The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is inviting applications for the Global Leadership Training Programme for Sustainable Development in Africa, an intensive online certificate programme designed for postgraduate students interested in international development, sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.
The programme is delivered by UNU-IAS in collaboration with New York University and the University of Johannesburg. It provides participants with opportunities to learn from African leaders, academics, researchers and practitioners working across diverse sectors, including governance, health, education, technology, environmental sustainability, engineering, law and human rights.
The programme is particularly relevant to postgraduate students seeking to strengthen their understanding of Africa’s development challenges while developing practical leadership, strategic planning and community engagement skills.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for postgraduate students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programmes who have an interest in international cooperation and the SDGs in Africa.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate an interest in sustainable development and the broader development priorities affecting African societies. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme makes it relevant to students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds.
The programme will be conducted entirely in English, making proficiency in English important for active participation in lectures, workshops, discussions and other learning activities.
What Participants Will Learn
The Global Leadership Training Programme provides participants with exposure to diverse leadership approaches and development practices from across Africa.
Through lectures, workshops, online resources and interactive activities, participants will explore leadership and sustainable development from both global and local perspectives.
Key learning areas include:
• Innovative leadership and ethical development practices
• Democracy, civic engagement and public policy
• Governance and public management
• Community mobilisation and civil society engagement
• Human rights and social innovation
• Strategic planning and agenda setting
• Sustainable development and the SDGs
• Cross-disciplinary approaches to development challenges
Participants will also have opportunities to engage with African leaders and development practitioners working in fields such as health, education, environmental studies, technology, governance, engineering and human rights.
Networking and Professional Development
A major feature of the programme is its emphasis on international networking and collaboration.
Participants will have opportunities to connect with postgraduate students, researchers, faculty members and development practitioners from Africa and Asia. These interactions are intended to encourage knowledge exchange, professional relationships and future collaboration between organisations and individuals working toward sustainable development.
The programme will also help participants evaluate development practices in different African contexts and determine how relevant approaches can be adapted to specific community and institutional needs.
By developing skills in strategic planning, community engagement and agenda setting, participants can strengthen their capacity to contribute to development initiatives in academic, governmental, civil society and private-sector environments.
Programme Format and Schedule
The programme is delivered online, allowing participants to engage with the training without relocating.
The 2026 programme is scheduled to run from 14 October to 13 November 2026, with sessions taking place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 17:00 to 19:00 Tokyo time (JST/UTC+9).
The programme has a duration of approximately four weeks.
Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate from UNU-IAS.
Programme Cost
The programme fee is 50,000 Japanese yen (JPY).
Prospective applicants should consider the programme schedule and time-zone requirements before submitting an application, particularly those participating from African countries or other regions outside Japan.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Global Leadership Training Programme for Sustainable Development in Africa must be submitted by 14 September 2026 at 10:00 JST.
Interested postgraduate students are encouraged to review the programme information carefully and submit their applications before the deadline.
Programme: Global Leadership Training Programme for Sustainable Development in Africa
Institution: United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
Programme Type: Certificate programme
Study Mode: Online
Duration: Four weeks
Start Date: 14 October 2026
End Date: 13 November 2026
Language: English
Fee: 50,000 JPY
Eligibility: Master’s and doctoral students interested in international cooperation and the SDGs in Africa
Application Deadline: 14 September 2026, 10:00 JST
How to Apply
Eligible postgraduate students interested in strengthening their leadership and sustainable development capabilities can submit their applications through the official online application form provided by UNU-IAS.
The programme offers an opportunity to gain knowledge from African development leaders, expand international networks and develop practical skills that can support future contributions to sustainable development across Africa.
For applicants pursuing careers in international development, public policy, governance, sustainability, human rights or related fields, the programme can provide valuable interdisciplinary exposure and opportunities for professional growth.
For more information, applicants should consult the official UNU-IAS programme page and programme brochure before applying.
