AKFC Global Leadership Program brings together Canadian mid-career professionals from across sectors to explore the forces shaping our world and connect with others committed to a more peaceful, prosperous, and pluralist world for all.
The program brings together diverse Canadians from diverse sectors, including, but not limited to 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 more broadly.
2025 Faculty 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
- Nathalie Sirois, Senior Manager, Education, Global Center for Pluralism
- Clifford Mushquash, Advisor, Indigenous Engagement, McMaster Health Forum
- Roland Paris, Director, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa
More to be added shortly.
We are currently accepting applications. Create an account through our application portal and submit the application form before the deadline of June 8, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.
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 seminar from locations within Canada.
If you have questions, please contact [email protected]
No, this program is open to people working in any sector.
Applicants must submit a complete application by June 8, 2025. AKFC assesses all applications received based on skills, experience, and personal suitability for the program. A cohort will be designed to ensure diversity across sector, geography, lived experience, ethnicity, ability, career paths, perspectives, and leadership styles.
Interviews begin in June 2025. Only successful applicants will be invited for an interview.
Following the interview stage, the selected candidates will receive an offer to join the 2025 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 cost of the virtual engagement sessions and in-person seminar in Ottawa, including travel to and from Ottawa from anywhere in Canada between November 2 and 6, 2025, accommodation, meals, and logistics are covered by the program.
The overseas learning experience (TBC) will require some contribution from participants. Further details will be shared shortly.
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.
Approximately 40 applicants will be selected to participate in the program.
Yes, a certificate of completion will be provided.
- 1x 1-hour opening session
- 2 x 1-hour group coaching and peer learning group sessions pre-Ottawa seminar
- 8 x 1-1.5hour virtual learning sessions
- 3.5 days/4 nights in Ottawa in November 2025, plus travel
- Overseas learning experience (TBC): approximately 10 days (optional)
A virtual soft launch of the program, followed by peer group sessions to get to know one another, plus group coaching sessions with an executive coach to reflect on personal and professional objectives.
Virtual learning sessions in the lead-up to the in-person program will prepare participants for the Ottawa program, covering foundational topics that will ensure a common starting point for all participants. After the Ottawa program, sessions will serve as an opportunity to continue learning and engagement.
Virtual session schedule:
- Session 1 (Opening session): September 10, 12:00 pm – 1:30: pm ET
- Session 2 (Pluralism): October 14, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ET
- One group coaching session and one networking session prior to in-person Ottawa seminar, dates and times to be confirmed.
All other virtual session dates will be shared well in advance.
The Ottawa in-person seminar offers opportunities to engage with global issues hands-on and learn from sector leaders. Running from early Sunday evening through Thursday afternoon, the seminar features full days of programming with scheduled breaks throughout.
The primary location is the Delegation of the Ismail Imamat; some sessions will be held at other nearby locations, such as the Global Centre for Pluralism.
The cost of travel from anywhere in Canada, accommodation, and meals of the in-person seminar in Ottawa is fully covered by the program.
An optional overseas learning experience is being considered for program participants. Participants would need to contribute to the cost of the trip. More details will be provided shortly.
