The Executive Programme

About the programme 

The programme philosophy is grounded in collaboration and exchange, bringing together diverse expertise, perspectives, and experiences. Although the programme is based on the theories that have shaped and explained the current state of the world, its focus is forward-oriented, with emphasis on the practical aspects of health diplomacy and what future health leaders may require to succeed.  

In short 

• Practical Learning: Use lessons from experienced leaders in your work immediately 
• Networking: Build genuine relationships with fellows and faculty 
• Career Development: New avenues for organizations to train and retain talent 
• Research Opportunities: Contribute to pioneering studies on health diplomacy 

Teaching and education 

The programme has been designed to prioritize experiential learning over traditional teaching methods, placing interaction, pragmatism, and real-world application that empowers future leaders at its centre.  

With five online workshops, and a five-day masterclass in Sweden, we deliver the programme around a practitioner-to-practitioner rather than a student-teacher model, bringing some of the most experienced leaders in the global health sphere together with the course participants.  

The programme is built on the sharing of real present or past personal experiences from navigating in regional or global political contexts for health (including storytelling, debates and peer-to-peer learning). Participants will also be guided by relevant reading material (books and short articles) as well as existing short online video sessions and podcasts.  

Learning objectives  

The Executive Programme will cover four important dimensions and competences for health diplomacy based on the competency framework developed by the Health Diplomacy Institutional Network:  

1. Political analysis/insights and diplomacy skills  

• Recognize and navigate political dynamics and power structures across diverse contexts.  
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of formal and informal political decision-making processes, including the powers and influence of various stakeholders.  
• Apply negotiation skills and strategies to build relationships and foster collaboration effectively.  
• Integrate health diplomacy priorities with broader political objectives to align and advance shared goals.  
• Navigate the intersection of global health and foreign policy with domestic and regional priorities, ensuring coordinated approaches.  

2. Strategic decision making and transformative leadership  

• Demonstrate strong leadership skills and drive change and innovation.  
• Assess and take calculated risks in complex environments.  
• Uphold ethical principles and values.  
• Use data and evidence to shape and influence high-level decisions.  
• Manage uncertainty effectively and adapt to evolving challenges.  

3. Cross-culture and cross sector communication  

• Build trust, nurture relationships, and form effective networks across sectoral, geographical, cultural, and political boundaries.  
• Leverage health to influence political and policy-related decision-making.  
• Understand how the private sector impacts and can contribute to political and health policy decisions.  

4. Coalition building and advocacy  

• Understand when, how, and what to communicate.  
• Engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including governments, international agencies, and communities.  
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability in multicultural settings.  

Across these four dimensions, the cross-cutting theme of passion and clear personal values will be integrated.    

Participant profile and eligibility criteria 

The programme enrols mid-career professionals from all regions of the world and has a geographically representative and gender-balanced mix of participants from the public and private sectors and civil society.  

The participants have the following background and qualifications:  

• Minimum five years of specific experience from having managed or contributed to political processes of relevance to health at regional or global level.
• 10-15 years of relevant and professional working experience from either public or private sector, civil society, international organisations or foundations 
• Proven commitment to and knowledge about health trends and improvements.  
• Excellent knowledge about the international system of relevance to health.  
• Strong motivation for how this programme will contribute to their continued career development, and ability to meet the required time commitment.  

After the programme 

After completion a certificate will be issued jointly by Karolinska Institutet and the Stockholm School of Economics.   

The participants will be part of a vibrant and growing network of emerging health leaders, the Community of Health Diplomacy Practitioners, for ongoing exchange and collaboration.   

Programme management

The programme will be coordinated and managed by the Department of Global Health at Karolinska Institutet, in collaboration with the Center for Resilient Health at the Stockholm School of Economics.

Contacts