Institute of Sustainability logo; Cifal Surrey logo

Training

2-day programme: Sustainability leadership for business

Dates: 6-7 November 2025

The programme is officially accredited by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

What to expect

World-class learning

  • The programme is delivered by leading experts on sustainability at the University of Surrey, as well as guest industry speakers and UNITAR keynote addresses.
  • Participants will receive the prestigious UNITAR executive certificate of completion, which effectively includes participants into CIFAL Surrey and UNITAR Alumni cohort.

Impact and results-oriented activities

  • Learning sessions that move from theory to case studies to meet participants where they are.
  • Encourages deep stakeholder engagement work and writing out your leadership action plan.

Networking and interactive opportunities

Peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities:

  • Evening panels
  • Reflection circles
  • Sustainable business showcases
  • Wellbeing walks.

CIFAL Surrey alumni cohort:

  • Develop professional stakeholder relationships with the University of Surrey’s support systems, offering support, capacity development, and research and innovation opportunities.

Programme

Day one - Setting the scene: Understanding current trends and why they matter
  • Welcome address and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) keynote presentation
  • 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 prioritization
  • Peer reflection group and evening panel discussion
Day two - Developing business response: designing an actionable leadership plan
  • 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 for action

Meet your trainers

Amelia Hadfield profile image

Professor Amelia Hadfield

Director of CIFAL Surrey; Co-Director of the Institute for Sustainability

Tazeeb Rajwani profile image

Professor Tazeeb Rajwani

Professor of International Business and Strategy, University of Surrey Business School; CIFAL Senior Advisor

Saori Sugeno profile image

Dr Saori Sugeno

Senior Lecturer in Finance and Corporate Governance, University of Surrey Business School; CIFAL Senior Advisor

Roberta Discetti profile image

Dr Roberta Discetti

Lecturer in Business Ethics and Sustainability, and CIFAL Training Director, Institute for Sustainability

Nayanee Silva profile image

Dr Nayanee Silva

Associate Lecturer in Corporate Sustainability; Senior Advisor Corporate Sustainability and Strategic Partnerships CIFAL Surrey

Matteo Giusti profile image

Dr Matteo Giusti

Researcher in Sustainability Science and Surrey Future Fellow, Institute for Sustainability; CIFAL Senior Advisor

Pat Dwyer

Pat Dwyer

Founder, The Purpose Business; CIFAL Senior Advisor for Purpose-Driven Leadership

Nathalie Hinds profile image

Nathalie Hinds

Director of Operations, Institute for Sustainability

Kat Mack

Kat Mack

Head of Engagement at Surrey Research Park; CIFAL Senior Advisor

Key information

Register your interest

Limited places available; please email us to register your interest. 

  • Dates: 6-7 November 2025
  • Location: University of Surrey, UK
  • Price: To be confirmed
  • Early-bird booking and group options available: get in touch to discuss your requirements - cifal@surrey.ac.uk