AKFC’s Global Leadership Program brings together a diverse cohort of mid-career Canadian professionals from across sectors. Together, participants explore the forces shaping society and connect with others committed to building a more peaceful, prosperous, and pluralist world for all.
The program brings together diverse Canadians from diverse sectors, including, health, education, law, development, corporate, academia, government, and more. The program is designed for individuals with a passion for lifelong learning, a curiosity about world politics and economics, a desire to challenge current paradigms, and an ethical commitment to the wellbeing of humanity.
Program facilitators and guest speakers are experts and thought leaders within the global development sector and beyond.
Past Facilitators and Guest Speakers:
- Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation Canada
- Shakeel Bharmal, Leadership Coach and Facilitator
- Fatema Z. Sumar, Executive Director, Center for International Development, Harvard University
- Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General, Global Centre for Pluralism
- Nathalie Sirois, Senior Manager, Education, Global Center for Pluralism
- Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Managing Director, CCC & Co. | Founder, The Awakened Leadership Institute
- Clifford Mushquash , Advisor, Indigenous Engagement, McMaster Health Forum
- Roland Paris, Director, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa
- Chris MacLennan, Deputy Minister, International Development , Global Affairs Canada
- Rohinton Medhora, Professor of Practice, Institute for the Study of International Development, McGill University
- Rohma Labeeb, Country Director, Pakistan, Accelerate Prosperity
- Mohannad Obaido, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation Syria (virtual)
- Najmuddin Najm, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan (virtual)
- Nancy Booker, Dean, Graduate School of Media and Communication, Aga Khan University (virtual)
- Tinni Sawhney, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation India (virtual)
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed.
Due to the nature of our funding, the Global Leadership Program is only open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Yes, you can apply to the program if you are a Canadian based outside of Canada, but you will be responsible for covering your travel costs to and from Canada.
The program will only cover travel expenses to Ottawa for the in-person residency from locations within Canada.
If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
No, this program is open to people working in any sector.
No. This program is designed for mid-career professionals, but there is no specific age requirement.
Yes! Previous applicants will be required to submit a new application.
Applicants must submit a complete application by the deadline to be considered. AKFC assesses all applications received based on skills, experience, and personal suitability for the program. A cohort will be selected to ensure diversity across sector, geography, lived experience, ethnicity, ability, career paths, perspectives, and leadership styles.
Applicants selected to submit a video interview will be contacted in June 2026.
Following the interview stage, the selected candidates will receive an offer to join the 2026 cohort.
Please note, AKFC does not offer feedback on applications or interviews.
No, please consider applying another time when you can commit to all days of the program.
The program covers the cost of the virtual engagement sessions and in-person seminar in Ottawa, including travel to and from Ottawa from anywhere in Canada between November 1 and 6, 2026, accommodation, meals, and logistics.
The overseas learning experience (TBC) will require some contribution from participants. Further details will be shared.
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 that this program is accessible to participants regardless of financial status. If you are selected and this fee is a barrier, please notify AKFC so that we can accommodate this.
Approximately 40 applicants will be selected to participate in the program.
Yes, a certificate of completion will be provided.
- 1x 1-hour virtual opening session
- 3 X 1-hour mandatory group coaching and learning and engagement sessions
- 10 hours of readings prior to the Ottawa residency (approx.)
- 5.5 days/5 nights in Ottawa in November 2026, plus travel
Please note: Participants will also commit to continued learning and engagement as an alum after the residency program.
A virtual launch of the program with some faculty and alumni, as well as group coaching sessions with an executive coach to reflect on personal and professional objectives, will be organized throughout September and October.
Alumni learning and engagement sessions will continue after the Ottawa residency.
The in-person residency in Ottawa offers opportunities to engage with global issues hands-on and learn from sector leaders. Running from early evening Sunday, November 1, through Friday afternoon, November 6. The residency features full days of programming with scheduled breaks throughout.
The primary location is the Delegation of the Ismail Imamat, where Aga Khan Foundation Canada is headquartered. Some sessions will be held at other nearby locations, such as the Global Centre for Pluralism.
The program fully covers the cost of travel from anywhere in Canada, accommodation, and meals for the residency.
An optional overseas learning experience is being considered for alumni. Participants would need to contribute to the cost of the trip. More details will be provided when available.
