Our Story
LEAD was founded in 1991 as an initiative of the Rockefeller Foundation, one of the oldest and largest private charitable organizations in the world. The idea of LEAD grew out of discussions between the Rockefeller Foundation and Gro Harlem Bruntland following the publication of her Commission’s seminal report in 1987 (The Brundtland Commission). There was an identified need to develop and support a new generation of leaders who, equipped with a fresh combination of skills and perspectives, would be linked through their experience and careers in a global network focused on environmentally sound development.
As the world was preparing for the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, LEAD was born. Since then, we have been recruiting talented individuals from key sectors and professions all over the world to be part of a growing network now standing at over 2400 leaders, who are committed to changing the world. Every one of our leaders is a graduate of LEAD’s Fellows Training Program, an intensive and demanding program designed to enhance leadership ability, strengthen sustainable development knowledge and foster the relationships that will continue to support our Fellows in their work. This cross-sectoral, cross-cultural program has been at the heart of LEAD activities across the globe.
Through our expanding activities, the LEAD network now reaches out to thousands of individuals every year. Our participants include business executives, government policy makers, university professors, NGO directors, education specialists, and media professionals, all of whom are working to make a difference at local, regional and global levels.
LEAD Canada
LEAD’s mission is to inspire leadership for a sustainable world. LEAD Canada strives to provide opportunities for LEAD Fellows and other change agents – from Canada and abroad – to deepen their knowledge about, strengthen their skills for and engage in action in sustainable development. LEAD Canada pursues this purpose within an existing international and cross-sectoral framework.
1991
As the world was preparing for the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, LEAD was born. Since then, we have been recruiting talented individuals from key sectors and professions all over the world to be part of a growing network now standing at over 2400 leaders, who are committed to changing the world. Every one of our leaders is a graduate of LEAD’s Fellows Training Program, an intensive and demanding program designed to enhance leadership ability, strengthen sustainable development knowledge and foster the relationships that will continue to support our Fellows in their work. This cross-sectoral, cross-cultural program has been at the heart of LEAD activities across the globe.
Through our expanding activities, the LEAD network now reaches out to thousands of individuals every year. Our participants include business executives, government policy makers, university professors, NGO directors, education specialists, and media professionals, all of whom are working to make a difference at local, regional and global levels.
LEAD Canada
LEAD’s mission is to inspire leadership for a sustainable world. LEAD Canada strives to provide opportunities for LEAD Fellows and other change agents – from Canada and abroad – to deepen their knowledge about, strengthen their skills for and engage in action in sustainable development. LEAD Canada pursues this purpose within an existing international and cross-sectoral framework.
1991
- LEAD International founded with contribution from Rockefeller Foundation
- LEAD training starts with Cohort 1
- LEAD Canada founded as a program of the National Round Table on the Environment & the Economy (NRTEE), Canadian training starts with Cohort 3
- NRTEE ends its support of the LEAD Canada training program with the completion of Cohort 8.
- LEAD Canada becomes a non-profit organization directed by Fellows who suspend Associate training but continue to build upon the professional network and offer "informal training" such as workshops and meetings.
- After five years of project funding provided by LEAD International, LEAD Canada secures a sponsorship from HSBC Bank Canada and re-launches the training program with Cohort 12
- LEAD Canada re-structures the training program over an 18 month cycle running two parallel cohorts (13 & 14) to accommodate participant resources & schedules
- LEAD Canada continues training program with Cohorts 14 & 15
- LEAD Canada becomes a GRI certified training partner for Canada & the US and launches short courses in sustainability reporting
- LEAD Canada continues training program with Cohorts 15 & 16
- LEAD Canada reaches partnership agreement with Jantzi-Sustainalytics of Toronto, ON, to co-deliver the GRI sustainability reporting course in Canada & the US
- LEAD Canada receives approval from LEAD International to host the 2011 International Session in Ottawa, Ontario (October 16-22, 2011)
