The Oxford Global Directors Forum convenes a small number of strictly invitation-only executive leadership summits each year at the University of Oxford. In 2026, our summits will be held at St Edmund Hall in the University of Oxford. Founded in 1278 A.D., the Hall is one of the most ancient constituent colleges of the University and provides the setting for candid, off-the-record dialogue between directors, principals, and senior leaders drawn from business, industry, the public sector, and academia.
Each summit culminates in a formal dinner and ceremony of recognition at which the Forum confers its Certificate of Executive Leadership Recognition – signed and issued by St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, and presented to leaders nominated by our global network of peers for distinguished contributions to their field.
Upcoming 2026 Executive Leadership Summits
Modelled after the historic Harvard International Seminar, founded by Henry Kissinger in 1952, the Oxford Global Directors Forum (previously the Oxford Diplomacy & Geopolitics Forum) has brought over 200+ elite delegates from over 20 countries to participate in high-level summits in Oxford since 2017.
The programme is a comprehensive, residential certificate programme in Oxford, United Kingdom, providing a “master class” on contemporary leadership across key themes facing the world. The Forum brings together elite delegations of industry leaders with business, diplomatic, and academic talent for world-class summits. Delegates interact in an intensive, hands-on way with senior policymakers, experts, world-renowned scholars and journalists (prev. speakers from: UN, NATO, EU, the United States State Department, Whitehall, BBC, The Guardian, Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale Universities, C-suite executives and CEOs from Fortune 500 companies), all while immersed in beautiful Oxford.
Each summit is a tightly curated, multi-day convening capped at a select number of principals. Sessions proceed under Chatham House rules and are framed by briefings from senior policymakers, industry leaders, and scholars from the University of Oxford.
The format favours candour over presentation: closed roundtables, elite networking opportunities, walking conversations through the colleges, formal dinners in hall, and private audiences with invited speakers.
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Bespoke Gathering of Select Principals
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By Invitation Only
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Industry, Public Sector, Scientific & Academic Leadership
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Oxford Certificates of Recognition Conferred
The Summit Experience
Executive Briefs & Contact Hours
At the end of the programme, delegates receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present an "Executive Brief” in front of world experts, their senior peers and distinguished scholars of the University of Oxford. The Brief provides distinguished delegates the opportunity to present their own industry research findings or "lessons learned" in the hallowed halls of one of the world's great universities. Previously, CEOs and C-suites of multinationals, Fortune 500 companies, as well as senior officials from the US State Department, the UK Government, NATO, the United Nations and the European Union (EU) have participated in the exercise.
The programme provides contact hours with scholars and practitioners, through participation in seminars, lectures, tutorials, and lectures. Most engagement with delegates occurs through small seminars and discussions, allowing for close contact with policy and scholarly experts. Larger lectures are limited to keynote and closing addresses.
Networking Programme
A range of optional social and networking events will be offered throughout the programme. These may include:
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a networking seminar on synergies among delegates;
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walking tour of Oxford;
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high-table dinners at historic Oxford colleges;
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after-dinner receptions;
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excursions to sites of historical interest (Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill tour)
Beyond the programme, Oxford is a city both ancient and cosmopolitan, old and new, with a large cultural and social scene offering a wide variety of concerts, theatre and shows, films and exhibitions.
Venue and Practical Information
In 2026, we are pleased to announce that our Summits will be hosted at St. Edmund’s Hall, Oxford, one of the most ancient of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford. Founded in 1278 A.D., the Hall is, according to the University’s own history, “the oldest surviving academic society to house and educate... in any university.” Various other constituent colleges of the University of Oxford will host ancillary seminars, lectures, as well as social aspects of the programme, in order to provide delegates with a full immersive experience in this idyllic environment.
Several options for accommodation are available close to the Summit venue, including various prestigious, 4-star and 5-star world-class hotels close to the city centre and the University. Our team is happy to provide nominated and invited delegates with suggestions for hotel bookings, as well as access to special rates and exclusive packages.
Upcoming Summit Themes in Q4 '26/Q1 '27
Recent and forthcoming summit programmes have included sessions on:
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Energy, Capital Markets & the New Industrial Era
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Geopolitics, Trade & the Future of Globalisation
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Market Opportunities
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International Trade and Risk
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Sustainable Capital & the Stewardship of Institutions
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Statecraft, Diplomacy & Boardroom Leadership
Criteria for consideration
The Oxford Global Directors Forum Executive Leadership Summits are exclusive invitation-only events. Our Research Division and global network of peers nominates participants for future Summits after rigorous research into delegates' professional background and accomplishments.
Delegates are expected to fall into one of the following five criteria of consideration: industry leadership, strategic philanthropy, public service, academic or scientific leadership, as well as a very small cohort of distinguished young leaders to watch (under 40). Prospective delegates may begin a conversation with our Research Division by submitting a brief executive biography and a CV to our Secretariat.
What nominated delegates receive
3-day Executive Leadership Summit
An intensive, hands-on convening at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, with a small delegation of principals.
Certificate of Executive Leadership Recognition
Signed and issued by a constituent college of the University of Oxford.
World-class Seminars, Global Network
Engagement with policymakers, executives, & scholars; membership in a global network of peers
Programme fees
Fees for 2026 Executive Programme - £9750
Fees include access to Summit proceedings, lectures, and seminars; programme reading materials; access to elite speakers and faculty; access to IT equipped College facilities; breakfast in hall and refreshments in Programme Facilities; selection of lunches and formal Oxford dinners; selection of social events.
Fees for participation in the programme do not include travel to and from facilities, accommodation or lodging in Oxford for the duration of the event, travel insurance, medical insurance, or any ancillary or unexpected fees that may arise.
Proceeds are used to generously fund full scholarships for our Young Professionals Programme.
