Creating A Sustainable Future: Leadership and Technology
Course objectives
By the end of the programme, you have:
- Gained a clear understanding of how sustainability trends shape industries and societies.
- Deepened your insight into the ethical, social and environmental implications of new technologies.
- Reflected on your leadership role in addressing global sustainability challenges.
- Recognised how your organisation contributes to and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Developed practical strategies and a personal Sustainability Action Plan.
- Joined a lifelong network of sustainability leaders and innovators through MSM’s Sustainability Community.
Course topics
The course consists of three interconnected components, Technology, Leadership, and Mentoring, offering a powerful mix of scientific understanding, leadership development and practical implementation.
1. Technology Component
Explore how emerging technologies are transforming sustainability across key sectors:
- Sustainability: Myths and Realities
- National and Corporate Sustainability Strategies
- Energy, Manufacturing, Construction and Transport
- Climate-Smart Agriculture and Circular Economy
- Waste Management and Resource Efficiency
- ​Climate Finance and Carbon Trading
2. Leadership Component
Develop the mindset and skills to lead complex transformation:
- Leadership for Sustainability
- Building Resilient Organisations and High-Performance Cultures
- Strategic Execution and Stakeholder Engagement
- Navigating Technological Change
- Supply Chain Responsibility
- Managing Media and Corporate Reputation
3. Mentoring component
Each participant receives individual guidance from an MSM tutor:
- Before the residential week – virtual sessions to define learning goals.
- During the week in Maastricht – in-person meetings to refine your sustainability plan.
- After the programme – three online sessions over four months to complete and implement your plan.
- You’ll also participate in peer coaching groups, creating a lasting international network. Graduates become part of the Maastricht Sustainability Leaders (MSL), a global community for continuous learning and collaboration.
Beyond the classroom
The residential week in Maastricht is enriched by social and networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect in an inspiring setting:
- Guided city tour of Maastricht
- Networking dinners, cultural events and guest speaker evenings
- Celebration lunch and closing dinner
Teaching methods
The programme blends academic depth with practical application, using highly interactive methods designed to inspire reflection and action.
Learning methods include:
- Expert lectures and real-life case studies
- Video insights from industry leaders
- Group exercises, simulations and peer learning
- Individual and team assignments
Active participation is central to the experience. You will learn from diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions and co-create solutions with peers and faculty. Grounded in the principles of adult learning, the approach is designed to engage, motivate and empower.
Your profile
This programme is designed for senior leaders and decision-makers, including C-suite executives, board members, senior managers, and public or non-profit leaders, who share a commitment to driving measurable sustainability change.
With a maximum of 25 participants, the experience is highly personal and interactive. Admission is based on pre-selection, including an online interview and personality assessment.
This programme is for you if you:
- Feel a personal responsibility to address environmental challenges in your organisation or community.
- Seek practical tools to design and implement sustainability strategies that work.
- Want to build partnerships or consulting services that advance sustainability goals.
- Aspire to coach or mentor others in sustainable leadership.
- Are considering a career move into the growing green economy.
- Wish to join MSM’s global sustainability community and stay connected to emerging insights and innovations.
Certificate
Each participant receives a certificate of participation.
This certificate is being awarded as evidence of participation in a post-graduate training at indicative level 6 or 7 of the EQF. The minimum study load is 14 hours and an attendance level of 80% is required. This certificate is being awarded in the form of a soft copy when the training is online or a hard copy during a face-to-face training. The certificate will mention your full name, training title, training date and comprising core topics. Click here for more information about the MSM certification policy.
