Future-proof your career with expert sustainability insights
Join virtual masterclasses with peers from leading companies around the world
Next cohort begins May 13
Registration deadline May 1
Our alumni: 1500 female leaders from 184 companies
Why join the program?
Understand corporate sustainability's strategic value.
Develop leadership skills for sustainability action.
Create plans to drive change and integrate sustainability.
Join a global network committed to a sustainable future.
Young Professionals Program Overview
The six-week program combines online learning, interactive masterclasses, and individual assignments
Week 1: Sustainability in Business
Week 1: Sustainability in Business
- Introduction to the program structure, key themes, and the individual assignment to be developed throughout the program. Participants will explore core sustainability challenges and opportunities, receive an introduction to reflective practices, and hear about opportunities for networking and collaboration.
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Key Themes
- → Program introduction: Structure, key themes and concepts covered, assignment expectations, and networking opportunities
- → Key sustainability challenges and opportunities: Exploring the complexity, urgency and globality of sustainability, and what it means for you and your organization
- → Reflective practice: How to reflect on personal experience and actions throughout the program and tools to facilitate reflective practice
Week 2: Averting the Climate Crisis
Week 2: Averting the Climate Crisis
- In week two we will look at the critical role businesses play in reaching net-zero by 2050 and limiting global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. Participants will explore the science behind the climate crisis, as well as business strategies to successfully navigate challenges and opportunities when it comes to taking impactful climate action.
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Key Themes
- → Foundations of the climate crisis: Grounding in the climate science and expectations for business action in the transition to a net-zero economy
- → Unpacking the decarbonization journey: The essential steps that leading companies take in decarbonizing their business
- → Business case for climate action: Practical examples of climate action to support your organization’s decarbonization journey and long-term success
Week 3: Restoring Nature
Week 3: Restoring Nature
- Week three will focus on nature and the ambitious strategies, investments and transition plans that companies are driving forward with a view to halting and reversing nature loss by 2030. Participants will explore key concepts, frameworks, challenges and opportunities related to nature action.
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Key Themes
- → Foundations of the nature crisis: Unprecedented loss of nature and biodiversity explained, and its relationship with business and society
- → Roadmaps to Nature Positive: Step-by-step guide to credible, impactful nature action, including materiality screening, setting targets and actions, and reporting on progress
- → Business case for nature action: The strategic advantage of avoiding and reducing business impacts on biodiversity as well as restoring and regenerating nature
Week 4: Social Sustainability
Week 4: Social Sustainability
- In week four we will examine the systemic risks posed by mounting levels of inequality around the world and the role that business has to play in addressing it. Participants will learn about the work of the Business Commission to Tackle Inequality and the agenda for private sector action that it has put forward.
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Key Themes
- → Inequality as a systemic risk: Latest trends in inequality and human rights and implications for business, society and the broader sustainability agenda
- → Agenda for business action: Exploring the role of business in tackling inequality and generating shared prosperity for all
- → Practical steps to get started: Identifying, assessing and strategically integrating steps to address inequality-related risks and opportunities
Week 5: Incorporating Sustainability into Performance & Disclosure
Week 5: Incorporating Sustainability into Performance & Disclosure
- Week five will establish the critical link between the financial system and sustainable business transformation. Participants will explore the importance of sustainability data to drive decision-making while also looking at the power of transparency to transform and drive capital allocation in support of more sustainable outcomes.
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Key Themes
- → Accelerating transformation: Integrating sustainability into business strategy, governance, risk management and the core of business management.
- → Aligning finance and sustainability: Building a business case for sustainability by identifying and outlining the financial and intangible drivers of sustainability priorities.
- → Enhancing transparency: Navigating disclosure and reporting around sustainability initiatives to build trust and avoid greenwashing.
Week 6: Translating Learnings into Action
Week 6: Translating Learnings into Action
- Our final week will consist of a peer learning and exchange session on taking action to contribute to your organization’s sustainability journey. Participants will apply knowledge gained throughout the program by presenting their individual action plans and explore collaboration opportunities. This session emphasizes practical implementation and peer learning.
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Key Themes
- → Sustainability action plans: Personalized sustainability action plans shared with peers and feedback for improvement and opportunities for collaboration
- → Effective communication to affect change: Clear, persuasive communication of sustainability initiatives to foster buy-in from stakeholders
- → Inner Development Goals: Five dimensions and 23 adaptive skills that support sustainable transformation
What you’ll get
01
Expert insights and certification from WBCSD
Earn certification from WBCSD after completing the program, taught by sustainability experts with practical, industry experience.
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A powerful global network
Be part of a dedicated network of high-potential leaders united in driving a better future.
03
Dynamic learning experiences
Engage in diverse learning experiences, from interactive lectures to personal projects, to advance your career alongside peers.
Meet our world-class faculty
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Who is this program for:
Open to professionals between 20-32 years old.
Ideal for those with up to 10 years work experience.
High potential leaders within their company
Excellent English proficiency
Ready to take the next step?
Program fee
1,200 CHF
The fee covers a six-week virtual learning journey, access to all learning materials, masterclasses and future networking opportunities.