Are you an emerging leader from Eastern Europe dedicated to strengthening democratic governance and fostering EU integration in your home country? The Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP) Eastern Europe 2025 opens doors for you to deepen your skills, expand your network, and work across sectors toward meaningful change.
Supported by the Swedish Institute, this programme brings young professionals together around key thematic modules that address critical regional issues: corruption, environmental sustainability, digital inclusion, public administration, civil society, and more. Participants gain practical experience, build lasting connections, and contribute to shaping the future of their communities and countries.
What Is Eastern Europe with the SAYP?
SAYP is a leadership and capability-building programme designed for participants from the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Its purpose is to prepare professionals who can lead reforms, advance democratic values, and foster positive transformation in their fields.
Each year, the programme invites project proposals organized around regional themes. Through these projects, applicants can engage in hands-on learning, receive professional guidance, and connect with peers working on similar challenges across different countries.
Why Apply to Eastern Europe with the SAYP 2025
Here are key benefits you can expect:
- Targeted skill-building sessions designed to advance your career in your area of expertise.
- Practical tools and frameworks that can be applied back home in local organizations
- Exposure to cross-sector work environments and multidisciplinary perspectives
- Membership in the global SI Alumni Network offering sustained learning and exchange
- Personal mentorship and peer support to help move your project forward
By joining SAYP, you become part of a respected platform for young professionals who are committed to public service, social innovation, and EU-aligned reforms.
Who Can Apply
SAYP Eastern Europe is open to motivated professionals who meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship or residence in one of these countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine
- Fluent in English, both spoken and written
- At least three years of higher education (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
- Applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 40, with birth years ranging from 1985 to 2000.
- Currently employed in one of the following sectors:
- Politics and public policy leadership
- Public administration (civil servants)
- Civil society (NGO/CSO employees)
- Business sector leadership
- Ability to propose and work on a change-oriented project relevant to the themes offered by the programme
Candidates from Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Georgia must be affiliated with civil society organizations to qualify.
The SAYP Experience
Initial Global Convening
Participants start the year with an in-person gathering hosted by the Swedish Institute. This kick-off event allows you to meet your cohort, learn about upcoming modules, and begin planning your project in collaboration with peers and mentors.
Thematic Modules
Throughout the year, SAYP runs several modules focused on areas such as democratic governance, climate resilience, anti-corruption efforts, and digital transformation. Each module lasts several days and includes lectures, group activities, and case studies led by regional experts and international practitioners.
Project-Based Learning
Between module sessions, you will implement a change-driven project in your home country. Through this hands-on approach, you gain practical experience and can apply insights from the programme directly to local initiatives.
Peer Coaching and Mentorship
Participants receive structured support throughout the programme, including monthly group check-ins, peer feedback loops, and access to mentors who help guide project planning, execution, and evaluation.
Alumni Engagement
Upon completion, fellows become part of the SI Alumni Network, giving you access to future events, knowledge exchanges, networking opportunities, and potential collaborations with past SAYP participants.
Example Thematic Modules
- Democratic Accountability and Transparency
Learn strategies to strengthen governance systems, foster civic participation, and improve accountability at the local and national levels. - Digital Inclusion and Public Services
Explore how governments and civic actors are using digital platforms to bridge service delivery gaps and enhance inclusion. - Civil Society and Activism
Build tools for effective advocacy, coalition building, and community engagement among youth-led or grassroots organizations. - Climate Action and Environmental Governance
Focus on urban planning, energy transitions, and climate policies that drive sustainability across borders.
How to Apply
- Choose a thematic module that matches your background and interests
- Prepare a project proposal (up to 750 words) describing the problem you want to address, your proposed approach, expected impact, and timeline
- Gather supporting materials: proof of education, proof of employment, language proficiency, and two letters of recommendation
- Submit your application online by 26 August 2025 at 23:59 (local time)
Only complete applications are considered. Late submissions are not accepted. Applicants will be informed of final decisions by late September 2025.
Why SAYP Matters
Programs like SAYP turn ambition into action. You can take your experience in local institutions and scale it into regional impact. Through collaboration and shared learning with professionals from neighboring countries, you gain cross-border perspectives and strategies that enrich your work at home.
As a participant, you become part of a pan-European community of ethically driven change-makers working to integrate Eastern Partnership countries closer to European values and governance standards.
Starting Your SAYP Project
Your application’s strength lies in presenting a clearly thought-out and impactful project idea. Consider these elements:
- Define the issue — Is it weak civic engagement, inefficiency in service delivery, corruption, or environmental risk?
- Align your solution with the module theme — Use the frameworks and tools that SAYP offers in your chosen track
- Set achievable goals — Be specific about what you will do, who you will involve, and how you will measure success
- Link it to home context — Show how the project addresses local needs and has the potential to scale regionally
- Be realistic about your timeline and resources — Demonstrate you can deliver within one year with available support
Final Thoughts
SAYP Eastern Europe 2025 is an opportunity to amplify your impact and sharpen your leadership in ways traditional training cannot. It offers access to knowledge, community, and mentorship—everything you need to plan and execute meaningful, systemic change back home.
If you are a dedicated professional ready to push for democratic reform, social innovation, or policy advancement, SAYP offers not just a programme, but a platform for turning ideas into action. Submit your application by 26 August 2025, and take your first step toward becoming part of a network of empowered leaders shaping Eastern Europe’s future.
