Global Mayors Academy
empowering city leaders and change-makers to build cities that thrive
About GMA
The Global Mayors Academy is designed to help city leaders face their most pressing challenges with clarity, courage, and collaboration.
We empower mayors and civic innovators with practical tools, trusted networks, and breakthrough solutions to address urgent urban issues - to navigate complexity and lead systemic change in your cities, from rising costs and social tensions to economic renewal and climate risks.
Our focus is on building long-term capacity: strengthening cross-sector cooperation, fostering resilience in communities, and creating conditions for thriving civic, cultural, and economic life.
Through world-class education, real-world projects, and a global community of peers, the Academy equips leaders to solve problems that matter - and to shape sustainable, living cities for generations to come.
We empower mayors and civic innovators with practical tools, trusted networks, and breakthrough solutions to address urgent urban issues - to navigate complexity and lead systemic change in your cities, from rising costs and social tensions to economic renewal and climate risks.
Our focus is on building long-term capacity: strengthening cross-sector cooperation, fostering resilience in communities, and creating conditions for thriving civic, cultural, and economic life.
Through world-class education, real-world projects, and a global community of peers, the Academy equips leaders to solve problems that matter - and to shape sustainable, living cities for generations to come.
"The future will be written in cities—on the streets, in the schools, through the jobs and opportunities created there. Mayors hold the responsibility and the power to shape that future for generations to come."
Mayor of Bern (2017-2024)
Alec von Graffenried
A modular, hybrid program (online + in-person summit) organized around 12 core themes
The Global Mayors Academy provides a clear framework for action: world-class modules, practical projects, and a strong international network. Leaders learn by doing, exchange insights with peers, and apply proven strategies directly to their cities - gaining both immediate impact and long-term capacity to govern and innovate effectively.
A curated, co-learning space with deep dialogue, practical application, and transformational frameworks
A global network of city leaders supported by networks like C40 Cities, ICLEI, Ashoka, Impact Hub, and UN-Habitat, with participation from mayors and city leaders across continents (TBC)
Learn more about the program
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Our Solution
Outcomes and Benefits for participants
• Swiss Professional Certificate - global recognition for advancing city leadership
• Real Impact - design and launch 1–3 tangible urban projects during the program
• Practical Tools & Strategies - solutions for cities facing economic, social, and cultural pressures
• Global Peer Community - trusted connections with mayors and civic leaders worldwide
• Leadership Growth - personal transformation and skills to lead systemic change in cities
• Long-term Capacity - readiness to govern complexity and drive sustainable urban development
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