Successfully meeting the global climate challenge requires the full participation and ownership of emerging and developing economies as well as a strengthening of their capacity to prepare for and respond to climate change. The Emerging Policymakers Program is a fully-funded, 3-month executive training course on sustainable development and climate policy aimed at building capacity of early-career rising star government officials of emerging and developing economies from ministries involved with infrastructure and climate policy, notably the Ministry of Finance.
The Emerging Policymakers Program is a collaboration between Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM), the London School of Economics (LSE), and the Leadership Academy for Development (LAD), a project of the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, part of Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, with teaching and training support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This program is designed to equip participants with the latest academic and practical knowledge on the global fight against climate change. After the completion of the program, participants will also be able to apply for secondment opportunities at AIIB, under the Bank’s existing secondment program.
founded in 1911, is a comprehensive university connecting China and the world, ancient and modern society, and the arts and sciences.
is dedicated to cultivating outstanding industry leaders and management elites, being the first business school accredited by AACSB and EQUIS in mainland China.
provides policymakers with recommendations on resolving pressing development issues, including economic development, poverty, international financial governance, and global climate change.
We seek leaders in government or public service in developing countries who are driven and ambitious to contribute to a sustainable world, reflecting the diversity, vibrancy, and promise of the future global community.
Sustainable development in a complex world with environmental and social constraints is fundamental for emerging and developing economies. Sharing and discussing country experiences is crucial.
Sustainable development involves integrating responses to global challenges into the development approach, providing scientific knowledge, best practices, and concrete solutions.
Global governance is key to efficient solutions for sustainable development and addressing global challenges. Awareness and clear vision of global governance are important for officials from emerging and developing economies.
The net zero transition necessitates major investments in building state capacity, including through capacity building of officials in government agencies overseeing climate policy.
The impact of the program will be visible in successive cohorts of government officials from emerging and developing economies that are:
embedded in key climate policy positions in their home countries
equipped with the latest knowledge on climate policies, financing options, transition pathways and investment opportunities
able to influence domestic policy actions to address climate change
more effectively able to lead interactions with external stakeholders, including global for climate action, MDBs, IFIs, the private sector and philanthropic organizations, and
part of a greater collaboration among countries in the Global South on knowledge sharing and coalition building on key issues related to the global climate transition.
The outcomes will be visible in the form of strengthened capacity for climate-resilient investment, advanced policy formulation and implementation skills, increased investment in climate resilience and adaptation, and enhanced global collaboration on climate action.
Climate Change: Science, Impacts, and Urgency
Economic Development and Environmental Governance
The Low-Carbon Transition
Green Industrial Policies
Green Innovation
Green Infrastructure
Countries Represented
Participants
Female
Male
Hold Master’s or Phd Degrees
Average age
Two months of theoretical concepts and applications, with live and recorded sessions.
TOne month of in-person discussions, case studies, seminars, and field visits.
Date TBD, 2026
Date TBD, 2026
All sessions are in English, with simultaneous translation for Chinese sessions.
Full scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and travel within China, excluding international airfare.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded a Course Study Certificate.
Belong to a low or middle-income country
Work on climate-related issues in government ministries involved with infrastructure and climate policy, notably the Ministry of Finance
Have 10 years of work experience
Hold at least an undergraduate degree
Be proficient in English
Submit the application form to exedglobal@sem.tsinghua.edu.cn before 20th February 2026.
Candidates will undergo an online personal interview with the Tsinghua admissions team.
The Admissions Committee will evaluate all applications, and admission decisions will be communicated to candidates.
After being admitted, Tsinghua SEM will assist participants with visa processing and accommodation arrangements.
Sustainable
Development within
Planetary
Constraints
School of Economics and Management
Tsinghua University
Beijing 100084, China
Email: exedglobal@sem.tsinghua.edu.cn
Tel: +86-10-6279 2367 / +86-10-6277 2944
http://exed.sem.tsinghua.edu.cn
© School of Economics and Management,
Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University
