Summer Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP)

The Swedish Institute is pleased to announce the possibility for young professionals to apply for participation in a new training programme arranged during 2014 in cooperation between SI and Lund University. The topic is Increased Transparency through Governance and Control in Governmental Institutions.

We welcome applications from persons working in the public administration or students on the master’s level who have a major in political sciences, public administration, journalism or economics in Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Between 22 September and 3 October 2014, SAYP will be held as a two-week intense training session for some 30 participants, at Lund University in Sweden.

Programme outline

The Swedish Institute (SI) Summer Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP) is a training programme developed to build awareness, capacity and resilience in the practice of governance in the countries included in the EU Eastern Partnership.At the same time the focus of SAYP is to strengthen young professionals and their individual capabilities to meet the requirement of a modern governance structure.

In the SI Summer Academy for Young Professionals, the participants will also be able to expand their own contact networks and share ideas, experiences and challenges. The programme also includes possibilities to participate in follow-ups and thematic workshops afterwards, as fellows of the Swedish Institute alumni network – a vast professional and global contact network meant to keep building good practices and mutual learning processes for a sustainable future. We invite you to apply for participation in a two-week intense training session held in Sweden at Lund University.

 

Who can apply?

The programme is targeted primarily at young professionals (22-35 years old) already employed in the state structures, working with development of policy and measures to create a more transparent, resilient and efficient public administration. Applicants may desirably work within financial management/control and audit services.

Although focusing on mainly young professionals, SAYP also targets students on the master’s level who have a major in political sciences, public administration, journalism or economics.

A general requirement for any applicant is a good command of English language (the degree of proficiency should be specified in the CV) and a relevant education, consisting of at least three years of previous studies.

Eligible countries

Citizens of Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine may apply for participation. Young professionals employed in any of the above-mentioned countries but with a citizenship of another country in the Baltic Sea region are also qualified to apply. Young professionals currently not working in any of the eligible countries according to above, cannot apply.

Practical details

Participation in the programme is offered free of charge and includes, meals, accommodation and travel expenses to Sweden. Participation in the local follow-up workshops is also covered by the Swedish Institute.

How to apply?

The application is made electronically, using the SI online application portal. You need to go through the following steps in order to apply for participation in SAYP 2014:

-          Prepare your Motivation letter according to the SI template. Motivation letters in any other templates or formats are NOT valid. Make sure to read the questions in the Motivation Letter thoroughly and be specific and personal in your reasoning. Without exception, answers may not exceed the allowed number of characters (letters and spaces) for each question.

-          Prepare your Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the Europass format of maximum 3 pages. Any CV submitted in another format than the Europass will NOT be considered as valid. Additional pages will be disregarded.

-          Prepare a Letter of Reference according to the SI template. Remember that a letter of reference that is not signed will NOT be considered as valid.

-          Prepare a Case/project outline, describing an identified problem/challenge (or possibility for improvement) that you, together with your home organization have identified as important to address. It is recommended that the case is developed in collaboration between you and your closest head/director (if you are a professional) or academic supervisor (if you are a student). The case cannot exceed 2 pages in total, and must be prepared according to the instructions.

-          Apply using the SI online application portal and attach the necessary enclosures. The link to the application portal will be available on this page during the application period 4 June – 3 August 2014. Remember that an application that has not been submitted within this period will not be taken into consideration.

Key dates and deadlines for SAYP 2014

• 4 June – 3 August 2014: Application period
• August: Successful candidates are confirmed for participation
• 22 September – 3 October 2014: Main two-week training session, held at Lund University
• November: Local follow-up workshops arranged together with the SI alumni network
• December: Evaluation and next step

Contacts

Ann Häger, ann.hager (at) si.se

Markus Boman, markus.boman (at) si.se

https://eng.si.se/summer-academy-for-young-professionals-sayp/

2nd International Summer Academy in Peace-Building & Intercultural Dialogue

Institute for Peace and Dialogue (IPD), an independent, international non-profit and non-religious institute located in Lucerne, Switzerland, is very glad to announce its next International Summer Academy in Peace-building & Intercultural Dialogue, which is going to be held in Switzerland 2014. Its image as one of the most favourable places for traveling has made it more interesting to offer an exited and comprehensive program for our participants. Our experts, who are professionals in their fields will contribute to this event, with many years of experience in peace and conflict studies.    

Nowadays unfortunately several frozen or ongoing conflicts between or within states still exist. Conflicts are different and if we look to the world mankind, how they are facing many new challenges, coupled with new dangerous situations, i.e. terrorist acts, non-legal arming of conflict sides, re-determination of borders, establishing new countries in the world map, non-providing territorial integrity, trafficking of arms, drugs and human; disputes on the implementation of transnational energy projects, democratization and false elections, revolution and internal political conflicts, armed guerrilla movements, violation and discrimination by nationalists, world economic crisis, climate change and unsafely biodiversity etc. Unfortunately the list is long. Conflicts are related and an integral part of human beings, as conflicts cause violation of human rights. 

Existing conflicts weaken every kind of cooperation between nations and states. Without mutual cooperation and understanding, the future prosperity of the region would remain only as a good dream. Taking into consideration of peaceful behavior and engagements, we can make a decision on the strict belief, that opportunities for solving conflicts are feasible. 

Because in every conflict situation and tension forms we consequently face the below mentioned common situations:

1. Desperate situation and non-solving problems are not eternal;

2. It is possible to make common decision which both sides;

3. We can find common values, traditions and similar situation among conflict parties;

4. Protracted conflicts on the same time endanger regional development and prosperity;

5. Any mediation and negotiation actions are better than nothing.

Main Goal 

The main goal of the international summer academy is to support institutional academic peace education and strengthen peace-building skills and intercultural dialogue of the international society.

Methodology

Within the international summer academy we plan to include different workshops, lectures, presentations, interactive group works, brainstorming on conflict places, mediation operations and peace negotiation activities as well as case studies on ongoing-fragile conflicts in the world (depends experts availability).

Participants will acquire knowledge and skills from lecturers/experts who are working on peace building, mediation, negotiation, conflict transformation, intercultural dialogue and non-violence and other correspond fields at the research centers, universities, INGOs and state organs. 

In the training, both visual/dynamic methods will be used, such as schedules, tests, surveys, direct interviews, distribution of questionnaires and other methods of observation. Every expert will take 1-2 days for his lecture and workshops. We will send educational materials and daily programs of the summer academy to the selected participants. 

Language of the program  

The International Summer Academy will be held in English.   

Please download application & other related documents on coming international summer academy 

Potential participants 

A broad range of interested Participants can apply for the International Summer Academy on Peacebuilding & Intercultural Dialogue; such as representatives of Governmental Organs, INGOs, IOs, Companies, freelance researchers, diplomats, political parties, independent mediators, PhD students, NGO leaders, peace workers/activists and who want to develop their academic knowledge and capacities, who have intention to join missions in conflict regions, who work and live in countries with ongoing tensions.

There are no age or country limits for the application. Requested documents (see below) for application has to be sent till the 30 June 2014 to fhuseynli@ipdinstitute.ch

Please send your application in WORD format with your CV, Passport Page (Only photo page) and name the documents as “NAME” “SURNAME” “COUNTRY” “DOCUMENTS NAME”.

More at http://www.ipdinstitute.ch/International-Summer-Academy-2014

International Youth Leadership Academy 2013

The 4th international training programme of IYLA will take place on 31 August- 4 September 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. The training will be conducted based on the experience and knowledge of experts and trainers from UNICEF and Habitat. The main aim of this programme is to provide young people with equal opportunities for leadership and develop their capacity to actively contribute to their own communities.

The training aims to develop the knowledge, skills and experience of the participants on human rights, youth and child rights and participation as well as more specifically on Intercultural Dialogue, Gender Equality, and Conflict Resolution. During this process, the participants will be followed by the experts and supported with various materials that will enable them to get prepared for their own leadership role in their communities.

Aims and Objectives:

The International Training Program on Youth Empowerment for Equity including a focus on the Post 2015 Agenda will have the following aims and objectives:

• To provide an equal opportunity for young people from Turkey, the Balkans, CIS and the Caucasus to exchange information and experiences on participating in civil society work and establish a network for further collaboration,
• To empower young people to take an active and effective role in advocating the rights of children and youth within their ethnic, sexual, socioeconomic or other minority/marginalized group perspective,
• To raise awareness and knowledge about social responsiblity towards children and youth,
• To equip young people with the relevant information and skills, enabling them to contribute to the post-2015 Regional Consultation,
• To share good practices and tools in the area of democracy, intercultural dialogue, gender equality, conflict resolution,
• To provide young people with negotiation skills for their effective participation
• To empower young people with the necessary leadership skills for them to outreach to other young people/children in their own communities after the training

Methodology

The training includes the following non-formal education methods:

-          Introductory sessions

-          Workshops

-          Small group discussions

-          Verbal and visual presentations

-          Role play games/simulations

-          Participation to Youth Forum

-          Feedback and evaluation sessions

Participants:

30 participants (15 international, 15 national) will be selected from countries in the Balkans, CIS and the Caucasus. Priority will be given to applications from youth belonging to or identifying with ethnic, sexual, socioeconomic or other minority/marginalized groups.

Applicants should:

• be between 15 and 30 years of age,
• represent marginalized/minority youth groups or NGO and/or be experienced in minority youth and/or child work,
• work with marginalized and disadvantageous youth and/or children,
• be willing to play an active role in the sessions,
• be able to and willing to follow the process and actively implement the activities required by the programme,
• be able to participate in training and regional consultation on post 2015
• have the opportunity to share their new knowledge, skills and contacts within their own organizations following the program,
• be committed to carrying out follow-up activities and be active in localising the knowledge,

Working Language: The language of the program will be English, with simultaneous interpretation provided in Russian and Serbo-Croatian.

Accommodation:

Travel costs, accommodation, and meals will be provided by IYLA. Full details will be sent to selected participants later.

Insurance:

Participants are requested to have their own accident, civil liability and health insurance for the duration of the seminar. Health insurance is not provided and any costs incurred will not be reimbursed by the organizers. All participants are also strongly advised to purchase private travel insurance.

Application Process:

Young people interested in participating in the International Training Program must apply online: http://uglakademi.org/IYLA_FORM.html

Candidates will be informed by 2 August, 2013 (the earliest date) whether they have been accepted, put on the waiting list or refused. Accepted candidates will receive the program documentation directly.

The 30 participants will be selected on the basis of the profile outlined above.  During the selection process, criteria will be applied to ensure a balance between genders, geographical regions, and the diversity of religions, cultures, organizations and experiences. Disabled young people are encouraged to apply.

The participant selection process will be based on a detailed application form, and letter of recommendation from the organization(s) whom the young people may be involved with. Please send your recommendation letter to ugla@habitatkalkinma.org by 26 July, 2013 17.00 (GMT+2)

Letter of Recommendation:

Your reference letter should explain how important your participation is for your community and how your NGO/ community will support you in conducting further activities or similar training in your own communities, after the IYLA summer school. 

Language of application:

You are requested to write your application in English.

Contact information:

Please feel free to contact us if you need help, have questions or need further information.

ugla@habitatkalkinma.org

Summer Academy Challenges of Sustainable Development in Poland 2013

Sendzimir Foundation invites students and professionals interested in sustainable development to apply for the XVI Summer Academy Challenges of Sustainable Development in Poland 2013. The course, held entirely in English, consists of two phases: an e-learning phase (March-June) and the 3-week long Summer Academy that takes place on 7-27 July in Torun, central Poland. Participation in the e-learning phase is open to applicants from anywhere in the world. Participation in the Summer Academy will be open to selected participants that proved the best alumni of the e-learning course and are residents of Central Eastern Europe and Baltic Sea Basin region. Participation in both the e-learning and the Academy is free of charge (Sendzimir Foundation covers all the related costs except travel to Torun).

Three-week Summer Academy the Challenges of Sustainable Development is one of the most important educational events connected to sustainability in Poland. More than 410 people took part in it since 1998. Since the 12th edition we accept also participants from abroad. The Academy enjoys growing interest from participants from different countries - In 2012 around 400 people applied to take part in it. The competition is high but those who do get accepted praise the high standard of the training.

Who can take part in the course?

The course is addressed to students and PhD students, researchers as well as representatives of the business, administration and NGO-sector from the Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea Region. Students represent different areas and specialties, especially they were: nature protection and environmental engineering, architecture, management, economic sciences, agriculture, biology, ecology, arts, history, journalism. We encourage participants from all over the world to apply for the e-learning phase, however only applicants from Europe will be considered eligible to participate in the Academy. This is due to the local focus of the practical component of the training and excessive carbon footprint caused by long-distance travels. If you feel your case needs exceptional, please write us an e-mail before the end of the second stage of the e-learning course.

The additional criteria taken into account will be:

• fluency in English,
• country of the applicant (approximately 60% of participants will be from Poland, from other CEE and Baltic countries we will accept up to 3 participants from a certain country taking into consideration the number of application from a given country). Please note: due to excessive carbon footprint generated by long-distance travels participants from countries outside Europe will not be admitted to participate in the Academy. 
• specialization (the course has an interdisciplinary character and we try to create a diverse group of participants to share knowledge and experience in their fields).

How can I take part in this course?

If you want to take part in 16th edition of our Summer Academy or the e-learning alone, you should send an application form, that is available on our website. The applications will be received between 11th of February and 4th of March 2013. 

An integral element of the recruitment process for the Academy is a two-step e-learning course that we will provide from 9th March 2013. Those who do not complete it will not be eligible to take part in the Academy, however you may decide to participate in the e-learning stage alone, without applying for the Academy. If that should be the case, please indicate it in the application form.

What is the subject of the course?

Sustainable development: explanation of the concept, theory from different perspectives and practical workshops and projects. The course includes also additional activities which integrates the group such as dance classes or hiking.

 

What can I expect from this course?

The Academy programme includes: lectures, debates, workshops, simulation games, country activities and practical projects in the domain of sustainable development. Guided by experienced instructors from Poland and abroad, the participants work on two important practical projects. First concentrates on the implementation of sustainable development principles into the municipality; the other into the companies or institutions.

Read more about the application process here.

Summer Academy in Schloss Hofen

The Centre International de Formation Europeenne (CIFE) invites to apply for the annual North American European Summer Academy in Schloss Hofen, near Bregenz, Austria, which will be held from July 26th to August 7th, 2010. The general topic of the event: Relations Between Europe And North America. 

Deadline: applications are considered as soon as received. 

Eligibility: generally graduate students, but applications from students in their second and third year university studies and young professionals shall be also considered (about 20 participants). 

Applications from European and North American students are welcome. The working language is English. Students successfully passing an exam will have the possibility to acquire ECTS academic credits (6 ECTS). A wide variety of experts including academics, social scientists and practitioners from Europe and North America will teach in this program. Classes will deal with the situation in Europe, Canada and the United States, transatlantic security and economic issues such as for example NATO, commercial relations between North America and Europe and also with the contemporary challenges of transatlantic relations.

The entire program is based in the education Centre Schloss Hofen. This former castle will be home to students for the duration of the program. Students and lecturers will be accommodated here and meals will take place here. It is located in the Voralberg mountains within fifteen minutes walk of Lake Constance, barbecues on the beach, boat trips to Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Group activities and excursions constitute an important part of the summer school.

A limited number of grants is available after examination of registration forms. Candidates who are not able to pay full expenses, may apply for a study and/or a living grant which will cover, partially or fully, the cost of the course. Travel costs have to be borne by participants. 

For more information about the event, program costs and availabe grant opportunities please visit the website: http://cife.eu/ 

Contact person: Marie-France Perdigon, Director of the Summer University Programme, direction.mfp@orange.fr