The Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG) has welcomed the third cohort of the EUI Global Executive Master (GEM) to Palazzo Buontalenti in Florence for its first residential week, held from 27 September to 3 October 2026. 27 policy leaders from 23 countries took part in the programme, bringing the number of people now attending the GEM to 76.
A programme that keeps growing
With each intake, the EUI’s part-time, blended executive master continues to attract policy professionals from an increasingly broad range of countries, sectors, and professional backgrounds. Launched in 2024 with participants from 22 countries, the GEM has continued to expand its international community, with each new cohort adding further perspectives and expertise.
The programme’s distinctive combination of academic depth, practical policy relevance and a flexible part-time format make it particularly suited to professionals who want to strengthen their analytical and leadership skills without stepping away from their careers.
Who joined the third cohort?
Few classrooms combine such different careers. Yusaku Fukuhara, a Japanese diplomat posted in Ukraine, has spent a decade on foreign policy and security. Louise Benchetrit negotiates France’s Recovery and Resilience Plan at the European Commission. Bongiwe Matsoha, from Lesotho, led the Global Covenant of Mayors at ICLEI, Local Governments for Sustainability, working with over 200 governments. Dipesh Khardia, a Dutch tech co-founder, brings 19 years in data governance and people management. Bassel Malaeb advises Gulf governments on food security and water.
Climate, security, technology, and food rarely respect borders. Neither does this cohort, bringing together policy professionals with diverse perspectives and experience from around the world. This is exactly the transnational mindset the GEM was built to nurture.
Inside the first residential week
The week opened with a keynote by Sabine Weyand, former EU Director-General for Trade and Economic Security, and the GEM’s Academic Director, Georgios Papakonstantinou. Intensive modules followed, including Leading Change with Kristin Fabbe, Applied Political Science with Simon Hix, and Economics for Policymakers with Giancarlo Corsetti.
On 1 October, Terry Szuplat, former speechwriter to US President Barack Obama, shared his lessons in a public lecture, “Say It Well”. The following day, the EUI hosted its first TEDx event, “Agents of Change”, where speakers from the first cohort presented their capstone projects and keynote talks, offering newcomers a glimpse of their own future.
What comes next?
The 2026–27 cohort now continues its journey through a series of online sessions, building on the global network formed in Florence and turning bold ambitions into action.
Now, applications for the next intake will open soon.
Visit gem.eui.eu to learn more.