Executive Master in International Development

This course explores the complexities of today’s global development challenges through the lens of the polycrisis. Participants will engage with critical debates on conflicting interests, examine traditional and emerging actors, and rethink the role of the international system. Using the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, learners will gain the skills to lead sustainability efforts and design strategies that promote inclusion, equity and environmental protection, addressing the dilemmas facing global development today.

This course redefines leadership, challenging traditional hierarchical models to emphasize cultural, political and human dimensions. It empowers participants to lead from any role, equipping them with diagnostic tools and strategic insights to tackle complex systemic challenges. By fostering an adaptive and inclusive leadership approach, participants will learn to navigate uncertainty, drive change and inspire action across diverse contexts, regardless of formal authority, ultimately making a lasting impact on organizations and communities.

This course delves into the economic development process, addressing key questions like why some economies perform significantly poorly than others and what barriers hinder their progress. Blending theory with practical application, participants will learn to assess economic growth and uncover opportunities for productive diversification. By transforming research into actionable policy insights, they will also gain the skills to influence policy-making, contribute to sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty across countries and regions.

In this course, participants explore the evolution of international development from its post-World War II origins to today's landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic inequalities and climate change. They will analyze diverse actors, including governments, multilateral organizations, civil society and the private sector, while examining the role of innovative financial instruments and public-private cooperation. Focusing on emerging powers and hybrid partnerships, learners will gain the tools to assess strategies and navigate real-world development challenges.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of climate change and its impact on the environment and human development. Learners will explore the science behind climate change, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss, examining how these challenges affect conflict, migration, public health and economic growth. Through case studies on global efforts like the Paris Agreement, participants will gain practical insights into mitigation strategies and the role of governments, NGOs and the private sector in addressing environmental challenges.

This course offers a deep dive into development finance, focusing on tools and strategies to address capital needs for economic development projects. Students will explore capital markets, market imperfections and innovative financial instruments driving economic growth, especially in underserved regions. Emphasizing public-private partnerships and development finance institutions, real-world case studies will illustrate how finance can address global challenges. Participants will gain the skills to design and manage financial programs that support sustainable development.

In this course, learners examine the interconnectedness of humanitarian aid, sustainable development and peacebuilding efforts through the Humanitarian, Development and Peace (HDP) Nexus. They will explore how these fields shape global responses to crises, focusing on the lasting impacts of transitional development cooperation in fragile contexts. Through case studies, participants will learn to operationalize the HDP Nexus, addressing coordination challenges among UN entities, governments, civil society and other key actors.

This course explores how emerging technologies, from frugal innovations to high-tech solutions, can address global challenges such as poverty and climate change. Participants will examine the role of technology in sustainable development across sectors like healthcare, agriculture and energy, while considering potential risks and controversies. Through case studies, they will gain practical insights and develop strategies to integrate technology into sustainability initiatives, becoming equipped to contribute to a more resilient and equitable future.

This course introduces Results-Based Management (RBM) and how it ensures processes and services achieve targeted solutions. Participants will engage with advanced design techniques grounded in theories of change, enhancing their structured thinking, project management, stakeholder engagement and evaluation skills. Through practical applications, they will be empowered to promote and lead positive change, whether in project design and implementation or as strategic consultants to development organizations.

This course examines foresight methods and risk analysis tools within the international development context to enhance organizational effectiveness and responsiveness. Participants will learn to view risk as a multi-dimensional factor that must be identified and managed to achieve goals. They will also cover systematic risk analysis, mitigation strategies and anticipatory actions, learning to design forward-looking policies. Discussions and seminars facilitate further future thinking and scenario-building to improve decision-making in uncertain environments.

This course empowers students to design and evaluate public policies that promote sustainable development, focusing on resolving conflicts between economic, social and environmental objectives. Through case studies, they will explore how policy coherence can be achieved across sectors such as health and education while considering frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ultimately, participants will be skilled in assessing and designing policies that harmonize local and global priorities for greater impact.

This course explores how institutional innovation can drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and transform development organizations. Participants will learn to introduce and implement innovative strategies within international organizations and governments to enhance inclusivity and impact. Focusing on reforming institutions and improving outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, the course provides insights into practical applications of innovation in global development.