OCTD Oxford Executive Programme 2026 — Advanced Topics in Sustainability
Executive Programme at the University of Oxford
"Advanced Topics in Sustainability" is a two-day executive programme convened at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, organised by the Oxford Centre for Technology and Development (OCTD).
Building on the success of our previous executive training (29-30 June 2026), this programme brings together a limited cohort of senior leaders for focused academic engagement and strategic dialogue on emerging critical challenges at the intersection of technology and climate strategy.
Scheduled just one month ahead of COP31, the programme presents a timely opportunity for stakeholders to drive meaningful impact and align strategic efforts in the lead-up to the conference. For those attending New York Climate Week (held the preceding week), Oxford serves as an ideal layover.
Focus Areas
Carbon Dioxide Removal, Zero Waste & Industrial Decarbonisation
Sustainability & Artificial Intelligence
Carbon Markets, Critical Materials & Sustainable Finance
Programme Structure
Day One — Monday 28 September 2026: Interactive Training Sessions (St Edmund Hall)
Faculty-led lectures on carbon dioxide removal, industrial decarbonisation, and sustainability and AI:
Morning session
09.00-10.00 Registration
10.00-10.20 Welcome and Introduction
10.20-10.45 Keynote Speech- Christ Neidl (Carbon Removal Team Lead, Climate Champions, United Nations)
11.00-12.30 Carbon Dioxide Removal — Professor Steve Smith, Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
12.30-13.30 Lunch (St Edmund Hall)
Afternoon session
13.30-15.00 Sustainability & AI — Dr Amani Maalouf, Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
15.30-17.00 Climate Finance — Dr Abrar Chaudhury, Saïd Business School
17.00-17.20 Closing Remarks
19.00- 22.00 Networking Dinner at Ivy Restaurant
Day Two — Tuesday 29 September 2026: Focused Deep-Dive Roundtables (Sessions are invitation-based and tailored by theme)
Morning session
09:00: Green Public Procurement (Blavatnik School of Government & Oxford Sustainable Law Programme) (Venue: St John's College)
10:30: E-Liability & Advanced Carbon Accounting – Karthik Ramanna (Venue: St John’s College)
12.20-13.20 Lunch: St Edmund Hall
Afternoon session
13:30: Critical Minerals for the Transition (Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment) (venue : Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment)
15:00: Energy Transition and CCS (Joint session with ERM) ( venue: Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment)
Participation Fee
Participation Fee The participation fee is structured based on participant profile and institutional category.
The regular fee is GBP 2,000 per participant, with a preferential rate of 20% discount for two participants from the same organisation (GBP 3,600 for two participants).
Confirmation of place
We encourage you to submit an expression of interest early as spaces are limited. All applications are subject to review. Selected applicants will be granted pre-approval. Final confirmation will be issued upon receipt of the participation fee.
Contact & Registration
You can register through Luma. For further details regarding participation, please contact:
Dr Emre Eren Korkmaz — emre.korkmaz@octd.co.uk
John Can Gurkan — can.gurkan@octd.co.uk
Watch our June programme highlights:
About OCTD
Oxford Centre for Technology and Development (OCTD) is a technology commercialisation and capacity building organisation working with academic, corporate, and financial stakeholders to advance solutions for climate change.
We look forward to welcoming you, together with a distinguished group of senior leaders, to Oxford.