Ecosystem Leadership for Development

The Ecosystem Leadership for Development (ELD) program is designed to cultivate leaders capable of driving sustainable, inclusive development through an ecosystemic approach. As development challenges grow in complexity, they demand a type of leadership that transcends sectors, fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration, and integrates diverse perspectives to create resilient systems. ELD empowers leaders from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to become champions of transformative, ecosystem-based solutions, creating positive, lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

Why Ecosystem Leadership?
In today’s interconnected world, development issues such as poverty, climate change, and health crises are not isolated; they’re interlinked and mutually reinforcing. Ecosystem Leadership recognizes these connections and empowers leaders to navigate and leverage complex networks to drive sustainable change. Leaders trained in ecosystem thinking can engage multiple sectors, align diverse resources, and address root causes of development challenges effectively, building robust solutions that are both inclusive and sustainable.

Program Structure

1. Core Modules
   The ELD program’s core modules cover essential competencies, including:

   • Systems Thinking for Development: Learn to analyze and interpret complex social, economic, and environmental systems to identify leverage points for change.

   • Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation: Gain skills in multi-stakeholder collaboration, negotiation, and facilitation to foster collective action across diverse groups.

   • Adaptive Leadership: Develop the capacity to lead through uncertainty, embrace adaptive challenges, and foster innovation within dynamic development contexts.

   • Equity and Inclusion in Development: Understand the importance of inclusive approaches to ensure that marginalized communities are represented and empowered in development processes.

2. Experiential Learning Labs
   ELD’s Labs provide real-world training and hands-on experiences where participants apply their learning to local development challenges. Each Lab is a collaborative space where participants work directly with communities, NGOs, and policymakers to design, test, and refine solutions that are responsive to real-world conditions.

3. Field Immersions
   Participants engage in field immersions within diverse development ecosystems, including urban slums, rural communities, and indigenous lands, where they work alongside local leaders to understand grassroots challenges and co-develop ecosystem solutions.

4. Capstone Project
   Each participant completes a capstone project, allowing them to address a specific development issue within their own region or organization. Through a structured mentorship process, they create actionable plans and strategies that can be implemented to bring about sustainable, scalable impact.

5. Coaching and Mentorship
   ELD offers individualized coaching sessions and mentorship from experienced ecosystem leaders. Participants receive support as they tackle real-time challenges in their capstone projects and professional lives, ensuring they are well-equipped to apply ecosystem leadership principles post-program.

Program Impact
The ELD program has equipped leaders across Asia to address complex development issues with innovative, systemic approaches. Our alumni have gone on to lead projects in areas such as climate resilience, health systems strengthening, and social entrepreneurship, driving solutions that benefit not only individuals but entire communities and regions.

Who Should Apply?
This program is open to mid- and senior-level professionals in development, government, civil society, academia, and the private sector who aspire to lead sustainable change. Ideal candidates are those who are:

• Passionate about advancing inclusive, sustainable development

• Eager to engage with diverse stakeholders and work collaboratively

• Committed to applying ecosystem leadership principles in their work environments

How to Apply
Applications are open for our upcoming cohort. We invite committed, visionary leaders to join this journey toward creating resilient development ecosystems. Application details, deadlines, and eligibility criteria can be found below.