From Nobel Prize Summit to local impact – meet Sujeena Shakya

Insights from the Nobel Prize Teacher Summit

In collaboration with the Nobel Prize Museum, the Swedish Institute awards scholarships to exceptional educators for the Nobel Prize Teacher Summit and an extended four-day programme. The initiative includes school visits and workshops, fostering professional development and cross-cultural exchange among teachers from diverse backgrounds.

Alongside 35 dedicated teachers, Sujeena participated in the summit and the extended programme. A particular highlight for her was exploring the connection between personal experiences and broader educational journeys, emphasising the transformative power of storytelling. She summarised her key takeaways:

‘One of my insights from the summit was the importance of our lived experiences in shaping our life journeys. The way some of the speakers used storytelling to relate their successes with childhood experiences, including the role of teachers in shaping their lives, was very inspiring. I really appreciated the way complex ideas and concepts were explained through simple everyday realities, which we could easily relate to.’

A Leader Lab alumna

As an SI Leader Lab alumna, Sujeena is no stranger to SI programmes. Her participation in the 2018 SI Leader Lab programme profoundly shaped her leadership approach. Sujeena shares her reflections:

‘Leader Lab helped me explore, understand and internalize different aspects of leadership, particularly associated with empathetic leadership. As a result, I now tend to understand issues from others’ perspectives before forming any opinions or taking any decisions. It has also helped me realise that accepting and embracing our vulnerabilities requires courage and is an important part of leadership.’

Upcoming projects for 2025

Today, Sujeena serves as a board member of the Sweden Alumni Nepal network. Looking ahead, she plans to host the Nobel Prize Teacher Hub in January 2025. This initiative aims to foster knowledge-sharing and collaboration bridging global insights with local applications.

‘I have been in constant communication with teachers from Thames International College, affiliated with Tribhuwan University in Nepal, to organise an online event. The goal is to share key insights from the Nobel Prize Teacher Summit 2024 with teachers and faculty members.’

Advice for new Sweden Alumni

As an experienced member of the Sweden Alumni network, Sujeena offers valuable advice for recent graduates and SI Programme participants:

‘Engage actively in the alumni network and design, or be a part of projects, skill development activities, or networking events that align with their field of interest and the key priority areas of the Sweden Alumni Network. These initiatives significantly enhance leadership and networking.’

She also emphasises the value of sharing experiences:

‘Share your valuable experiences and learnings from Sweden with those who are keen on studying or participating in SI leadership programmes. This not only inspires others but also strengthens the alumni community.’

Through her leadership journey, Sujeena exemplifies how global programmes and networks can inspire local action and foster sustainable change. Her reflections highlight the power of empathy, storytelling, and community engagement in shaping effective leaders.