The GTGC programme advances interdisciplinary research on how we govern – and could govern – major world-scale changes in contemporary society. These global transformations and governance challenges cover the themes listed here. The distinctions are not rigid, of course, and affiliated researchers often work across several thematic areas, including their interconnections.

Strategic direction of the GTGC initiative lies with a Steering Group, composed of seven members from four Leiden University faculties. Chaired by Leiden's Professor of Global Transformations and Governance Challenges, the Steering Group addresses questions such as overall vision, staffing, communications, budget, outputs and impact.

Every year, the Global Transformations and Governance Challenges programme organises a conference that brings together academics and policy makers.

The Global Transformations and Governance Challenges (GTGC) annual conferences explore how major world-scale changes, such as ecology, economy, geopolitics, migration, pandemics, and technology are - and could be better - governed.

The Global Transformations and Governance Challenges Programme hosts a range of international academic gatherings.

On Wednesday 25 January, the British Embassy, the Global Transformations and Governance Challenges (GTGC) programme at Leiden University and Women in International Security Netherlands (WIIS-NL) were hosting a round table with Professor Bina D’Costa to discuss the prevention of conflict related sexual violence (CRSV).

Amidst concerns over what the re-election of Donald Trump will mean for the international system, Prof. Dr. Jan Aart Scholte gave a Cleveringa Lecture titled ‘Trump, geopolitics and the future of globalization’ on 28 November 2024.