On Sunday, 29 September, the European University Institute (EUI) welcomed the first-ever cohort of the Global Executive Master (EUI GEM).
This very diverse group of 32 professionals, representing 22 nationalities across six continents, began their first residential week in Florence, at Palazzo Buontalenti, participating in specialised academic modules before transitioning to online classes in the coming months.
A diverse cohort of policy professionals
This two-year, part-time, blended programme for policy professionals has officially launched with its first cohort, a well-balanced and diverse group of 17 men and 15 women. These participants hold senior roles in government, international organisations, and private companies, academia and research institutions.
Among the participants are individuals already familiar with the EUI, such as Wadia Fruergaard, Head of Policy Positioning and Public Funding, who was invited as guest speaker during the Climate Week in 2023; Szilárd Teczár, a Hungarian journalist part of the EDMO network; and Sinziana-Elena Poiana, Romanian Senior Adviser, who has already conducted research at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies.
Others, such as Vijayasree Nadella, an Indian-American IT consultant, and Shota Kobayashi, a Japanese Associate Director, selected the EUI GEM for its interdisciplinary curriculum, which aligns with their career aspirations while enabling them to maintain their professional responsibilities.
The first residential week
In his welcome speech, EUI Secretary General Marco Del Panta emphasised the significance of the occasion: "This is the end of a long journey for us and the start of an even more exciting one for you."
This new journey started with a "Masterclass in Change Management" with EUI Professor Kristin Fabbe, Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Jonas Nahm, and Member of the Hellenic Parliament Dimitris Kairidis, followed by core modules on "Applied Political Science" led by British political scientist Simon Hix and Lecturer in Politics at TU Dublin Kevin Cunningham. Participants also delved into “Economics for Policymakers”, taught by Deputy Director at Bruegel Maria Demertzis and macroeconomist Bob Traa, which explored the crucial role of data in effective policymaking. The launch also featured Laurence Boone, former French Minister of State for Europe and newly appointed Adjunct Professor at the EUI’s Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG).
Why the EUI GEM?
In her welcome address, EUI President Patrizia Isabelle Nanz drew from her own experience working in both the public and private sectors, emphasising the significance of this course: “I wanted to open a space where knowledge can be transferred across disciplines. In today’s complex world, collaboration among diverse professionals is key, and I have no doubt you will foster this within your group.”
Echoing her sentiments, STG Acting Director George Papaconstantinou highlighted the programme's collaborative and interdisciplinary nature, stating: “There was a clear need for a degree that leverages the EUI's expertise across all departments and appealing to professionals with different backgrounds. This led to the GEM, with specialisations driven by the Florence School of Banking and Finance (Economy & Finance), the Florence School of Regulation (Energy & Climate), the Centre for a Digital Society (Tech & Governance), and the Florence School of Transnational Governance (Geopolitics & Security). This is why the Global Executive Master is a truly EUI degree and this integrated approach ensures that participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by today’s global leaders.”
If you are interested in the EUI Global Executive Master or would like more information:
- Applications for the next academic year open on 15 October 2024. Visit our website.
- Register your interest to download the brochure and receive exclusive event invites and information.
- Register for the first informative webinar or book a call now with our expert to discuss how the EUI GEM can be tailored to your professional career.