the Sweden Alumni Network, a global community of over 20,000 leaders committed to sustainable development.