In a complex world where global forces are affecting our quality of life, where interconnectedness is the norm and challenges require collective action, exercising global leadership is essential. The Global Leadership Program is a new initiative of AKFC designed to equip Canadian professionals with the intellectual insight and practical ingenuity to navigate and shape our world.
We all have a role to play in building a future where we all thrive together.
This program brings together a diverse cohort of mid-career Canadian professionals from across sectors to explore the forces shaping our societies and connect with others committed to a more peaceful, prosperous, and pluralist world for all.
Through collaboration and shared learning, participants explore global and local challenges and consider Canada’s role, and their own, in addressing them.
Applications for the 2025-26 cohort have been extended to Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET.
Please note: The cost of travel from anywhere in Canada, accommodation, and meals of the in-person seminar in Ottawa is fully covered by the program.
About the program
This program features a combination of online resources, virtual learning and engagement sessions, and an immersive four-day in-person program in Ottawa. An optional overseas learning experience may also be available for participants.
Engage with seasoned thought leaders and practitioners in dynamic learning sessions. The program brings together global experts to share knowledge and guide discussions about core aspects of global leadership while inviting participants to apply a global lens to their own context, mandate, and leadership practice. Participants will learn through a combination of guided learning, case study review, peer-to-peer and collaborative learning, immersive reflective exercises, energizing simulations, networking, individual and group reflection, and group coaching.
Exchange, collaborate, and build relationships. This program creates opportunities to exchange, collaborate, and reflect on new ideas, as well as build connections related to global leadership. Participants are encouraged to break down silos, learn from others’ different experiences, and, in turn, share their own experiences and perspectives to shape the conversations.
Develop the mindset and skillset to be more insightful, effective leaders. Participants will leave the program equipped to approach complexities in our interconnected world not with a sense of despair but with a sense of agency and hope. They will be able to think critically about how global issues impact their work and consider what they can do to address these issues in their roles as Canadian leaders.
Ultimately, each participant holds the key to their own learning and growth in the program—the more they engage and participate actively, the more they’ll flourish and thrive.
Being a part of this program doesn’t end with online and formal in-person online learning—it opens a lifetime of opportunities, connections, and growth.
| Activity | Timeframe |
| Launch of applications | May 5, 2025 |
| Applications close | June 8, 2025 (extended to June 18, 2025) |
| Interview period | June – July, 2025 |
| Decisions distributed | by August 8, 2025 |
| Pre-seminar virtual engagement |
September – October, 2025 |
|
Session 1 (Opening session) |
September 10, 12:00 pm – 1:30: pm ET |
|
Session 2 (Pluralism session)
|
October 14, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ET All other virtual session dates will be shared well in advance. |
| Ottawa in-person seminar | November 2 – 6, 2025 |
| Post-seminar virtual learning sessions | December 2025 – May 2026 |
| Overseas learning experience (TBC) | April 2026 |
| End of program | June 2026 |
New geopolitical, social, economic, technical, and environmental forces are driving rapid and far-reaching changes in Canada and globally.
This program provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary exploration of the forces affecting the quality of life of people around the globe. It is a unique opportunity for Canadian leaders to examine the complex connections between global and local challenges and mobilize their ethical imagination, intellectual insight, and practical ingenuity to forge a path forward toward a better future for all.
The program anchors this exploration in the social, economic, political, cultural, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, considering questions of effective and ethical policies and practices, the factors that influence Canada’s aid priorities, and the barriers to alleviating poverty and improving quality of life at home and abroad.
Climate change serves as a lens for exploring fundamental shifts in global politics and how Canada is impacted and responds to them within international institutions and systems.
The program also addresses economic transformation and the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the future of work, the future of populations, and the future of the planet. Participants will explore these interconnected themes in theory and engage in collaborative, real-world problem-solving with peers and faculty.
Central to the program is an active engagement with pluralism—embracing diversity, fostering social cohesion, and building inclusive communities. To fulfill this commitment, the program integrates reflection, accountability, and context-specific strategies, which include activities focused on advancing gender equality and truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Ultimately, this program equips participants with the understanding, tools, and networks needed to drive transformative change and contribute to a world where we all thrive together.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- Be fluent in English.
- Be available to travel to and attend the in-person program in Ottawa between November 2 and 6 (The cost of travel from anywhere in Canada, accommodation, and meals of the in-person seminar in Ottawa is fully covered by the program.)
- Be committed to joining at least 10 virtual learning and coaching sessions before and after the in-person program.
- Complete all questions on the online application form and present all required documentation.
- Demonstrate a clear desire to learn and a demonstrated a commitment to a more peaceful, prosperous, and pluralist world for all.
Please note: If you are selected, a nominal fee of $100 CAD will be expected to secure your spot in the program. AKFC is committed to ensuring this program is accessible to participants regardless of financial status. If you are selected and this fee is a barrier, AKFC would be happy to accommodate this.
For more information, please visit our FAQ page.
Testimonials
“The content and presenters were fantastic but really, the most valuable aspects were the radically candid discussions and relationships forged among the cohort and with faculty.”
Moez Bawania
Founder, AMLB LLP
Toronto, ON
“The curriculum was challenging and expansive, giving me a more compassionate understanding of the world and my place in it.”
Stephanie Nadeau
Founder and Director, Third Angle Projects
Montreal, QC
“Participating in the program was a transformative experience that aligned perfectly with my commitment to fostering inclusive development and impactful leadership.”
Celina Caesar-Chavanes
Senior Advisor, Culture Transformation and Strategic Initiatives, Queens University
Whitby, ON
“Sometimes when you’re swimming hard in your every day routine, special occasions will come to lift your head out of the water and let you take a refreshing breath. AKFC‘s Global Leadership Program kicked off today as a refreshing opportunity to think and connect over how we approach complex problems.“
Jason Wong
Data Scientist, Statistics Canada
Scarborough, ON
“[The program] has surpassed all expectations… From thought-provoking discussions on climate action to innovative solutions for pluralism, each session so far has ignited inspiration and actionable insights.”
Al-Nashir Charania
Project Director, Land & Resource Stewardship, BC Ministry of Water
Victoria, BC
“Not only did [the program] broaden my understanding of many valuable global and leadership topics, it also provided space for me to share my knowledge and educational background, alongside so many others who openly shared their wisdom and experiences.”
Cheryl Sheffield
Program Officer, International and Social Justice Program, Canadian Teachers’ Federation
Ottawa, ON
