Scholarships for the Swedish Institute Leader Lab 2025 Are Open: Program Timeline 2025

The Swedish Institute (SI) is now accepting applications for the SI Leader Lab 2025, a prestigious leadership development program for professionals working in democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression.

This program is designed for civil society leaders from Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and Türkiye, providing them with advanced leadership training, networking opportunities, and advocacy skills.

Program Overview

The SI Leader Lab aims to strengthen leadership within civil society, media, and cultural organizations. It offers participants the chance to:

• Develop leadership and advocacy strategies
• Gain practical tools to enhance civil society initiatives
• Build a global network with like-minded professionals
• Collaborate on projects that drive positive change

For the 2025 batch, the program will select 100 participants from eligible countries to engage in online workshops, coaching sessions, and an intensive onsite week in Stockholm, Sweden.

SI Leader Lab 2025 Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

• Leadership Training: Improve self-awareness and team leadership skills
• Advocacy Development: Strengthen strategies for civil society impact
• Global Networking: Connect with experts and professionals from various sectors
• Collaborative Learning: Exchange innovative ideas with peers
• Fully Funded Support: The Swedish Institute covers travel, accommodation, meals, training materials, and insurance for the onsite session in Stockholm

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for SI Leader Lab 2025, applicants must:

• Hold a leadership role (formal or informal) in a civil society, media, or cultural organization
• Work in democracy, human rights, or freedom of expression
• Be aged 22-45 (born between 1979-2003)
• Have strong English proficiency (written and spoken)
• Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries:
  • Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, or Ukraine
• Commit to full participation in all program activities and implement acquired skills within their organization

Program Timeline 2025

• Application Period: January 21 – February 18, 2025
• Selection Process: February – March 2025
• Online Sessions & Assignments: April – June 2025
• Onsite Leadership Week in Sweden: May 4 – 10, 2025
• Diploma Ceremony (Online): June 15, 2025
• Optional Change Project Implementation: August – November 2025

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Register on the application portal (Dream Apply): Apply Here
2. Select the SI Leader Lab 2025 program
3. Complete the application form and upload a CV
4. Submit the application and receive confirmation
5. Record and submit a mandatory short video answering two questions

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression
• Leadership impact within their organization
• Strategic influence in civil society initiatives
• Advocacy involvement and collaboration experience
• Diversity in geographic and gender representation

Last Date to Apply: February 18, 2025

The SI Leader Lab 2025 is an exceptional opportunity for civil society leaders to develop leadership and advocacy skills, engage with global experts, and participate in a fully funded leadership program in Sweden.

If you are passionate about democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression, this program will help you enhance your impact and expand your network.

Apply before February 18, 2025, and take the next step in advancing civil society leadership in your country.

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