For one intensive week in June 2026, 33 emerging health leaders from around the world gathered in Sigtuna, Sweden, for the masterclass of the Executive Programme in International Politics and Diplomacy for Health. The programme is jointly run by Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm School of Economics and aims to equip emerging health leaders with the skills needed to navigate the complex political processes that shape global health.
Learning to act in complex and uncertain environments
The programme, now offered for the third time, brings together leaders from government, civil society, academia and the private sector to strengthen their ability to navigate the political dimensions of global health. It follows a practitioner-to-practitioner learning model, in which experienced leaders share real-world insights through dialogue, storytelling and peer exchange rather than traditional lectures.
During the week, discussions focused on how to take action in complex and uncertain environments. As one faculty member summarised the discussions: “Don’t wait until you have a solution. Just start — and the solutions will reveal themselves along the way.”
Participants came from a wide range of regions and sectors, creating a diverse learning environment where perspectives from different contexts could be brought into conversation.
Exploring six dimensions of health diplomacy
The programme is structured around six key dimensions of health diplomacy: how decisions are made, both formally and informally; how to build trust and networks; how to lead with courage and seize opportunities; how to engage with the private sector; how to manage failure and uncertainty; and how to communicate effectively in political contexts.
Throughout the masterclass, these themes were explored through personal stories, peer dialogue and open conversations among participants and faculty.
Reflecting on the week, one participant said:
“The most impactful lesson has been that influence is not about having the strongest argument, but about building trust, understanding different perspectives, and creating alignment around shared goals.”
After completing the programme, participants will join a growing international network of health diplomacy professionals.
This article was first published on 26 June by Karolinska Institutet.
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