This two-week summer programme organised by the Innovation Center for Risk Governance of Beijing Normal University was held from 9–23 June 2019 in Beijing, China.  HDI Fellows engaged in face-to-face intensive learning activities including lectures, case studies, symposiums, field visits, simulations and team-learning. Through the programme, HDI Fellows are expected to increase their mastery of leadership, management, communication and entrepreneurial skills relevant to global humanitarian and sustainable development sectors.