A programme for young leaders from politics, law, civil society, media, economy and science from the countries of the Eastern Partnership.

With its new Excellence Programme for young talents from politics, law, civil society, media, economy and science from the Eastern Partnership and Russia, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung aims to further the European idea and democratic values through the facilitation of a new generation of elite leaders and future propagators. We are looking for the future elites who wish to actively champion for their country within the European context and who have already proven their past engagement in this area.

Participation requirements:

The programme is aimed at about 100 up-and-coming politicians, journalists/bloggers, experts from non-government organisations and think tanks, as well as young academics, legal experts and members of the scientific community from the countries of the Eastern Partnership who meet the following participation requirements:

• Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine;
• Maximum age: 35; 
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree; 
• Proven activity within a political youth organisation, NGO, foundation or scientific institution / other sociopolitical engagement; 
• Command of the English language (at least at level B2, verified through individual Skype interviews); 
• Willingness to participate in multiple seminars in various countries over a three year period (about 4 three day seminars per year in Chișinãu, Kiev, Vilnius and other locations.) 

The novelty of our excellency programme lies in our aim to connect the future elite from the various countries of the Eastern Partnership and Russia with one another in order to consolidate regional exchange. Furthermore, the areas of politics, law, civil society, media, economics and science are not addressed separately. This is based on the understanding that a co-operation between parties, companies, journalists, non-government organisations and the academic world is essential in the current shaping of reforms.

Expenses

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung takes over all visa, travel, accommodation and catering expenses for the individual seminars.

Programme Goals

• Systematic and substantial intermediation of knowledge and expertise within the focal themes of European values and their realisation in the democratic constitutional political system, international relations and security policies as well as economic systems and policies in Europe;
• Identification and promotion of excellent junior talent who are well suited to be propagators for the European idea and democratic values and who share the values of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung; 
• Development of a stable network of European-minded up-and-coming talent in the countries of the Eastern Partnership and Russia who communicate among one another, hold on to the best practices and exchange information with each other when compiling analyses and projects and when designing and implementing reform proposals.

The seminars consist of shared blocks as well as presentations and exercises aimed at the specific needs of the respective groups.

The working language of the programme is English.

The participants will receive introductory literature before the seminars and are obligated to prepare their own contributions to the seminars.

Application process Please submit your application by the 15th of September 2016 via this link.

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