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SEI annual report

Annual report 2025

Resilient amid change

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SEI annual report

Annual report 2025

Amid growing global uncertainty, SEI continues to deliver evidence-based solutions for climate, environment and sustainable development.

Published on 21 April 2026

Download  SEI annual report 2025 / PDF / 18 MB

Decisions and solutions are only as good as the knowledge on which they are based.

We have concluded the first year under our new SEI Strategy – Transitions in Turbulent Times. As anticipated, the global context has become increasingly unpredictable, with international collaboration on climate and sustainable development under growing strain. Much of the cooperation we have relied on is weakening, while political and economic pressures are slowing progress on the global environment agenda.

In this context, SEI remains committed to its role as a provider of research and evidence to support better decision-making. Our work is grounded in the understanding that the environment underpins long-term human security and prosperity. Through our global network of centres, we continue to contribute knowledge, partnerships and practical solutions to advance sustainable development.

At the same time, SEI is evolving to meet new challenges. Through our new strategy and One-SEI programs, we are strengthening collaboration across the institute and focusing on areas of urgent global need. As I conclude my time as Executive Director, I am confident that SEI will continue to adapt, remain relevant and deliver impact in an increasingly uncertain world.

Måns Nilsson
Måns Nilsson

Former Executive Director

SEI in numbers

Growth, reach and impact in a changing global context
    • 468 million SEK total income
    • 381 employees from 60+ nationalities
    • 257 active projects in 90+ countries
    • 169 peer-reviewed articles published
    • 3891 media mentions with 9.4bn potential reach
    • 13 099 scientific citations

Scaling impact globally

SEI delivers research and partnerships around the world, with strong engagement in the countries where its centres are located.

Organizational growth

SEI continues to expand its capacity, strengthening its people and resources to deliver impact.

A diverse funding base

This work is supported by a wide range of partners across government, development, academia and the private sector.

Driving change in practice

Turning commitments into action across our operations

Across our global network, SEI works with partners to translate research into practical solutions, policy change and on-the-ground impact.

Living our values

Turning commitments into action across our operations

We take purposeful action to reduce our environmental impact while investing in our people, culture and ways of working.

Reducing emissions across our operations

SEI continues to reduce emissions while expanding its global workforce. Emissions per employee have decreased significantly since 2017, even as the institute has grown.

SEI’s global air travel emissions since 2017.

Operational emissions comparison.

 

Investing in our people

SEI continues to invest in professional development, collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. Initiatives such as mentoring, staff exchanges and partnerships are strengthening skills, connections and long-term impact across the institute.

This exchange left me deeply inspired... even though our centres are thousands of kilometres apart, the spirit of SEI remains the same: an atmosphere of support, growth and shared curiosity.

Camila Garcia, SEI Latin America – SEI York

Together, these efforts strengthen SEI as a global, collaborative institute equipped to deliver impact in a changing world.

Explore the full report

Graphic: SEI.

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SEI annual report 2025 / PDF / 18 MB