Graduating Class of 2008 Receives First Masters in Global Leadership

Mark Adams, Managing Director, Tel.: +41 (0)22 869 1212 – mark.adams@weforum.org

• Future leaders graduate from World Economic Forum’s unique Global Leadership Fellows Programme
• Graduates gain first Masters of its kind in Global Leadership
• Members of the 2008 graduating class successfully complete three-year programme combining full-time work within the World Economic Forum with rigorous academic training
• Global Leadership Fellows Programme aims to develop future leaders in different strands of society including industry, government and international organizations
• For more on the Global Leadership Fellows click here

Geneva, Switzerland, 27 June 2008 - A group of 31 Fellows from over 20 countries has become the first to graduate from a unique three-year programme aimed at nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. The World Economic Forum’s Global Leadership Fellows Programme, combines a stringent academic process developed by its partners, INSEAD and Columbia University, as well as other top academic organizations, with the practicalities of a full-time position within the Forum.

The Fellows have been woven into the Forum’s activities throughout the year, from developing its programme for the Annual Meeting in Davos and its regional meetings to leading and developing its projects in issues of climate change, education and health. The group has been tested in and outside of the classroom on the practicalities of managing change in a way that reflects the constantly-evolving priorities of the global agenda. Regular exposure and collaboration with top leaders in managing their activities will set them apart from graduates of more traditional executive programmes.

“The Global Leadership Fellows Programme represents a breakthrough in leadership development in terms of executive education and direct exposure to world leaders, and equips the participants for premier executive roles in industry, government and international organizations,” said Professor Gilbert Probst, Managing Director and Dean Academic Affairs of the World Economic Forum.

Over half of the group will continue to develop their careers within the Forum, while the other half are poised to enter a variety of senior positions in industry, government and other strata of society

Professor Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum will attend this evening’s graduation ceremony in Geneva at which the world renowned author, Paulo Coelho, will be the special guest speaker.
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