This is an unparalleled opportunity for Masters students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become the leaders of tomorrow.
The inaugural Future Global Leaders Programme (FGLP) at Lucy Cavendish College concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impact on all participants. The intensive week-long programme, held from September 22nd to 27th, brought together a diverse cohort of Master's students, distinguished speakers, and industry mentors for an enriching experience focused on addressing global challenges.
The programme delved into the complexities of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, exploring themes such as climate action, healthcare, AI and technology, and energy policy. Participants engaged in stimulating workshops, heard from inspiring leaders like Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger and Alex van Someren, and visited cutting-edge facilities like the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre.
A highlight of the programme was the team leadership challenge, where students collaborated to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. The challenge not only fostered teamwork and critical thinking but also provided a platform for students to showcase their leadership potential.
The FGLP also emphasised personal and professional development, with participants receiving guidance from experienced mentors and creating individualised leadership plans. The programme culminated in a celebratory event where students presented their team projects and received valuable feedback. Prizes were awarded as follows:
- Best ‘Education’ project: ‘Provide quality education in Natural Sciences and Health for 600 students in Namibia by 2030.’ by Oliver Almond, Viktoria Ellmies, Conor Fei, Falak Shabir.
- Best ‘Energy’ project: ‘Provide affordable clean energy for 600 households in Manali, India by 2027.’ by Panos Antonopoulos, William Jiang, Geneve Magnan.
- Best ‘Health’ project: ‘Halve the prevalence of obesity for 16-25-year-olds in American Samoa by 2035.’ by Asha Mior, Oscar Sharples, Vicky Stogiannidou, Charlie Walker,
Arthur Knowles and Tadala Mzengo have been selected from the student cohort to visit City University of Hong Kong in December.
Tadala says, “The Future Global Leaders Programme helped me identify the kind of Leader I am and gave me knowledge in how other SDG goals actually contribute to my SDG of interest. What stood out to me was the public speaking practice using VR training environments! I used this method to practise for my presentation, and received positive feedback about my public speaking skills from one of the guest speakers."
Charles adds, "The programme helped broaden my leadership skills and explore my interests in health, education and technology in more depth. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear from a range of experts from within the university ecosystem, and meet other like-minded young people interested in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. I’d definitely recommend to apply to Lucy and join next year’s cohort!"
The success of the inaugural FGLP would not have been possible without the generous support of Mark Florman and the Florman family, AstraZeneca, Clyde & Co, Vivo Capital and City University of Hong Kong. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the other generous supporters who wish to remain anonymous. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to empowering the next generation of global leaders.
We also thank the dedicated mentors and the Enrichment team at Lucy Cavendish College for their tireless efforts in making the FGLP a truly transformative experience. The programme has equipped our students with the skills, knowledge, and networks to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world and make a meaningful impact.
This journey leaves us feeling optimistic for the future, while mentors will ensure students’ progress is monitored throughout the year. The FGLP has ignited a spark in our students, and we are confident that they will go on to achieve great things.
Simon says, "The Core Week of the Future Global Leaders Programme at Lucy Cavendish College was a great introduction to my MPhil year. The programme consistently challenged me to step out of my comfort zone while providing amazing support and expertise from the speakers and FGL team to make the most out of my time at Cambridge. I'd like to mention just three aspects that stood out to me: The constructive and tailored feedback from experts helped me to make huge progress in a short time. The interactive sessions on sustainability and various facets of leadership, coupled with a highly motivated and diverse cohort, created a great learning environment. And combined with the encouragement to apply our ideas to real-world projects the programme is a great starting point for the most different paths people may wish to pursue. I can only encourage everyone to apply to the programme."
We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of Future Global Leaders and continuing this legacy of excellence.
The initiative is exclusively for full-time Masters students at Lucy Cavendish College. Eligible candidates for the 2025/26 academic year will be emailed application details in due course.