A global coalition is setting out to develop a new leadership training paradigm that brings together decision-makers from varying disciplines, professions and geographies, and empowers them with the awareness, knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to use the great acceleration of science for the benefit of people, society and the planet.
The Global Curriculum for Anticipatory Leadership (GCAL) is a pioneering initiative designed to create a new paradigm for leadership training. Launched by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) Foundation with support from Wellcome, GCAL convenes leading academic institutions, business schools, international organizations, diplomacy leaders, industry and civil society partners. Our goal is to help decision-makers navigate the complexities of a world transformed by rapid scientific progress.
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and neurotechnology are reshaping industries, societies and what it means to be human at an unprecedented pace. At the same time, they coincide with challenges to international action and constructive political dialogue.
To address these complexities, today’s leaders need more than just technical knowledge. They require an anticipatory mindset that enables them to foresee and respond to these disruptions effectively.
The reference curriculum is built to be adaptable and scalable, providing a modular framework tailored to regional and sectoral needs. It combines the following pillars:
to help bridge mindsets between communities
to explore future breakthroughs
to understand their implications
to act upon the acquired knowledge and perspectives
By 2027, the GCAL initiative aims to establish an independent, sustainable governance model, supported by a vibrant Community of Practice. This community will serve as both an ambassador for anticipatory leadership and a valuable talent pool for organizations worldwide.
Our long-term vision is to mainstream anticipatory leadership training, ensuring that decision-makers everywhere are prepared to guide society through the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
The Global Curriculum for Anticipatory Leadership is more than a training program. It’s a movement. We invite academic and diplomatic institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations to partner with us and co-create a future-ready leadership framework. Let’s equip the leaders of today and tomorrow with the tools they need to shape a more resilient and inclusive world. Interested in collaborating? Reach out to us at gcal@gesda.global
Through a collaborative network of Pioneeting Partners, we design and test innovative training content, tools, and resources, creating a truly global learning experience that bridges disciplines and cultures.
Intensive, immersive training programs that blend local expertise with global insights, fostering cross-sector dialogue and cooperation. In 2025, they will be hosted in five locations worldwide: Istanbul (Turkey) with Sabancı University; Madrid (Spain) with IE University; Pretoria (South Africa) with the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa; San José (Costa Rica) with INCAE Business School; and Singapore with the National University of Singapore.
Free, accessible training modules using the latest digital learning tools to engage a global audience.
Tailored sessions for top decision-makers at global summits like the G-20 or for incoming UN Security Council members
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As a first demonstration, GESDA initiated Geneva Science Diplomacy Week in 2022 in partnership with Geneva, Swiss and global academic and diplomatic institutions.
The idea was to bring together the current and next generations of leaders from around the world for an intensive week of dialogue and exchange with key international agencies, diplomatic missions, academic institutions, global NGOs, and technology leaders shaping the future of science for multilateralism (see below here for more details).
As of its third edition in 2024, Geneva Science Diplomacy Week has attracted over 500 applications from all regions of the world and now counts 90 alumni who are actively involved in scaling up this effort.
Visit Geneva Science Diplomacy Week to learn more.
Experiential learning allows participants to be immersed in fictional scenarios that explore complex realities in a controlled environment. Simulations are valuable tools for anticipatory science diplomacy, because they allow participants from different backgrounds to collectively explore and experiment, practice negotiation and collaboration, and anticipate outcomes of scientific and diplomatic decisions in a safe, simulated (yet stimulating) environment, preparing stakeholders for real scenarios.
Together with our partners, we have developed four experiential learning materials for anticipatory leadership and science diplomacy based on three of the Science Breakthrough Radar Platforms: Quantum Revolution & Advanced AI; Human Augmentation; and Eco-Regeneration & Geoengineering, using the example of Solar Radiation Modification.
Get ready to step into a unique, interactive role-playing game where you explore the complexities and trade-offs of cutting edge of quantum technology with OQI’s Quantum Diplomacy Game. Take the role of a scientist, policy maker, diplomat, industry leader or citizen to dive into the thorny issues at the heart of multilateral governance for world-altering technologies.
Developed by GESDA and INGSA. Download the background and scene setting, the workshop facilitation guide, and the resources. Or click on the image or text for the Quantum Diplomacy Game.
