Deadline: 16 February 2014
Open to: young leaders between the ages of 26 – 40 from Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia with some relevant work experience
Venue: 26-28 March, Warsaw; 28-30 May, Prague; 23-25 July, Bratislava; 24-26 September, Budapest
Description
The 2014 Visegrád School of Political Studies is a joint project of the Council of Europe and the European Academy of Diplomacy in Warsaw, supported by the International Visegrád Fund and organized in cooperation with the Antall Jószef Knowledge Center | Corvinus University, The Diplomatic Academy of Prague, and the Slovak Atlantic Commission.
The program will bring together young politicians, civil society activists, journalists and civil servants from the countries of the Visegrád Group – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland & Slovakia – for three multi-day seminars to help increase involvement in the democratic processes, foster exchange of know-how and strengthen regional cooperation among a new generation of Central European “movers and shakers”.
The goal of the program is to develop participants’ ability to identify and solve the complex challenges facing Central European societies and enhance capacity to shape and strengthen the democratic processes in their respective countries. The School will provide participants with the opportunity to establish a regional network of like-minded leaders, ready to take on greater responsibility for a more mature political culture in Central Europe and stronger leadership within the European Union.
The 2014 Visegrád School of Political Studies will comprise of 4 thematic workshops to be held in each of the V4 capital cities – Bratislava, Budapest, Prague and Warsaw – and the annual World Forum for Democracy hosted annually at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Participants will engage in discussions, case study analyses, and work groups focusing on contemporary thematic issues facing the VSPS and the European Union:
- Identifying main challenges to the democratic process in the Visegrad Group;
- Strengthening the democratic process in the Visegrad countries;
- The Visegrad Group and the future of the European Union.
Objectives:
- Participation in an unique, hands-on program, which allows sharing of experience between current and future Visegrad states “movers and shakers”;
- Obtaining an activist toolkit – fundamental skills required to be successful in influencing the dialogue in communities, as well as regional and national governments;
- Joining the Council of Europe network of leaders from 19 Schools of Political Studies;
- Receiving a joint European Academy of Diplomacy (EAD) and Council of Europe graduation diploma (upon successful completion of the program and fulfillment of all requirements);
- Participation in World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, France in November 2014;
- Access to the EAD Alumni Club;
- Access to the EAD Carrier Office.
Eligibility
- Minimum 26 years of age;
- Minimum 2 years of working experience and proven track history of involvement and engagement within their community society (i.e. involvement in NGO sector, student’s unions, local and national political parties);
- English language competency: C1.
The VSPS will invite 20 young leaders between the ages of 26 – 40 from Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Recruitment efforts will be directed to attract participants from political parties, civic organizations, public administration and media. The program will target a minimum of 50% female participants.
Costs
The program is a 100% scholarship initiative, with all fees, materials and meals (lunches and coffee breaks) covered. Additionally, during each session, all participants except for participants/nationals of the country hosting the session, will be provided with accommodation (e.g. during Warsaw session accommodation will be provided for participants from Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary).
The organizers cover:
- All seminars, workshops and study visits;
- Training materials in printed and digital formats;
- Coffee breaks and lunches during the training sessions;
- Accommodation during sessions for all participants except for the participants from the country hosting the session;
- A diploma certifying participation in and completion of the program;
- Social events.
Application
Participants must submit an online application form and CV in EuroPass format. Chosen applicants will be asked to take part in a phone interview.
Read the official call.
