Designed exclusively for UN System directors (D1/D2), the UN Leadership Catalyst Series provides a reflective, high-impact learning space to examine, adapt, and elevate leadership practice in the face of volatility and uncertainty.

Introduction

Today's UN leaders are navigating an environment of unprecedented change, volatility, and complexity. Strategic agility, clarity of vision and the ability to mobilize teams through uncertainty have never been more critical. Aligned with UN 2.0, the UN Leadership Catalyst Series offers UN system directors a dedicated space to connect with peers and expert faculty to:

  • Catalyse adaptive leadership for greater impact, during uncertain times;
  • Leverage practical tools and strategies to mobilise teams during times of change; and
  • Drive strategic alignment for more resilient, adaptive teams and systems.
Objectives

As participants go through the UN Leadership Catalyst Series - Leading in Uncertainty, they will:​

  • Strengthen their adaptive leadership capacity to make sense of emergent complexity, navigate uncertainty, and respond with agility.
  • Mobilise themselves and their teams by applying practices to remain mindful, resilient, and present, effectively engaging teams during times of disruption.
  • Amplify leadership impact through purposeful conversations, values-based decisions and integration of new practices supported by reflection and individual coaching.
Course methodology

The programme combines structured learning and peer dialogue over three webinars, each four hours in duration. 

Learning modalities will include: 

  • Expert input and dialogue: Each session is led by faculty with deep expertise in change, team dynamics, psychological safety, and systems acumen. 
  • Live case analysis: Participants bring real-time challenges to examine through guided frameworks and peer consultation. 
  • Interactive team simulations: Practical exercises and small-group discussions to test and apply key principles in real-time. 
  • Online learning platform: A resource hub of supplementary readings, reflection tools, and team diagnostics accessible throughout the programme. 
Course contents

The programme will comprise three deep-dive sessions, covering the following themes and topics:

Session I - Sharpening Sense-making and Decision Skills for Uncertainty

  • Decode accelerating change and strengthen agile leadership capabilities;
  • Enhance judgment and make more impactful, values-driven choices amid ambiguity.

Session 2 - Leading Self and Team Through Disruption

  • Foster resilience and facilitate momentum for your team and yourself;
  • Lead with reflective inquiry and dialogue to inspire increased trust.

Session 3 - Looking Ahead: Futures Thinking| Application and Integration

  • Break through personal barriers to change and embed new leadership practices.
  • Draw on principles and practices from futures thinking to strengthen leadership capacities for the future.
Target audience

Senior UN staff at the D1/D2 levels;

Senior staff operating in relevant fields of international cooperation in complex, fast-changing contexts.

By open enrolment or nomination. (Please note that some UN organizations follow an internal nomination process to identify candidates for the programme).

Cost of participation

The tuition for the programme is $ 1,200, inclusive of access to all sessions, materials and access to the learning platform for one year.