Over 200 leaders selected to the Swedish Institute’s leadership programmes 2023

Every year around 700 changemakers from countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia are selected to join SI Leadership Programmes. The application round for three of our leadership programmes SI Leader Lab, She Entrepreneurs and Swedish Institute Management Programme (SIMP) has now been finalised and we are happy to welcome 200 + leaders to the ever growing network.

The Swedish Institute has arranged leadership programmes since 2007. The last 15 years 4 000 changemakers have developed their leadership skills and strengthened their networks in one of our programmes. SI Leadership Programmes support leaders from the public and private sector and the civil society to accelerate their impact for sustainable development in their home countries and regions. 

This year we received close to 3800 applications and after a thorough selection process we are happy to welcome 200 new participants  to start the learning journey together! In 2023 all our programmes are carried out both online and onsite for the first time since the pandemic and we look forward to welcome these prominent leaders to Sweden during the year.

 – The 200 + leaders that will take part in our leadership programmes are fantastic leaders who I am sure will contribute to change in their organisations and in the wider society. Aside from the tools and skills they will recieve through the programmes we will also introduce them to the global network of 19 000 + leaders in the SI alumni network. This makes me hopeful for the future, says Adiam Tedros, Head of Unit of Scholarship and Leadership Programmes at the Swedish Institute.    

SI Leader Lab kicked off in March. This leadership programme for civil society leaders in South Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe focuses on advocacy for just, peaceful and inclusive societies. The programme provides the 100+ participants with innovative tools and new forms for collaboration that aims to strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills.  

Swedish Institute Management Programme (SIMP) is a leadership programme for ambitious and innovative business leaders from selected countries in Africa and Asia, who wants to learn how to bridge the gap between desire and action on sustainability. The programme is based on Sweden’s prominent position in innovation and sustainable business – and its connection to the global economy. Last week we kicked-off SIMP Asia, and later in April we will start SIMP Africa. 60 + business leaders have been selected for these two programmes this year. 

She Entrepreneurs is our leadership programme for highly motivated women entrepreneurs in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye who are building successful, scalable and sustainable businesses. The programme provides tangible tools, insights and connections for participants who want to grow their businesses and develop as entrepreneurs, as well as leaders. We are happy to welcome 32 female founders to She Entrepreneurs this year.  

Read more about the work we do to empower leaders here.