More than 30 young people from different political parties, as well as politically unaffiliated participants, have graduated from the 16th edition of the School of Young Political Leaders, a program organized by the Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT. Over the course of nine months, participants took part in training sessions, debates, and meetings with experts, political leaders, representatives of public institutions, and members of academia, within a space dedicated to dialogue and the development of a new generation of leaders.

This year's edition brought together young people interested in public life, coming from various political parties, as well as independent participants. The program was built around developing leadership skills, political and electoral analysis, strategic communication, and understanding of democratic processes. Over approximately 45 hours of training, participants engaged with guests from diverse fields and examined current topics ranging from public policy and administration to cybersecurity, the use of artificial intelligence in the work of political leaders, and combating disinformation.

In addition to the weekly sessions, the program included a Winter School dedicated to political and electoral analysis and leadership skills development, a Summer School focused on strategic communication and the use of multimedia tools, as well as a special workshop on the use of artificial intelligence by political leaders in their public work.

During the sessions, participants had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with ministers, members of parliament, political party leaders, senior public officials, public policy experts, journalists, and academics. The diversity of guests gave participants the chance to understand different perspectives on political and administrative processes and to hold direct discussions with individuals involved in decision-making.

Project coordinator Grigore Stegarescu highlighted that the most important achievement of this edition is the community formed among participants: "The greatest value of the School remains the relationships they have built and the community they carry forward." In turn, ADEPT Executive Director Igor Boțan encouraged the graduates to remain engaged and to continue investing in their own development.

The School of Young Political Leaders is one of ADEPT's longest-running educational programs. Since 2000, approximately 800 young people have graduated from the program, many of whom are now active in public administration, state institutions, political parties, civil society organizations, media, or the private sector. The 16th edition confirms the continuity of an initiative that invests in building a community of young leaders guided by democratic values, dialogue, and civic responsibility.

The School of Young Political Leaders is organized by the Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT, with the financial support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).