2-day programme: Sustainability leadership for business

Overview & Accreditation
This intensive two-day programme, officially accredited by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), brings together world-class expertise in sustainability to support business leaders in embedding sustainability into strategic practice. Upon completion, participants receive a prestigious UNITAR executive certificate and join the CIFAL Surrey and UNITAR Alumni cohort.

What to Expect

• Delivered by leading sustainability experts from the University of Surrey, alongside guest industry speakers and keynote addresses from UNITAR.

• Practical, impact-driven learning sessions that move from theory to real-world case studies.

• Stakeholder engagement work and the development of personal leadership action plans.

• Interactive, peer-to-peer elements such as evening panels, reflection circles, sustainable business showcases, and wellbeing walks foster networking and collaboration.

Detailed Programme Structure
Day One – Setting the Scene:

• Welcome address and UNITAR keynote

• Module 1: The world in 2025: Understanding local and global challenges and trends for business

• Module 2: Navigating evolving sustainability disclosure requirements for business

• Module 3: Managing stakeholders for impact: mapping, salience, and prioritisation

• Peer reflection group and evening panel discussion

Day Two – Developing Business Response:

• Module 4: Embedding sustainability into business strategy: measuring and managing holistically

• Module 5: Doing business in an ecologically real world: the emergence of ecocentric and regenerative business

• Module 6: Articulating and activating organisational purpose

• Module 7: Developing an actionable leadership plan

• Closing circle: CIFAL Surrey and UNITAR call to action

Key Details

• Dates: 6–7 November 2025

• Location: University of Surrey, UK

• Price: To be confirmed

• Booking Info: Early-bird booking and group options available. Interested participants should register via email: cifal@surrey.ac.uk

Discovery Session (Optional Prelude)
A two-hour free “Discovery Session” will be held on campus on Thursday, 11 September 2025 (5 PM–7 PM). This session allows prospective attendees to meet the trainers, explore what’s involved, and ask questions before securing a place in the main programme.