McMaster University Selected to Host U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership 2026  

McMaster University will host the U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership in summer 2026, welcoming approximately 60 postgraduate students from U21’s 30 member institutions. This global program will bring together participants from diverse academic backgrounds for an immersive experience focused on sustainability, leadership, and policy innovation. Designed to equip future leaders with practical skills in policy analysis, development, and implementation, the School empowers students to create impactful solutions that advance sustainability worldwide. 

Led by McMaster’s Planetary Health Initiative, in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs and the Office of Sustainability, the program aims to strengthen students’ ability to design effective sustainability policies, foster interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental, social, and economic domains, and inspire leadership that drives meaningful change. It emphasizes peer-to-peer learning through the exchange of global experiences and best practices, ensuring participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. 

Hosted on McMaster’s Hamilton campus, the one-week in-person program will feature keynote lectures, interactive workshops, field visits, and a collaborative project centered on McMaster’s Net Zero Carbon Roadmap. Through this campus-focused case study, participants will tackle real-world sustainability challenges while connecting global perspectives with local action. Topics will include Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Sustainable Finance, Clean Energy Systems, and Sustainable Health Care. 

McMaster has partnered with Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada and the University of Calgary to offer students an additional opportunity: completion of the Youth Can Sustain (YCS) Certificate. This credential equips participants with the knowledge and skills to lead impactful initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their communities and careers. 

As a globally recognized research-intensive university, McMaster is committed to advancing sustainability through education, innovation, and collaboration. Hosting the U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership reflects McMaster’s dedication to preparing the next generation of leaders to address complex global challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary learning and connecting international perspectives with local action, McMaster continues to position itself at the forefront of sustainability and policy leadership worldwide. 

To learn more about the U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership 2026, please access U21’s webpage. 

To learn about additional U21 opportunities available for students, faculty and staff, please access OIA’s webpage.  

McMaster is excited to welcome the next generation of global sustainability leaders to our campus in 2026!