ODIHR/FES School on Politics, Leadership and Advocacy 2025 - Call for Applications

For the third time, the ODIHR/FES School on Politics, Leadership and Advocacy will bring together young parliamentarians, political party representatives and youth activists to train and instruct a group of 25 participants.

It is part of the Stronger Democratic Institutions in Eastern Partnership Countries project, which is supported and financed by the European Union, with additional support from France, Italy, Norway, and Switzerland.

The project aims to strengthen democratic institutions and processes in the European Union’s Eastern Partnership countries, helping them to become more inclusive, accountable, resilient, and transparent and to increase respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Aims

• Strengthening democratic institutions by enhancing the capacity of young politicians and activists, equipping them with the skills to reshape politics and engage in issue-based advocacy in the OSCE region.

• Promoting youth political participation in OSCE participating States by bridging the gap between decision-makers and young people and contributing to substantive exchange in the fields of political parties, democracy, and elections.

• Provide instruction and discussion on a wider range of analytical perspectives and equip participants with skills in leadership, advocacy, campaigning, negotiation, team building, and policy analysis.  

Eligibility

Twenty participants will be selected from the following OSCE participating States: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, as well as five from Kosovo*, and the following OSCE participating States: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. 

The age range of participants should be 18-35 years old on the date of the event.

Organizers will strive to achieve a balance of gender, diversity, and regional representation.

Candidates must fulfil one of the following criteria:

• Elected in parliament
• Ran at least once in national, regional or local elections
• Member of a political party
• Youth activist or civil society leader with a proven track record of involvement in advocacy or grassroots initiatives

The School's working language will be English.

Application deadline

Applications, in English, should be submitted electronically by Sunday, 13 April 2025, 23:59 CEST via ODIHR's Application Form – SPLA.

Format

The curriculum is highly participatory and relies on mixed-method learning techniques, including experiential learning (such as simulations and role-playing), expert lectures, and small-group work.

The School’s analytical and capacity-building pillars enable participants to meet world-renowned experts and practitioners in the fields of political parties, democracy, and elections, while also enhancing the interpersonal skills needed to succeed in both politics and advocacy campaigning.

Fees

The cost of participation is fully covered by the organizers, including travel and accommodation.

Queries

If you have any questions, please contact Dinara Dildabekova at Dinara.Dildabekova(at)odihr.pl or Quentin Rumeau at Quentin.Rumeau(at)odihr.pl

//

* All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.