Harvard Invites Lord Mayor to be Australia’s First Participant in Renowned Global Leadership Program

17 Jun, 2019

The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative is a global program designed to inspire and strengthen city leaders, as well as equip them with the tools to lead high-performing, innovative cities.

The Lord Mayor says she is delighted to have been invited to be part of the program, and excited about the recognition for Adelaide and the opportunity to work with other city leaders from around the world.

“This is such a fabulous opportunity and to be the first Mayor in Australia to have been chosen to be part of the initiative is a wonderful honour,” she says.

Established in 2017, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative offers leadership and management training for up to 40 Mayors and two senior leaders, from around the world, each year.

The program is a collaboration between Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The 2019-20 program starts with an intensive four-day session for Mayors being held in New York City (USA) from July 14 to 17, 2019.

During the 12-month program, Harvard faculty, students, and staff work with the Lord Mayors and their senior leaders in the classroom, online, and in the field. The City of Adelaide’s inclusion in the program means it will also have access to world-leading programming, support, resources and networks to improve key practices.

The Lord Mayor says she’s looking forward to accessing the significant expertise of the faculty at Harvard Business School to support the Council’s efforts to grow Adelaide’s economy, strengthen its communities and create a dynamic city culture.

“The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative provides a unique opportunity to further develop the leadership of the City of Adelaide, build capability within the organisation, and in turn, provide better outcomes for our community,” she says.

Participation in the program for Mayors and senior leaders is fully funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, including tuition, airfares, accommodation, transfers and meals.

The City of Adelaide Council will consider the Lord Mayor’s request for international travel, in accordance with Council’s Standing Orders, at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 18 at 5.30pm.