The Master of Global Challenges program, formerly known as the Advanced Master’s in International Development (AMID) Young Professional, is a collaborative training and research program between Radboud University in the Netherlands and the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Nairobi.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the partnership between the University of Nairobi and Radboud University in delivering this unique program. The 2025 cohort recently held their first two-day face-to-face training at the University of Nairobi, offering an opportunity for interactive learning and engagement.

A Unique Bridge Between Academia and Practice

One of the key sessions during the training focused on actors in international development, featuring a panel discussion with representatives from the private sector, government, and civil society.

What makes the Master of Global Challenges program unique is its dual-learning model, which bridges academic knowledge and real-world practice. Trainees work four days a week in an organization, applying the theories and concepts learned in class. Every Friday, they join an international online class, which makes up 75% of the program.

The program follows a double-loop learning approach, where academic knowledge is continuously refined based on the practical experiences of trainees in their workplaces. The remaining 25% of the program consists of face-to-face sessions at Radboud University and the University of Nairobi.

Diverse and Impactful Cohort

The 2025 cohort from Kenya and the region comprises trainees from a diverse range of organizations working across various sectors of international development. These include AMREF Health Africa, Challenge Fund for Youth Employment Kenya, Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH), Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority, World Wide Fund for Nature Kenya (WWF-Kenya), Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Light Up Hope, and Sanergy Inc.-NP/Fresh Life Initiative. Their participation enriches the program by bringing in diverse perspectives and real-world insights that enhance the learning experience.

On February 20th and 21st, 2025, trainees from Kenya and the region participated in their first in-person training at the University of Nairobi, marking an important milestone in their academic and professional journey.

Graduates of the Master of Global Challenges program earn a master’s degree from Radboud University after one year.

For more details, visit the Master of Global Challenges Program Website.

Masters of Global Challenges Program Website